Binding tool and loose-leaf binder

Abstract

The invention provides a binding tool which can stably bind files with binding holes and can be easily operated by a user. To this end, a binding tool (A) has a first ring group (G1), a second ring group (G2), and a third ring group (G3) configured so as to include a non-locking ring (C) and a locking ring (D) as a plurality of binding rings. The binding tool (A) is configured such that, by applying an operating force only to a locking ring (D), which is an operating ring, in a third ring group (G3) located between the first and second ring groups (G1, G2), the position of the binding tool (A) can be changed from a closed position in which a document is bound to an open position in which the document can be attached and detached.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a binding tool and a binder. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a binding tool provided with a plurality of binding rings is known (for example, refer to Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2).

[0003] In Patent Literature 1, a binding tool having a movable base plate that is movable between a binding position and a bindable position with respect to a fixed base plate is disclosed. However, the movable base plate is configured to be movable by causing an additionally provided operation lever to act forward and backward, and thus a user cannot easily perform an opening and closing operation.

[0004] Further, in the technology disclosed in Patent Literature 2, in order to open and close a plurality of binding rings, one base portion must be relatively moved in the length direction with respect to the other base portion, and thus a user cannot easily perform an opening and closing operation.

[0005] PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

[0006] PATENT LITERATURE

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-101192

[0008] Patent Literature 2: Japanese Patent No. 5613205 SUMMARY

[0009] PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] The present application is completed in view of the above situation, and aims to at least provide a binding tool and a binder that can not only stably bind a document having a binding hole but also be easily operated by a user.

[0011] MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0012] That is, the present application is configured as follows.

[0013] The invention according to claim 1 is a binding tool configured to include: a first ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at one end side in a length direction; a second ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at the other end side in the length direction; and a third ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the first ring group and the second ring group, the binding tool being configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group are each capable of changing posture from a closed posture in which a document is bound to an open posture in which the document can be attached and detached, by applying an operation force to only an operation ring set as one or more binding rings of the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group.

[0014] The invention according to claim 2 is a binding tool configured to include: a first ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at one end side in a length direction; a second ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at the other end side in the length direction; and a third ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the first ring group and the second ring group, the binding tool being configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group are each capable of changing posture from an open posture in which a document can be attached and detached to a closed posture in which the document is bound, by applying an operation force to only an operation ring set as one or more binding rings of the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group.

[0015] The invention according to claim 3 is a binding tool configured to include: a first ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at one end side in a length direction; a second ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at the other end side in the length direction; and a third ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the first ring group and the second ring group, the binding tool being configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group are each capable of changing posture from a closed posture in which a document is bound to an open posture in which the document can be attached and detached, by applying an operation force to only an operation ring set as one or more binding rings of the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group or to only an operation ring set as one or more binding rings of the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group.

[0016] The invention according to claim 4 is a binding tool configured to include: a first ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at one end side in a length direction; a second ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at the other end side in the length direction; and a third ring group configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the first ring group and the second ring group, the binding tool being configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group are each capable of changing posture from an open posture in which a document can be attached and detached to a closed posture in which the document is bound, by applying an operation force to only an operation ring set as one or more binding rings of the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group or to only an operation ring set as one or more binding rings of the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group.

[0017] The binding tool according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, in the invention according to claim 5, the operation ring includes a locking ring configured to have a locking unit capable of being locked in the closed posture, and the posture is allowed to change from the closed posture to the open posture by applying an operation force to the locking ring.

[0018] The binding tool according to claim 5, in the invention according to claim 6, the operation ring includes a non-locking ring that does not have the locking unit, and the posture is changed from the open posture to the closed posture by applying an operation force in the direction of the closed posture to both or either of the non-locking ring and the locking ring.

[0019] The binding tool according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, in the invention according to claim 7, the separation size between the first ring group and the third ring group and the separation size between the second ring group and the third ring group are set to be longer than the predetermined intervals in each of the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group.

[0020] The binding tool according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, in the invention according to claim 8, the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group, the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group, and the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group each move integrally between the closed posture and the open posture.

[0021] The binding tool according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4, in the invention described in claim 9, is provided with a base in which mutually butted first and second link plates are rotatably supported with respect to a base body, the plurality of binding rings are composed of a first ring-constituting member supported by the first link plate and a second ring-constituting member supported by the second link plate, the closed posture is a posture in which the respective tip end portions of the first and second ring-constituting members are engaged with or abut each other, the open posture is a posture in which the respective tip end portions of the first and second ring-constituting members are separated, and the plurality of binding rings are elastically urged by an elastic urging unit in the direction of the open posture and adopt the closed posture in a state in which the urging force is overcome.

[0022] The binding tool according to claim 5, in the invention described in claim 10, is provided with a base in which mutually butted first and second link plates are rotatably supported with respect to a base body, the plurality of binding rings are composed of a first ring-constituting member supported by the first link plate and a second ring-constituting member supported by the second link plate, and the locking unit is an engaging portion provided at the respective tip end portions of the first and second ring-constituting members.

[0023] The invention described in claim 11 is a binder configured such that the binding tool described in any one of claims 1, 2, 3, or 4 is provided in a cover body.

[0024] Effects of the Invention

[0025] As described above, according to the present invention, at least one binding tool in which not only documents having binding holes can be stably bound but also operation by a user is easy and a binder provided with the binding tool can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment.

[0028] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the binding tool of the embodiment (closed posture).

[0029] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the binding tool of the embodiment (open posture).

[0030] Figure 5 is a front view of the binding tool of the embodiment (closed posture).

[0031] Figure 6is a rear view (closed position) of the binding tool of this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 is a right view (closed position) of the binding tool of this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 8 is a left view (closed position) of the binding tool of this embodiment.

[0034] Figure 9 is a front view of the binding tool in Figure 3

[0035] Figure 10 is a back view of the binding tool in Figure 3

[0036] Figure 11 is an exploded plan view of the binding tool of this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 12 is an exploded rear view of the binding tool of this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 13 is a partial enlarged plan view for explaining a usage mode of the binding tool of this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 14 is a partial enlarged plan view for explaining a usage mode of the binding tool of this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 15 is a perspective view of this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 16 is a partial enlarged view of the binding tool (open position) of this embodiment.

