Binding tool and loose-leaf binder

Abstract

Provided is a binding tool capable of smoothly attaching a document to a plurality of binding rings. To this end, a binding tool (A) is provided with a non-locking ring (C) and a locking ring (D), which are a plurality of binding rings that can be opened and closed between a closed position in which a document (P) is bound and an open position (T) in which the document (P) can be attached and detached. A locking ring (D) configured so as to have a locking means capable of being locked in a closed posture is disposed in an intermediate section in the longitudinal direction of a binding tool (A), and first and second ring groups (G1, G2), which are non-locking ring groups comprising only a plurality of non-locking rings (C) without locking means, are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to binding tools and binders. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, binding tools equipped with multiple binding rings were known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In order to stably hold documents, this binding device has multiple binding rings arranged at certain intervals along its length. Furthermore, at the top end of one of the ring-forming members and the other of the ring-forming member in the binding device, there are concave and convex locking parts for locking in a closed position.

[0004] When you want to bind documents with binding tools, you generally perform the following steps: target the binding ring located at one or both ends along the length, and position the document to be bound at the predetermined position.

[0005] However, in conventional binding devices, the binding holes at both ends along the length of the document, which are easy to position, have concave and convex shapes that make it difficult to smoothly install documents with binding holes onto multiple binding rings.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5613205 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0010] The present invention was made with regard to the above-mentioned situation, and its object is to provide at least one binding tool that can smoothly install documents with multiple binding rings.

[0011] Methods for solving problems

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

[0013] The invention described in technical solution 1 is a binding device, which is provided with a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and capable of opening and closing between a closed position for binding documents and an open position for loading and unloading documents. A locking ring is provided at the middle part in the length direction. The locking ring is included in the binding ring and is configured to have a locking unit capable of locking in the closed position. Unlocking ring groups are provided at both ends in the length direction. The unlocking ring groups are included in the binding ring and are composed only of a plurality of unlocking rings that do not have the locking unit.

[0014] According to the binding tool described in technical solution 1, in the invention described in technical solution 2, the separation dimension between the locking ring and the non-locking ring group is set to be longer than the separation dimension between adjacent non-locking rings in the non-locking ring group.

[0015] According to the binding tool described in technical solution 1, in the invention described in technical solution 3, the locking ring and the non-locking ring constituting the plurality of binding rings are each composed of a pair of ring-forming members that are rotatably arranged relative to the base body.

[0016] According to the binding tool described in technical solution 1, in the invention described in technical solution 4, a base is provided in which the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate, which are mutually connected, are rotatably supported on the base body. 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 inclination angle of the first ring component and the second ring component of the outermost one or more non-locking rings in the non-locking ring group relative to the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate is different from the inclination angle of the first ring component and the second ring component of the inner one or more non-locking rings relative to the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate.

[0017] According to the binding tool described in technical solution 1, in the invention described in technical solution 5, there is a middle ring group, which is configured to include a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and located between the non-locking ring groups disposed at both ends in the length direction, and is configured to be identifiable relative to the non-locking ring groups. The middle ring group includes a pair of locking rings disposed at both ends and one or more non-locking rings disposed between these locking rings and without the locking unit.

[0018] According to the binding tool described in technical solution 1, in the invention described in technical solution 6, the plurality of binding rings move integrally between the closed posture and the open posture.

[0019] According to the binding tool described in technical solution 1, in the invention described in technical solution 7, the plurality of binding rings are subjected to force by an elastic force-applying unit in the direction of the opening posture and take the closing posture in a state of closing against the force.

[0020] According to the binding tool described in technical solution 3, in the invention described in technical solution 8, the locking unit provided on the locking ring is an engaging portion provided at the top end of the pair of ring constituent members.

[0021] The invention described in technical solution 9 is a binder configured to have the binding tool described in any one of technical solutions 1 to 8 on the cover body.

[0022] Invention Effects

[0023] As explained above, according to the present invention, at least one binding tool capable of smoothly mounting documents with multiple binding rings can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a perspective view (closed position) of the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a perspective view (open position) of the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a front view (closed position) of the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a rear view (closed position) of the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a right view (closed position) of the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a left view (closed position) of the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 9 yes Figure 3 A view of the binding tools in the image, directed towards direction A.