[0042] Figure 17 is a partial enlarged view of the binding tool (open position) of this embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to Figures 1-17 to the drawings. Further, in order to facilitate explanation according to the description, each direction of front and back, up and down, left and right is made based on the setting shown in Figure 1 .

[0044] The binder is also called a file folder. The binder is configured to have a cover body H and a binding tool A installed to a hinge h3 of the cover body H.

[0045] <<Cover Body H>>

[0046] ​​The cover body H is configured to have a pair of covers, i.e., a front cover h1 and a rear cover h2, formed in a substantially rectangular shape, and a hinge h3 provided between the front cover h1 and the rear cover h2. The front cover h1, the hinge h3, and the rear cover h2 are integrally made of a sheet of synthetic resin, for example.

[0047] <<Binding tool A>>

[0048] The binding tool A is provided with a non-locking ring C and a locking ring D as a plurality of binding rings capable of being opened and closed between a closed posture (S) in which a document P provided with a binding hole p1 is bound so as not to come off and an open posture (T) in which the document P provided with the binding hole p1 can be attached and detached.

[0049] Here, the locking ring D has an engaging portion (outward engaging portion d3, inward engaging portion d4) as a locking unit capable of maintaining the closed posture (S). The non-locking ring C can assume the closed posture (S), and on the other hand, does not have an engaging portion as a locking unit capable of maintaining the closed posture (S) provided thereto.

[0050] The binding tool A is provided with three ring groups, i.e., first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, G3, which can be visually recognized. The binding tool A is formed with the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, G3, which are three ring groups provided at predetermined portions with twenty non-locking rings C and two locking rings D as a plurality of binding rings and capable of being visually recognized.

[0051] The first and second ring groups G1, G2 are provided at both ends in the length direction, i.e., the up-down direction, of the binding tool A, and are non-locking ring groups composed of only a plurality of, i.e., eight, non-locking rings C that do not have a locking unit capable of being locked in the closed posture (S). That is, the binding tool A is provided, as shown in Figure 15 both ends in the length direction, i.e., the up-down direction, which are likely to be positioning targets of the document P to be bound, with non-locking ring groups composed of only non-locking rings C that do not have a shape portion in which the binding hole p1 of the document P is likely to be caught.

[0052] The third ring group G3 is provided at the middle portion in the length direction, i.e., the up-down direction, of the binding tool A, and is composed of two locking rings D having a locking unit capable of being locked in the closed posture (S), i.e., the outward engaging portion d3 and the inward engaging portion d4, and four non-locking rings C that do not have a locking unit capable of being locked in the closed posture (S).

[0053] In order to easily impart an operating force of the user's fingers to the locking rings D arranged on the upper and lower outer sides of the third ring group G3, the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3 are separated to a degree that the user's fingers can be inserted therebetween.

[0054] The binding tool A has the base B and twenty non-locking rings C and two locking rings D as a plurality of binding rings supported to the base B. The twenty non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D include twenty first ring constituent members cl and two first ring constituent members dl supported to the first link plate 1, and are constituted by twenty second ring constituent members c2 and two second ring constituent members d2 supported to the second link plate 2.

[0055] Hereinafter, the binding tool A of the present embodiment will be described in detail.

[0056] <Base B>

[0057] The base B is long in the up-and-down direction as a whole. The base B has a first link plate 1 extending in the up-and-down direction and positioned on one side, i.e., the left side, a second link plate 2 extending in the up-and-down direction and positioned on the other side, i.e., the right side, a base main body 3 extending in the up-and-down direction and capable of supporting the first and second link plates 1 and 2 so as to be rotatable, and a spring 4 which is an elastic force applying unit interposed between the base main body 3 and the first link plate 1 as one of the link plates.

[0058] [Base Main Body 3]

[0059] The base main body 3 is a synthetic resin member long in the up-and-down direction. The base main body 3 has mounting holes 31 respectively provided near both ends in the up-and-down direction, end portion shaft support portions 32 provided at both ends in the up-and-down direction and used to support the first and second link plates 1 and 2 so as to be rotatable, a plurality of intermediate shaft support portions 33 provided between both ends in the up-and-down direction, and a spring arrangement portion 34 for the spring 4 for applying a force to the first link plate 1 in the opening direction with the base main body 3 as a fulcrum.

[0060] The mounting holes 31 of the base main body 3 are penetrated in the up-and-down direction. The mounting holes 31 are for a rivet, which is a fastener not shown for mounting the base main body 3 to the spine h3 of the cover body H.

[0061] The end portion shaft support portion 32 of the base body 3 is substantially hole-shaped. The end portion shaft support portion 32 supports the end portion shafts 12, 22, which are protrusively provided at the length direction both end portions in the first and second link plates 1, 2, so as to be rotatable.

[0062] The intermediate shaft support portion 33 of the base body 3 is partially cylindrical. The intermediate shaft support portion 33 supports the intermediate shafts 13, 23, which are cylindrically provided so as to extend in the up-down direction on the lower surface side of the first and second link plates 1, 2, in a manner of partially surrounding them.

[0063] [First and second link plates 1, 2]

[0064] The first and second link plates 1, 2 are each a synthetic resin member that is long in the up-down direction. The first and second link plates 1, 2 are each a single member.

[0065] The first and second link plates 1, 2 each have a plate-shaped portion 11, 21 that extends in the up-down direction in plan view, an end portion shaft 12, 22 that is protrusively provided at both end portions in the up-down direction, and an intermediate shaft 13, 23 that is provided between both end portions in the up-down direction.

[0066] The first ring-constituting members cl, dl that constitute the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are each integrally provided so as to extend upward from the plate-shaped portion 11 in the first link plate 1.

[0067] In addition, the second ring-constituting members c2, d2 that constitute the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are each integrally provided so as to extend upward from the plate-shaped portion 21 in the second link plate 2.

[0068] At both end portions in the up-down direction in the first link plate 1, an end portion shaft 12 that is supported by an end portion shaft support portion 32, which is a concave bearing portion provided to the base body 3, is protrusively provided upward and downward.

[0069] On the side of the first link plate 1 that faces the base body 3, an intermediate shaft 13 that is supported by an intermediate shaft support portion 33, which is a shaft holding portion provided to the base body 3, is provided at a plurality of, namely three, portions at a certain interval so as to extend in the up-down direction.

[0070] On the inner edge portion in the first link plate 1, a lower engaging portion 14 that is an engaging portion on one side for engaging with the second link plate 2 is protrusively provided at a plurality of, namely two, portions at a certain interval. The lower engaging portion 14 has a pair of extension portions 14a that extend in a bar shape, and a protrusion 14b that is provided at the extension end of either one of the pair of extension portions 14a.

[0071] The lower engaging portion 14 is positioned below an upper engaging portion 24, which is the other engaging portion, protruding from the second link plate 2. The lower engaging portion 14 is provided extending from the lengthwise middle portion of the first link plate 1 toward the second link plate 2 side.

[0072] At both the upper and lower end portions of the second link plate 2, end shafts 22 supported by end shaft support portions 32, which are recessed bearing portions provided to the base body 3, are protruding upward and downward.

[0073] On the side of the second link plate 2 facing the base body 3, a plurality of, i.e., three, intermediate shafts 23 supported by intermediate shaft support portions 33, which are shaft holding portions provided to the base body 3, are provided at intervals in the up-and-down direction.

[0074] At the inner edge portion of the second link plate 2, an upper engaging portion 24 engaging with the lower engaging portion 14 provided to the first link plate 1 is provided. The upper engaging portion 24 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower engaging portion 14 of the first link plate 1. The upper engaging portion 24 has a portion 24a protruding in a semicircular shape toward the first link plate 1 side at the lengthwise middle portion of the second link plate 2 and a protruding engaging portion 24b in a track shape is formed at the lower surface side thereof.

[0075] In this embodiment, the pair of extending portions 14a of the lower engaging portion 14 are provided so as to sandwich the protruding engaging portion 24b of the upper engaging portion 24, and the protrusion 14b of the lower engaging portion 14 engages with a not-shown guide hole provided to the protruding engaging portion 24b, so that the lower engaging portion 14 and the upper engaging portion 24 are engaged so as to be relatively movable without coming off each other.

[0076] Further, the first and second link plates 1 and 2 are linked so as to be relatively movable, i.e., so as to be rotatable relative to the base body 3, by the engagement of the lower engaging portion 14 and the upper engaging portion 24.

[0077] The first link plate 1 supports twenty first ring-constituting members cl constituting the left half of the non-locking ring C and two first ring-constituting members dl constituting the left half of the locking ring D. The first link plate 1 and the first ring-constituting members cl of the non-locking ring C, and the first link plate 1 and the first ring-constituting members cl of the locking ring D are integrally formed of synthetic resin.

[0078] The second link plate 2 supports twenty second ring-constituting members c2 constituting the right half of the non-locking ring C and two second ring-constituting members d2 constituting the right half of the locking ring D. The second link plate 2 and the second ring-constituting members c2 of the non-locking ring C, and the second link plate 2 and the second ring-constituting members d2 of the locking ring D are integrally formed of synthetic resin.

[0079] The binding tool A is constituted so that the single first link plate 1 and the single second link plate 2 are linked to rotate with respect to the base body 3. Therefore, all of the non-locking rings C and all of the locking rings D are caused to act integrally between a closed posture (S) in which the top end portions of the first ring constituent members cl, dl and the top end portions of the second ring constituent members c2, d2 abut against, approach, or engage each other, and an open posture (T) in which the top end portions of the first ring constituent members cl, dl and the top end portions of the second ring constituent members c2, d2 are separated from each other.

[0080] [Spring 4]

[0081] The spring 4 as the elastic force applying unit is called a so-called torsion coil spring. The spring 4 indirectly applies a force to the non-locking rings C and the locking rings D in a direction in which the non-locking rings C and the locking rings D become the open posture (T).

[0082] The spring 4 is a single member. That is, the spring 4 is disposed only at one position between the base body 3 and the first link plate 1 near the length direction inner edge portion of the base B at the second ring group G2.

[0083] The spring 4 is disposed at the spring disposed portion 34 of the base body 3. One end portion of the spring 4 is connected to the spring abutment portion 35 of the base body 3 as a standing point, and the other end portion is connected to the lower surface side of the first link plate 1. The first link plate 1 is always applied with a force by the spring 4 in a direction in which the inner edge portion of the first link plate 1 is moved upward.

[0084] In a case where the engagement of the top end portions (the outward engagement portions d3 and the inward engagement portions d4) of the first and second ring constituent members dl, d2 of the locking ring D with each other is released, the first link plate 1 is rotated about the shafts (the end portion shaft 12 and the intermediate shaft 13) by a direct elastic force from the spring 4. The first link plate 1 is directly applied with a force by the spring 4 in a direction in which the inner edge portion of the first link plate 1 is moved upward and is rotated about the shafts (the end portion shaft 12 and the intermediate shaft 13).

[0085] At this time, the second link plate 2 is also applied with a force in a direction in which the inner edge portion of the second link plate 2 is moved upward in a linked manner to the rotation of the first link plate 1 and is rotated about the shafts (the end portion shaft 22 and the intermediate shaft 23) by the engagement of the upper engagement portion 24 provided to the second link plate 2 with the lower engagement portion 14 of the first link plate 1.

[0086] All of the binding rings provided to the binding tool A act integrally between the closed posture (S) and the open posture (T). The binding tool A causes the plurality of first ring constituent members cl, dl arranged in the single first link plate 1 to act integrally, and causes the plurality of second ring constituent members c2, d2 arranged in the single second link plate 2 to act integrally.