[0033] Figure 10 yes Figure 3 The binding tool in the image is viewed from direction B.

[0034] Figure 11 This is an exploded plan view of the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0035] Figure 12 This is an exploded rear view of the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating one way of using the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0037] Figure 14This is a partially enlarged plan view illustrating one way of using the binding tool in this embodiment.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a perspective view of this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a partial enlarged view of the binding tool (open position) in this embodiment.

[0040] Figure 17 This is a partial enlarged view of the binding tool (open position) in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The following is for reference Figures 1-17 An embodiment of the present invention will be described. Furthermore, for ease of explanation according to the specification, the front-back, up-down, and left-right directions are based on... Figure 1 Use the settings shown.

[0042] A binder is also called a folder. A binder consists of a cover body H and a spine h3 attached to the cover body H.

[0043] <<Cover Body H>>

[0044] The cover body H is configured to have a pair of covers, namely a front cover h1 and a rear cover h2, which are formed in a generally rectangular shape, and a spine h3 disposed between the front cover h1 and the rear cover h2. The cover body H is, for example, integrally manufactured from a sheet of synthetic resin to form the front cover h1, the spine h3, and the rear cover h2.

[0045] <<Binding Tools A>>

[0046] The binding tool A has a non-locking ring C and a locking ring D that can be opened and closed between a closed position (S) and an open position (T). The closed position (S) is the position in which a document P with binding holes p1 is bound so that the document P does not come off. The open position (T) is the position in which the document P with binding holes p1 can be loaded and unloaded.

[0047] Here, the locking ring D has an engaging portion (outward engaging portion d3, inward engaging portion d4) that serves as a locking unit capable of maintaining a closed posture (S). The non-locking ring C can take a closed posture (S), but it does not have an engaging portion that serves as a locking unit capable of maintaining a closed posture (S).

[0048] The binding tool A is provided with three ring groups that can be visually identified, namely the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3. The binding tool A is formed with the following first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3: each of the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 consists of twenty non-locking rings C and two locking rings D arranged at predetermined positions, and can be visually identified.

[0049] The binding tool A has first and second ring groups G1 and G2 at both ends along its length (vertical direction). These first and second ring groups G1 and G2 are non-locking ring groups consisting only of eight non-locking rings C, each without a locking unit capable of locking in a closed position (S). In other words, the binding tool A... Figure 15 As shown, at both ends of the length direction where the document P to be bound is easily positioned, there is a group of non-locking rings C consisting of non-locking rings C that are easily caught by the binding hole p1 where the document P is not provided.

[0050] A third ring group G3 is provided in the middle part of the length direction, i.e. the vertical direction, of the binding tool A. The third ring group G3 consists of two locking rings D, which are configured to have a locking unit that can be locked in the closed position (S), namely an outward locking part d3 and an inward locking part d4, and four non-locking rings C that do not have a locking unit that can be locked in the closed position (S).

[0051] In order to facilitate the operation of the user's fingers by applying the locking rings D located on the upper and lower outer sides of the third ring group G3, the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, as well as the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3, are separated to the extent that the user's fingers can be inserted.

[0052] The binding device A has a base B and twenty non-locking rings C and two locking rings D, which are multiple binding rings supported on the base B. The twenty non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D include twenty first ring constituent members c1 and two first ring constituent members d1 supported on a first connecting plate 1, and are composed of twenty second ring constituent members c2 and two second ring constituent members d2 supported on a second connecting plate 2.

[0053] The binding tool A of this embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0054] <Base B>

[0055] The base B, as a whole, has an elongated dimension in the vertical direction. The base B includes: a first connecting plate 1, which extends in the vertical direction and is located on one side, i.e., the left side; a second connecting plate 2, which extends in the vertical direction and is located on the other side, i.e., the right side; a base body 3, which extends in the vertical direction and is capable of supporting the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 so that they can rotate; and a spring 4, which is an elastic force-applying unit disposed between the base body 3 and the first connecting plate 1, which is one of the connecting plates.