[0087] <Regarding the closed posture (S) and the open posture (T) of the non-locking ring C>

[0088] The closed posture (S) of the non-locking ring C is a posture in which the tip end portions of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 that constitute the non-locking ring C abut or approach each other.

[0089] Further, the tip end portions of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 in the non-locking ring C are not provided with a constitution that overcomes the force of the spring 4 in the direction of the open posture (T) in the closed posture (S).

[0090] That is, the maintenance of the closed posture (S) of the non-locking ring C is entrusted to the locking ring D. The maintenance of the closed posture (S) of the non-locking ring C is achieved by locking the locking ring D in the closed posture (S) by the tip end portions (the outward engaging portion d3 and the inward engaging portion d4) of the first and second ring constituent members dl, d2 that constitute the locking ring D engaging each other.

[0091] The tip end portions of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 in the non-locking ring C are smoothly notched on one side of the extension direction in plan view. The tip end portions of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 in the non-locking ring C are not formed with a concave-convex shape that easily gets caught on a binding hole pi provided in the file P.

[0092] The tip end portion of the first ring constituent member cl in the non-locking ring C extends in a cantilevered manner from the upper half, which is one side in plan view, toward the direction of the corresponding second ring constituent member c2, which is the right direction. The tip end portion of the first ring constituent member cl in the non-locking ring C is provided with a first facing surface ml that faces downward and can abut against a second facing surface m2 possessed by the second ring constituent member c2 in the closed posture (S).

[0093] The tip end portion of the second ring constituent member c2 in the non-locking ring C extends in a cantilevered manner from the lower half, which is one side in plan view, toward the direction of the corresponding first ring constituent member cl, which is the left direction. The tip end portion of the second ring constituent member c2 in the non-locking ring C is provided with a second facing surface m2 that faces upward and can abut against the first facing surface ml possessed by the first ring constituent member cl in the closed posture (S).

[0094] The non-locking ring C assumes the closed posture (S) by the abutment of the first facing surface ml and the second facing surface m2 provided at the cantilevered tip end portions in the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2.

[0095] The open posture (T) of the non-locking ring C is a posture in which the tip end portions of the first and second ring constituent members c1, c2 constituting the non-locking ring C are separated in the left-right direction.

[0096] <Regarding the closed posture (S) and open posture (T) of the locking ring D>

[0097] The closed posture (S) of the locking ring D is a posture in which the tip end portions of the first and second ring constituent members d1, d2 constituting the locking ring D are engaged with each other. The tip end portions of the first and second ring constituent members d1, d2 in the locking ring D are constituted so as to be engaged with each other against the force of the spring 4 in the closed posture (S) to the open posture (T).

[0098] In detail, the tip end portion of the first ring constituent member d1 in the locking ring D is provided with an outward engagement portion d3 as an engagement portion constituting a locking unit. The outward engagement portion d3 has a first engagement protrusion 1t protruding upward to the outside of the length direction of the base B as the outside, and a first recess 1w provided adjacent to the first engagement protrusion 1t and open upward. When a second engagement protrusion 2t of a constituting inward engagement portion d4 provided in the second ring constituent member d2 in the locking ring D is engaged with the first engagement protrusion 1t, the second engagement protrusion 2t is positioned in the first recess 1w.

[0099] In the tip end portion of the second ring constituent member d2 in the locking ring D, an inward engagement portion d4 as an engagement portion constituting a locking unit is provided. The inward engagement portion d4 has a second engagement protrusion 2t protruding downward to the inside of the length direction of the base B as the inside, and a second recess 2w provided adjacent to the second engagement protrusion 2t and open downward. When the first engagement protrusion 1t provided in the first ring constituent member d1 in the locking ring D is engaged with the second engagement protrusion 2t, the first engagement protrusion 1t is positioned in the second recess 2w.

[0100] The open posture (T) of the locking ring D is a posture in which the tip end portions of the first and second ring constituent members d1, d2 constituting the locking ring D are separated in the left-right direction.

[0101] The non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are respectively provided with a spring 4 as an elastic biasing unit biasing in the direction of the open posture (T) of the base B. Also, the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D maintain the closed state against the force of the spring 4 by the action of the outward engagement portion d3 and the outward engagement portion d4 as the locking unit provided in the locking ring D, thereby assuming the closed posture (S).

[0102] An operation for changing the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D from the closed posture (S) to the open posture (T) is, for example, like Figure 13As shown, this is performed by the following operation. That is, by the following operation: from the upper side, the first ring constituent member d1 of the locking ring D provided at the outermost portion on the upper side in the third ring group G3 is hooked with a finger, and from the lower side, the first ring constituent member d1 of the locking ring D provided at the outermost portion on the lower side in the third ring group G3 is hooked with a finger, these respective first ring constituent members d1 are temporarily elastically deformed in a direction in which they approach each other (a direction in which they are close to each other) by the finger, and the engaged state of the outward engagement portion d3 provided to the first ring constituent member d1 and the inward engagement portion d4 provided to the second ring constituent member d2 is released.

[0103] <<First, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, G3>>

[0104] The binding tool A is provided with: a first ring group G1 constituted only of a plurality of, that is, eight, non-locking rings C that are a plurality of binding rings arranged at a predetermined interval w2 and located on the upper end side in the length direction, that is, the upper end side in the up-down direction; a second ring group G2 constituted only of a plurality of, that is, eight, non-locking rings C that are a plurality of binding rings arranged at a predetermined interval w2 and located on the lower end side in the length direction, that is, the lower end side in the up-down direction; and a third ring group G3 constituted of four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D that are a plurality of binding rings arranged at a predetermined interval w2 and located between the first and second ring groups G1, G2, that is, the middle portion in the up-down direction, and provided so as to be identifiable with respect to the first and second ring groups G1, G2.

[0105] <First ring group G1>

[0106] The first ring group G1 constitutes a collection of eight non-locking rings C that are a plurality of binding rings. The first ring group G1 is constituted of eight non-locking rings C arranged and disposed in a manner that the separation width is substantially equal in the up-down direction. The first ring group G1 is a collection of eight non-locking rings C.