[0056] [Base Body 3]

[0057] The base body 3 is a synthetic resin component that is elongated in the vertical direction. The base body 3 has: mounting holes 31, which are respectively provided near the two ends in the vertical direction; end shaft support portions 32, which are provided at the two ends in the vertical direction and are used to support the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 so that they can rotate; intermediate shaft support portions 33, which are provided between the two ends in the vertical direction; and spring mounting portions 34, which are provided with springs 4 for applying force to the first connecting plate 1 in the opening direction with the base body 3 as the support point.

[0058] The mounting hole 31 of the base body 3 extends vertically. The mounting hole 31 is for inserting a rivet, which is a fastener (not shown) for mounting the base body 3 to the ridge h3 of the cover body H.

[0059] The end shaft support portion 32 of the base body 3 is generally hole-shaped. The end shaft support portion 32 supports the end shafts 12 and 22 that are protruding at both ends in the length direction of the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, so that they can rotate.

[0060] The intermediate shaft support portion 33 of the base body 3 is partially cylindrical. The intermediate shaft support portion 33 supports the cylindrical intermediate shafts 13 and 23 that are provided extending in the vertical direction on the lower surface side of the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 in such a way that they are partially surrounded.

[0061] [First and second connecting plates 1 and 2]

[0062] The first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are synthetic resin components that are elongated in the vertical direction. The first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are each individual components.

[0063] The first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 respectively have plate-shaped portions 11 and 21 that extend in the vertical direction when viewed in a plane, end shafts 12 and 22 that protrude from both ends in the vertical direction, and intermediate shafts 13 and 23 disposed between the two ends in the vertical direction.

[0064] The first ring components c1 and d1 that constitute the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are integrally extended upward from the plate-shaped portion 11 in the first connecting plate 1.

[0065] In addition, the second ring components c2 and d2 that constitute the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are integrally extended upward from the plate-shaped portion 21 in the second connecting plate 2.

[0066] At the upper and lower ends of the first connecting plate 1, end shafts 12 are provided and supported on end shaft support parts 32, which are concave bearing parts provided in the base body 3.

[0067] On the side of the first connecting plate 1 facing the base body 3, there are intermediate shafts 13 that are supported by intermediate shaft support parts 33 and extend in the vertical direction at a certain interval in multiple locations, i.e., three locations. The intermediate shaft support parts 33 are shaft holding parts provided on the base body 3.

[0068] On the inner edge of the first connecting plate 1, a lower engaging portion 14 is provided at a certain interval between multiple locations (i.e., two locations) for engaging with the second connecting plate 2. The lower engaging portion 14 has a pair of rod-shaped extension portions 14a and a protrusion 14b provided at the extension end of either of the pair of extension portions 14a.

[0069] The lower engaging portion 14 is located below the upper engaging portion 24, which is the other engaging portion, and is provided in the second connecting plate 2. The lower engaging portion 14 extends from the middle portion in the length direction of the first connecting plate 1 toward the second connecting plate 2.

[0070] At the upper and lower ends of the second connecting plate 2, an end shaft 22 is provided, which is supported by an end shaft support 32. The end shaft support 32 is a concave bearing portion provided in the base body 3.

[0071] On the side of the second connecting plate 2 facing the base body 3, there are intermediate shafts 23 that are supported by intermediate shaft support parts 33 and extend in the vertical direction at a certain interval in multiple locations, i.e., three locations. The intermediate shaft support parts 33 are shaft holding parts provided on the base body 3.

[0072] An upper engaging portion 24 is provided on the inner edge of the second connecting plate 2, engaging with the lower engaging portion 14 provided on the first connecting plate 1. The upper engaging portion 24 is located at a position corresponding to the lower engaging portion 14 of the first connecting plate 1. The upper engaging portion 24 has a semi-circular protruding portion 24a at the middle of its length direction in the second connecting plate 2, and a track-shaped protruding engaging portion 24b is formed on its lower surface.

[0073] In this embodiment, by arranging a pair of extension portions 14a in the lower engaging portion 14 such that they clamp the track-shaped protruding engaging portion 24b in the upper engaging portion 24, and engaging the protrusion 14b of the lower engaging portion 14 with a guide hole (not shown) provided in the track-shaped protruding engaging portion 24b, they can be engaged relative to each other in a manner that does not disengage.