[0107] In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the first and second ring constituent members c1, c2 of the two non-locking rings C on the outer side (upper side) in the first ring group G1 with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 are different from the inclination angles of the first and second ring constituent members c1, c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (lower side) than them.

[0108] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring constituent members c1, c2 of the two non-locking rings C on the outer side (upper side) with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 are set to be inclined by about 0.5° toward the inner side, that is, the closed posture (S) side, compared to the angles of the first and second ring constituent members c1, c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (lower side) than them with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2.

[0109] In addition, the inclination angles of the first and second ring-constituting members cl, c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (lower side) in the first ring group Gl with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 are different from the inclination angles of the first and second ring-constituting members cl, d 1, c2, d2 of the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3 with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2.

[0110] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring-constituting members cl, c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (lower side) with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 are set to be inclined inward, i.e., toward the closed position (S) side, by about 1.5°, as compared with the angles of the first and second ring-constituting members cl, c2 of the four non-locking rings C constituting the third ring group G3 and the angles of the first and second ring-constituting members d 1, d2 of the two locking rings D with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2.

[0111] The binding tool A of this embodiment is configured based on the angles of the first and second ring-constituting members cl, d 1, c2, d2 with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2, so that the separation dimensions w4, w5, w6 between the tip ends (extending ends) of the first and second ring-constituting members cl, d 1, c2, d2 in the corresponding relationship are different in the open position (T).

[0112] That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the separation dimension w4 between the tip end of the first ring-constituting member cl and the tip end of the second ring-constituting member c2 of the two non-locking rings C on the outer side (upper side) in the first ring group Gl is set to be shorter than the separation dimension w5 between the tip end of the first ring-constituting member cl and the tip end of the second ring-constituting member c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (lower side) than them. Figure 16 In addition, the separation dimension w5 between the tip end of the first ring-constituting member cl and the tip end of the second ring-constituting member c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (lower side) in the first ring group Gl is set to be shorter than the separation dimension w6 between the tip end of the first ring-constituting member cl and the tip end of the second ring-constituting member c2 of the four non-locking rings C constituting the third ring group G3 and the separation dimension w6 between the tip end of the first ring-constituting member d 1 and the tip end of the second ring-constituting member d2 of the two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3.

[0113] <Second Ring Group G2>

[0114]

[0115] ​The second ring group G2 is constituted by eight non-locking rings C arranged in a manner that the separation widths in the up-and-down direction are substantially equal. The second ring group G2 is a collection of eight non-locking rings C.

[0116] In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 of the two non-locking rings C on the outer side (lower side) in the second ring group G2 with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 are different from the inclination angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (upper side) than them with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2.

[0117] More specifically, the inclination angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 of the two non-locking rings C on the outer side (lower side) with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 are set to be inclined by about 0.5° toward the inner side, i.e., the closed posture (S) side, compared to the inclination angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (upper side) than them with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2.

[0118] In addition, the inclination angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (upper side) in the second ring group G2 with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 are different from the inclination angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, d l, c2, d2 of the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D that constitute the third ring group G3 with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2.

[0119] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 of the six non-locking rings C on the inner side (upper side) with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 are set to be inclined by about 1.5° toward the inner side, i.e., the closed posture (S) side, compared to the angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 of the four non-locking rings C that constitute the third ring group G3 with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2, and the angles of the first and second ring constituent members dl, d2 of the two locking rings D with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2.

[0120] The binding tool A of this embodiment is configured based on the angles of the first and second ring constituent members cl, dl, c2, d2 with respect to the first and second link plates 1, 2 as described above, and the separation dimensions w4, w5, w6 between the tip ends (extension ends) of the first and second ring constituent members cl, dl, c2, d2 in the corresponding relationship are made different in the open posture (T).

[0121] That is, as Figure 17As shown, the separation dimension w4 between the top end of the first ring constituent member cl and the top end of the second ring constituent member c2 of the two non-locking rings C in the second ring group G2, which are located on the outer side (lower side), is set to be shorter than the separation dimension w5 between the top end of the first ring constituent member cl and the top end of the second ring constituent member c2 of the six non-locking rings C, which are located on the inner side (upper side) than them.

[0122] In addition, the separation dimension w5 between the top end of the first ring constituent member cl and the top end of the second ring constituent member c2 of the six non-locking rings C in the second ring group G2, which are located on the inner side (upper side), is set to be shorter than the separation dimension w6 between the top end of the first ring constituent member cl and the top end of the second ring constituent member c2 of the four non-locking rings C constituting the third ring group G3, and the separation dimension w6 between the top end of the first ring constituent member dl and the top end of the second ring constituent member d2 of the two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3.

[0123] <Third Ring Group G3>

[0124] The third ring group G3 constitutes a collection of a plurality of non-locking rings C and a plurality of locking rings D as a plurality of binding rings. The third ring group G3 is constituted by four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D arranged and disposed in a manner that the separation width w2 is substantially equal in the up-and-down direction. The third ring group G3 is a collection of the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D.

[0125] The third ring group G3 includes two locking rings D as operation rings. The two locking rings D are constituted to have an outward engaging portion d3 and an inward engaging portion d4 as locking units capable of being locked in a closed posture (S).

[0126] The locking unit provided to each of the two locking rings D is caused to engage the outward engaging portion d3 provided to the top end portion of the two first ring constituent members dl forming the two locking rings D and the inward engaging portion d4 provided to the top end portion of the two second ring constituent members d2 forming the two locking rings D, so as not to be detached against the force acting in a direction in which the first ring constituent member dl and the second ring constituent member d2 are separated, which is caused by the spring 4.

[0127] The four binding rings among the plurality of binding rings of the third ring group G3 include non-locking rings C as operation rings. The four non-locking rings C do not have locking units capable of being locked in a closed posture (S). No engaging elements capable of restricting separation from each other are provided to each top end portion of the first and second ring constituent members cl, c2 forming each non-locking ring C.

[0128] That is, the third ring group G3 as an intermediate ring group is positioned between the first and second ring groups G1, G2 as non-locking ring groups provided at both ends in the length direction. Also, the third ring group G3 is provided so as to be visually recognizable with respect to the first and second ring groups G1, G2.

[0129] The third ring group G3 has one pair, i.e., two locking rings D provided at both ends in the up-down direction, and four non-locking rings C provided between the two locking rings D and not having locking units.

[0130] <Separation dimension w1 between adjacent ring groups>

[0131] The separation dimension w1 between adjacent ring groups, i.e., the separation dimension w1 between the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the separation dimension w1 between the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3, is set to be longer than the interval w2 between adjacent binding rings in each of the first and second ring groups G1, G2, and is set to be longer than the interval w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3.

[0132] In other words, the separation dimension w1 between the upper end side locking ring D in the third ring group G3 and the first ring group G1 as a non-locking ring group, and the separation dimension w1 between the lower end side locking ring D in the third ring group G3 and the second ring group G2 as a non-locking ring group, is set to be longer than the interval w2 between adjacent non-locking rings C in the first and second ring groups G1, G2 as non-locking ring groups.

[0133] In this embodiment, the separation dimension w1 between the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the separation dimension w1 between the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3, is set to be substantially the same size. In addition, it is set to be more than twice the interval w2, w3 between adjacent binding rings in each of the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, G3.

[0134] The separation regions formed between the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the separation regions formed between the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3, are each set to a width in which two binding rings are provided, in a case in which the binding rings are virtually arranged at a separation pitch equal to the separation pitch between each of the binding rings in each ring group G1, G2, G3.

[0135] Further, the interval w2 between adjacent binding rings in each of the first and second ring groups G1, G2 is set to be shorter than the interval w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3. The interval w2 between adjacent binding rings in each of the first and second ring groups G1, G2 and the interval w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3 can of course be set to be the same size.

[0136] <Work on the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, G3>

[0137] The posture change of the binding tool A from the closed posture (S) to the open posture (T) is allowed only by applying an operation force to the two locking rings D included in the third ring group G3.

[0138] More specifically, the binding tool A is configured such that the first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 can each be posture-changed from the closed posture (S) of the bound document P to the open posture (T) in which the document P can be attached and detached, by applying an operation force to only the two locking rings D, which are operation rings provided to the uppermost and lowermost of the six binding rings constituting the third ring group G3.

[0139] The open operation of the binding tool A, that is, the operation of posture-changing from the closed posture (S) to the open posture (T), can be performed by using the fingers of either one of the hands to apply an operation force in the direction in which the members approach each other, to each of the first ring-constituting members d1 of the two locking rings D provided at the upper and lower ends of the third ring group G3, by elastic deformation of the members.

[0140] When the user applies an operation force in the direction in which the members approach each other to the first ring-constituting members d1 of the two locking rings D, the engagement of the outward engagement portion d3 with the inward engagement portion d4 is released, and the rotation of the first and second link plates 1 and 2, which are always acted upon by the force of the spring 4 to open outward, is allowed, and the first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 are each posture-changed from the closed posture (S) to the open posture (T).

[0141] The closed operation of the binding tool A, that is, the operation of posture-changing from the open posture (T) to the closed posture (S), can be performed by using the fingers of either one of the hands to apply an operation force in the direction toward the closed posture (S) to one or more, or all or any of the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3.

[0142] Furthermore, the closed operation of the binding tool A can be performed in one touch and extremely simply by using the fingers of one hand to grab the third ring group G3 in the open posture (T) at random, and causing the members (that is, any of the first and second ring-constituting members c1, d1, c2, d2 constituting the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D) abutted by the fingers of the one hand at that time to approach each other.

[0143] More specifically, the binding tool A is configured so that the first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 are each capable of changing the posture from the open posture (T) in which the file P can be attached and detached to the closed posture (S) in which the file P is bound, by applying an operation force to only the operation ring of one or more of the plurality of binding rings set in the third ring group G3, that is, to all or any of the two locking rings D and the four non-locking rings C set in the third ring group G3.

[0144] In other words, the closing operation of the binding tool A, that is, the operation of changing the posture from the open posture (T) to the closed posture (S) can be performed by one touch by applying an operation force to all or any (at least one) of the first ring constituent members cl, dl and all or any (at least one) of the second ring constituent members c2, d2 provided in the third ring group G3 using the fingers of either one of the hands.

[0145] When the closing operation is performed by the user, the two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3 maintain the closed posture (S) against the force of the spring 4, and thus the closed posture (S) of all the binding rings (that is, the twenty non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D) can be maintained even if the user releases the hand.

[0146] If the above-described embodiment is used, since the binding tool A having the plurality of binding rings arranged and disposed is used, the file P having the binding holes pl can be stably bound. Also, the binding tool A is configured so that the operation of opening the plurality of binding rings and the operation of closing the plurality of binding rings can be performed by one touch using only one hand, and thus the user can easily perform the operations.

[0147] In addition, if the binding tool A of the above-described embodiment is used, the non-locking ring group constituted by the non-locking rings C having only the shape portion in which the binding hole pl of the file P is easily caught is provided at both end portions in the length direction which are easily targeted for positioning of the file P to be bound. Thus, if the binding tool A of the present embodiment is used, the file P can be smoothly attached to and detached from the plurality of binding rings.

[0148] As explained above, the binding tool A of the present embodiment is configured to include: a first ring group G1 configured to include eight non-locking rings C as a plurality of binding rings arranged at a predetermined interval w2 and located at an upper end side as one end side in the length direction, i.e., the up-down direction; a second ring group G2 configured to include eight non-locking rings C as a plurality of binding rings arranged at a predetermined interval w2 and located at a lower end side as the other end side in the length direction, i.e., the up-down direction; and a third ring group G3 configured to include two locking rings D and four non-locking rings C as a plurality of binding rings arranged at a predetermined interval w2 and located between the first ring group G1 and the second ring group G2.