[0074] Furthermore, the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 move relative to each other through the engagement of the lower engaging part 14 and the upper engaging part 24, that is, they rotate in linkage with each other relative to the base body 3.

[0075] The first connecting plate 1 supports twenty first ring constituent members c1 constituting the left half of the non-locking ring C and two first ring constituent members d1 constituting the left half of the locking ring D. The first connecting plate 1 and the first ring constituent members c1 of the non-locking ring C, and the first connecting plate 1 and the first ring constituent members c1 of the locking ring D are integrally formed from synthetic resin.

[0076] The second connecting plate 2 supports the twenty second ring constituent members c2 constituting the right half of the non-locking ring C and the two second ring constituent members d2 constituting the right half of the locking ring D. The second connecting plate 2 and the second ring constituent members c2 of the non-locking ring C, and the second connecting plate 2 and the second ring constituent members d2 of the locking ring D are integrally formed from synthetic resin.

[0077] The binding device A is composed of a single first connecting plate 1 and a single second connecting plate 2 that rotate in conjunction with the base body 3. Therefore, all the non-locking rings C and all the locking rings D operate integrally between the closed posture (S) in which the top ends of the first ring constituent members c1 and d1 abut, approach, or engage with the top ends of the second ring constituent members c2 and d2, and the open posture (T) in which the top ends of the first ring constituent members c1 and d1 separate from the top ends of the second ring constituent members c2 and d2.

[0078] [Spring 4]

[0079] The spring 4, which serves as the elastic force-applying unit, is called a torsion coil spring. The spring 4 indirectly applies force to the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D in the direction in which they are in the open position (T).

[0080] Spring 4 is a single component. That is, spring 4 is only located at a point between the base body 3 and the first connecting plate 1 near the inner edge of the base B in the longitudinal direction at the second ring group G2.

[0081] Spring 4 is disposed in spring mounting part 34 of base body 3. One end of spring 4 is connected to spring abutment part 35 of base body 3, which serves as a foothold, and the other end is connected to the lower surface side of first connecting plate 1. First connecting plate 1 is always subjected to force by spring 4 in the opening direction, that is, in the direction in which the inner edge of first connecting plate 1 moves upward.

[0082] With the top ends (outward engaging portion d3 and inward engaging portion d4) of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 in the locking ring D released from their engagement, the first connecting plate 1 is subjected to a direct elastic force from the spring 4 and rotates around the axis (end axis 12 and intermediate axis 13). The first connecting plate 1 is directly rotated around the axis (end axis 12 and intermediate axis 13) by the force exerted by the spring 4 in the opening direction, that is, in the direction in which the inner edge of the first connecting plate 1 moves upward.

[0083] At this time, the second connecting plate 2 is also engaged with the lower connecting portion 14 of the first connecting plate 1 by the upper engaging portion 24 of the second connecting plate 2. Therefore, it is indirectly exerted with force in the opening direction, that is, the direction in which the inner edge of the second connecting plate 2 moves upward, in a manner that is in rotational linkage with the first connecting plate 1, and rotates around the axis (end axis 22 and intermediate axis 23).

[0084] All binding rings provided in binding device A move together between a closed position (S) and an open position (T). Binding device A causes multiple first ring constituent members c1 and d1 arranged on a single first connecting plate 1 to move together, and causes multiple second ring constituent members c2 and d2 arranged on a single second connecting plate 2 to move together.

[0085] <Regarding the closed position (S) and open position (T) of the non-locking ring C>

[0086] The closed position (S) of the non-locking ring C is the position in which the top ends of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 constituting the non-locking ring C are in contact with or close to each other.

[0087] Furthermore, the top ends of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the non-locking ring C are not provided with a structure to overcome the force exerted by the spring 4 in the direction of the open position (T) under the closed position (S).

[0088] In other words, the maintenance of the closed position (S) of the non-locking ring C is delegated to the locking ring D. The maintenance of the closed position (S) of the non-locking ring C is achieved by locking the locking ring D in the closed position (S) by engaging the top ends (outward engaging part d3 and inward engaging part d4) of the first and second ring constituent members d1 and d2 constituting the locking ring D with each other.