[0149] Also, the binding tool A is configured such that the first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 are each capable of changing the posture from the closed posture (S) of the bound document P to the open posture (T) in which the document P can be attached and detached, by applying an operation force to only the operation ring, i.e., the locking ring D, of the two binding rings set as the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group G3.

[0150] Therefore, if it is the binding tool A of the present embodiment, not only is it possible to stably bind the document P having the binding holes pi by the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, G3, but it is also configured such that it is possible to change the posture from the closed posture (S) of the bound document P to the open posture (T) in which the document P can be attached and detached, by applying an operation force to only the two locking rings D in the third ring group G3, and thus it is possible to provide a binding tool A that is easy for a user to operate.

[0151] The first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 are each configured to be capable of changing the posture from the open posture (T) in which the document P can be attached and detached to the closed posture (S) of the bound document P, by applying an operation force to all or any of the operation ring, i.e., the non-locking ring C, and the locking ring D of one or more binding rings set as the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group G3.

[0152] Therefore, if it is the binding tool A of the present embodiment, not only is it possible to stably bind the document P having the binding holes pi by the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, G3, but it is also configured such that it is possible to change the posture from the open posture (T) in which the document P can be attached and detached to the closed posture (S) of the bound document P, by applying an operation force to all or any of the non-locking rings C and the locking rings D in the third ring group G3, and thus it is possible to provide a binding tool A that is easy for a user to operate.

[0153] The operation ring includes a locking ring D configured to have a locking unit capable of being locked in a closed posture (S). Also, by applying an operation force to the locking ring D to allow a posture change from the closed posture (S) to an open posture (T).

[0154] Therefore, by applying the operation force of the fingers to only the two locking rings D provided at the specific positions, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 can be changed from the closed posture (S) to the open posture (T) in one touch.

[0155] The operation ring includes a non-locking ring C having no locking unit. Also, by applying an operation force in the direction of the closed posture (S) to both or either of the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D to change the posture from the open posture (T) to the closed posture (S).

[0156] Therefore, by applying the operation force of the fingers to both or either of the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D provided at the specific positions in the direction of the closed posture (S), the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 can be changed from the open posture (T) to the closed posture (S) in one touch.

[0157] The separation dimension w1 between the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3 and the separation dimension w1 between the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3 are set to be longer than a predetermined interval w2 in each of the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3, that is, an interval w2 between adjacent binding rings.

[0158] Therefore, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 are preferably provided with the non-locking ring C or the locking ring D as the plurality of binding rings engaged with the binding holes p1 formed in the document P to be bound. On the other hand, by the setting of the separation dimension w1, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 can be appropriately identified. Also, by the setting of the separation dimension w1, the degree of freedom in design for making the fingers of the user easily contact a pair of locking rings D that need to bear the operation force in the direction of approaching each other at the time of the opening operation is excellent.

[0159] The plurality of binding rings, that is, the plurality (eight) of non-locking rings C in the first ring group G1, the plurality of binding rings, that is, the plurality (eight) of non-locking rings C in the second ring group G2, and the plurality of binding rings, that is, the plurality (two) of locking rings D and the plurality (four) of non-locking rings C in the third ring group G3, respectively, integrally move between the closed posture (S) and the open posture (T).

[0160] Therefore, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 respectively integrally move between the closed posture (S) and the open posture (T), and thus the closing operation and the opening operation of the user can be appropriately performed.

[0161] The base B is formed so that the first and second link plates 1, 2, which are butted against each other, are rotatably supported to the base body 3. Further, the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are a plurality of binding rings, are formed of the first ring-constituting members cl, dl supported to the single first link plate 1 and the second ring-constituting members c2, d2 supported to the single second link plate 2.

[0162] The closed posture (S) of the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D is a posture in which the respective tip end portions of the first and second ring-constituting members cl, dl, c2, d2 are engaged with or abutted against each other. The open posture (T) of the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D is a posture in which the respective tip end portions of the first and second ring-constituting members cl, dl, c2, d2 are separated from each other.

[0163] The non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are a plurality of binding rings, are forced by the spring 4, which is an elastic force applying unit, in the direction of the open posture (T) and adopt the closed posture (S) in a state in which the closed posture (S) is overcome against the force.

[0164] Therefore, the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are a plurality of binding rings, are forced by the spring 4 in the direction of the open posture (T) and adopt the closed posture (S) in a state in which the closed posture (S) is overcome against the force, so that the open posture (T) and the closed posture (S) are appropriately defined.

[0165] The base B is formed so that the first and second link plates 1, 2, which are butted against each other, are rotatably supported to the base body 3. Further, the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are a plurality of binding rings, are formed of the first ring-constituting members cl, dl supported to the first link plate 1 and the second ring-constituting members c2, d2 supported to the second link plate 2. The locking unit is the outward engaging portion d3 and the inward engaging portion d4, which are engaging portions provided to the respective tip end portions of the first and second ring-constituting members dl, d2 constituting the locking ring D.

[0166] Therefore, the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are a plurality of binding rings, are engaged by the outward engaging portion d3 and the inward engaging portion d4, which are engaging portions provided to the respective tip end portions of the first and second ring-constituting members dl, d2 constituting the locking ring D, so that the state in which the closed posture (S) is overcome against the force of the spring 4 can be appropriately achieved.

[0167] Further, the present application is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above.

[0168] The operation ring is not limited to being provided to the third ring group. That is, the binding tool can also be configured so that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group are each capable of changing posture from a closed posture in which the document is bound to an open posture in which the document can be removed, by applying an operation force to only the operation ring of one or more binding rings provided to the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group, or to only the operation ring of one or more binding rings provided to the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group.

[0169] In addition, the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group can each be configured so that they are capable of changing posture from an open posture in which the document can be removed to a closed posture in which the document is bound, by applying an operation force to only the operation ring of one or more binding rings provided to the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group, or to only the operation ring of one or more binding rings provided to the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group.