[0089] When viewed in plan view, the top ends of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the non-locking ring C have a shape in which a notch is smoothly cut out on one side of the extending direction. The top ends of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the non-locking ring C do not have a concave-convex shape that would allow them to easily engage with the binding hole p1 provided in the document P.

[0090] The top end of the first ring component c1 in the non-locking ring C extends cantilevered from one side (upper half) towards the right direction of the corresponding second ring component c2 when viewed from a planar perspective. A first opposing surface m1 is provided at the top end of the first ring component c1 in the non-locking ring C. This first opposing surface m1 faces downwards and can abut against the second opposing surface m2 of the second ring component c2 in a closed position (S).

[0091] The top end of the second ring component c2 in the non-locking ring C extends cantilevered from one side (lower half) towards the left direction of the corresponding first ring component c1 when viewed from a planar perspective. A second opposing surface m2 is provided at the top end of the second ring component c2 in the non-locking ring C. This second opposing surface m2 faces upward and can abut against the first opposing surface m1 of the first ring component c1 in a closed position (S).

[0092] The non-locking ring C is in a closed position (S) by the contact between the first opposing surface m1 and the second opposing surface m2 at the cantilevered top end of the first and second ring constituent members c1 and c2.

[0093] The open position (T) of the non-locking ring C is the position in which the top ends of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 that make up the non-locking ring C are separated in the left and right direction.

[0094] <Regarding the closing position (S) and opening position (T) of the locking ring D>

[0095] The closed position (S) of the locking ring D is the position in which the top ends of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 constituting the locking ring D are engaged with each other. The top ends of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 in the locking ring D are engaged with each other in the closed position (S) against the force of the spring 4 in the open position (T).

[0096] Specifically, the top end of the first ring component d1 in the locking ring D is provided with an outwardly engaging portion d3, which serves as an engaging portion constituting the locking unit. The outwardly engaging portion d3 has a first engaging protrusion 1t protruding upward to the outer side, i.e., the outer side of the base B in the longitudinal direction, and a first recess 1w adjacent to the first engaging protrusion 1t and opening upward. When the second engaging protrusion 2t of the inwardly engaging portion d4 of the second ring component d2 in the locking ring D engages with the first engaging protrusion 1t, the second engaging protrusion 2t is located in the first recess 1w.

[0097] At the top end of the second ring component d2 in the locking ring D, an inwardly engaging portion d4 is provided as an engaging portion constituting the locking unit. The inwardly engaging portion d4 has a second engaging protrusion 2t protruding downward toward the inner side, i.e., the inner side of the base B in the longitudinal direction, and a second recess 2w disposed adjacent to the second engaging protrusion 2t and opening downward. When the first engaging protrusion 1t of the first ring component d1 in the locking ring D engages with the second engaging protrusion 2t, the first engaging protrusion 1t is located in the second recess 2w.

[0098] The open position (T) of the locking ring D is the position in which the top ends of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 constituting the locking ring D are separated in the left and right direction.

[0099] The non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are respectively forced in the direction of the open position (T) by the spring 4, which is an elastic force-applying unit disposed on the base B. Furthermore, the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are maintained in a closed state by the action of the outward engaging part d3 and the outward engaging part d4, which are provided on the locking ring D as locking units, thereby overcoming the force of the spring 4, thereby taking a closed position (S).

[0100] Operations used to change the position of the unlocked ring C and the locking ring D from closed (S) to open (T) include, for example,... Figure 13 The operation is performed as shown. That is, it is performed by engaging a finger with the first ring member d1 of the locking ring D located at the outermost position of the upper side of the third ring group G3 from the top, and engaging a finger with the first ring member d1 of the locking ring D located at the outermost position of the lower side of the third ring group G3 from the bottom. The finger causes these first ring members d1 to temporarily elastically deform in the direction of mutual approach, thereby releasing the engagement state between the outward engaging portion d3 of the first ring member d1 and the inward engaging portion d4 of the second ring member d2.