[0170] The spacing between adjacent binding rings in the first ring group, the spacing between adjacent binding rings in the second ring group, and the spacing between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group can each be different, or there can be no spacing.

[0171] The configuration of the locking unit provided to the locking ring can be any configuration that is capable of being locked in a closed posture. For example, the locking unit can not engage in the lateral direction, or can engage in the vertical direction.

[0172] At a position that is inward of the first and second ring groups that are the outer ring groups, another ring group different from the third ring group can be provided, or a single binding ring that does not form a specific ring group can be provided.

[0173] The third ring group that is the central ring group is preferably provided so as to be identifiable with respect to the first and second ring groups that are the outer ring groups. Here, "provided so as to be identifiable" means provided so as to be distinguishable by sight.

[0174] In the above-described embodiments, the third ring group is provided so as to be identifiable with respect to the first and second ring groups by setting the separation dimension between the third ring group and the first ring group and the separation dimension between the third ring group and the second ring group to be larger than the separation dimension between adjacent binding rings in each ring group, but the method of providing so as to be identifiable is not limited to this method.

[0175] As other specific examples of being set to be able to be recognized, examples in which the color and shape of the third ring group are made different from the color and shape of the first and second ring groups, examples in which the color and shape of the base that supports the third ring group are made different from the color and shape of the base that supports the first and second ring groups, and examples in which the color and shape of the cover body corresponding to the position of the third ring group are made different from the color and shape of the cover body corresponding to the positions of the first and second ring groups can be listed.

[0176] Each ring group can be composed of two or more of the plurality of binding rings. That is, each ring group can also not be composed of the number of binding rings shown in the above-described embodiments.

[0177] The locking ring can also be composed of only one, or can be composed of three or more.

[0178] In the above-described embodiments, the plurality of binding rings are in a so-called O-ring configuration, but are not limited to such a configuration. For example, the plurality of binding rings can also be in a so-called D-ring configuration.

[0179] The file bound to the binding tool is not limited to paper, and can of course be synthetic resin.

[0180] Furthermore, the specific configurations of the parts are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present application.

[0181] Industrial Applicability

[0182] The present application can be utilized as a binding tool for binding a file having a binding hole, and a binder that applies the binding tool.

[0183] Explanation of Reference Signs

[0184] A … Binding tool

[0185] B … Base

[0186] C … Non-locking ring

[0187] D … Locking ring

[0188] 1 … First link plate

[0189] 2 … Second link plate

[0190] 3 … Base main body

[0191] 4 … Spring (elastic force applying unit)

[0192] G1 … First ring group

[0193] G2 … Second ring group

[0194] G3 … Third ring group

[0195] c1, d1... first ring constituent member

[0196] c2, d2... second ring constituent member

[0197] (S)... closed position

[0198] (T)... open position

Claims

1. A binding tool, the binding tool comprising: A first ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at one end along the length direction; a second ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at the other end along the length direction; and a third ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the first ring group and the second ring group. The binding device is configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group can change their posture from a closed posture to an open posture that allows the binding document to be loaded and unloaded by applying an operating force only to one or more binding rings that are set as binding rings in the third ring group.

2. A binding tool, said binding tool comprising: A first ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at one end along the length direction; a second ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at the other end along the length direction; and a third ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the first ring group and the second ring group. The binding device is configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group can change their posture from an open posture capable of loading and unloading documents to a closed posture for binding documents by applying an operating force only to one or more binding rings that are set as binding rings in the third ring group.

3. A binding tool, said binding tool comprising: A first ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at one end along the length direction; a second ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at the other end along the length direction; and a third ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the first ring group and the second ring group. The binding device is configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group can change their posture from a closed posture to an open posture that allows the binding document to be loaded and unloaded by applying an operating force only to one or more binding rings that are set as binding rings in the first ring group, or only to one or more binding rings that are set as binding rings in the second ring group.

4. A binding tool, the binding tool comprising: A first ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at one end along the length direction; a second ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located at the other end along the length direction; and a third ring group, comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the first ring group and the second ring group. The binding device is configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group can change their posture from an open posture capable of loading and unloading documents to a closed posture capable of binding documents by applying an operating force only to one or more binding rings set as binding rings in the first ring group, or only to one or more binding rings set as binding rings in the second ring group.

5. The binding tool according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, The operating ring includes a locking ring configured to have a locking unit capable of locking in the closed position. By applying an operating force to the locking ring, a change in posture from the closed posture to the open posture is permitted.

6. The binding tool according to claim 5, The operating ring includes an unlocked ring that does not have the locking unit. The posture change from the open posture to the closed posture is achieved by applying an operating force toward the direction of the closed posture to either or both of the unlocked ring and the locking ring.

7. The binding tool according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, The separation dimension between the first ring group and the third ring group, and the separation dimension between the second ring group and the third ring group, are set to be longer than the predetermined interval in each of the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group.

8. The binding tool according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, The multiple binding rings in the first ring group, the multiple binding rings in the second ring group, and the multiple binding rings in the third ring group move together between the closed posture and the open posture.

9. The binding tool according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, The binding tool includes a base on which a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate, which are rotatably supported relative to the base body, form a base. The plurality of binding rings are composed of a first ring component supported on the first connecting plate and a second ring component supported on the second connecting plate. The closed posture is the posture in which the top ends of the first ring component and the second ring component are engaged or abutting against each other. The opening posture is the posture in which the top portions of the first ring component and the second ring component are separated. The plurality of binding rings are subjected to force by the elastic force application unit in the direction of the open posture, and take the closed posture in the state of closing against the force.

10. The binding tool according to claim 5, The binding tool includes a base on which a first connecting plate and a second connecting plate, which are rotatably supported relative to the base body, form a base. The plurality of binding rings are composed of a first ring component supported on the first connecting plate and a second ring component supported on the second connecting plate. The locking unit is an engaging portion disposed at the top end of each of the first ring component and the second ring component.

11. A type of binder, The binder is configured such that the cover body has the binding tool as described in claim 1, 2, 3 or 4.

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