[0101] <<First, Second, and Third Ring Groups G1, G2, and G3>>

[0102] The binding device A comprises: a first ring group G1, which consists only of eight non-locking rings C, which are multiple binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals w2, and is located at one end in the length direction, i.e., the upper end in the vertical direction; a second ring group G2, which consists only of eight non-locking rings C, which are multiple binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals w2, and is located at the other end in the length direction, i.e., the lower end in the vertical direction; and a third ring group G3, which consists of four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D, which are multiple binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals w2, and is located between the first ring group G1 and the second ring group G2, i.e., the middle part in the vertical direction, and is configured to be recognizable relative to the first and second ring groups G1 and G2.

[0103] <Group 1, G1>

[0104] The first ring group G1 consists of a set of eight non-locking rings C, which are multiple binding rings. The first ring group G1 is composed of eight non-locking rings C arranged with approximately equal separation widths in the vertical direction. The first ring group G1 is a collection of eight non-locking rings C.

[0105] In this embodiment, the tilt angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the two outer (upper) non-locking rings C in the first ring group G1 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are different from the tilt angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the six non-locking rings C located further inside (lower) than them relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0106] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the two outer (upper) non-locking rings C relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are set to be approximately 0.5° inward, i.e., in the closed posture (S) direction, compared to the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the six inner (lower) non-locking rings C relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0107] In addition, the tilt angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (lower) side in the first ring group G1 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are different from the tilt angles of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 of the four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0108] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (lower) side relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are set such that they are tilted inward, i.e., in the closed posture (S) side, compared to the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the four non-locking rings C constituting the third ring group G3 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, and the angles of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 of the two locking rings D relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0109] In this embodiment, the binding tool A is set at the angles of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, d2 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1, 2, and in the open position (T), the separation dimensions w4, w5, w6 between the top ends (extension ends) of the corresponding first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, d2 are different.

[0110] That is, such as Figure 16 As shown, the separation dimension w4 between the top of the first ring component c1 and the top of the second ring component c2 of the two outer (upper) non-locking rings C in the first ring group G1 is set to be shorter than the separation dimension w5 between the top of the first ring component c1 and the top of the second ring component c2 of the six inner (lower) non-locking rings C.

[0111] Furthermore, the separation dimension w5 between the top of the first ring component c1 and the top of the second ring component c2 of the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (lower) side in the first ring group G1 is set to be shorter than the separation dimension w6 between the top of the first ring component c1 and the top of the second ring component c2 of the four non-locking rings C constituting the third ring group G3, and the separation dimension w6 between the top of the first ring component d1 and the top of the second ring component d2 of the two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3.

[0112] <Second Ring Group G2>

[0113] The second ring group G2 constitutes a collection of multiple non-locking rings C, which are multiple binding rings. The second ring group G2 consists of eight non-locking rings C arranged with approximately equal separation widths in the vertical direction. The second ring group G2 is a collection of eight non-locking rings C.

[0114] In this embodiment, the tilt angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the two outer (lower) non-locking rings C in the second ring group G2 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are different from the tilt angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (upper) side relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0115] More specifically, the tilt angle of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the two outer (lower) non-locking rings C relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 is set to be approximately 0.5° inward, i.e., in the closed posture (S) direction, compared to the tilt angle of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the six inner (upper) non-locking rings C relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0116] In addition, the tilt angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (upper) side in the second ring group G2 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are different from the tilt angles of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 of the four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0117] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (upper) side relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are set such that they are tilted inward, i.e., in the closed posture (S) side, compared to the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 of the four non-locking rings C constituting the third ring group G3 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, and the angles of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 of the two locking rings D relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0118] In this embodiment, the binding tool A is set at the angles of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, d2 relative to the first and second connecting plates 1, 2, and in the open position (T), the separation dimensions w4, w5, w6 between the top ends (extension ends) of the corresponding first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, d2 are different.

[0119] That is, such as Figure 17 As shown, the separation dimension w4 between the top of the first ring component c1 and the top of the second ring component c2 of the two outer (lower) non-locking rings C in the second ring group G2 is set to be shorter than the separation dimension w5 between the top of the first ring component c1 and the top of the second ring component c2 of the six inner (upper) non-locking rings C.

[0120] Furthermore, the separation dimension w5 between the top of the first ring component c1 and the top of the second ring component c2 of the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (upper) side in the second ring group G2 is set to be shorter than the separation dimension w6 between the top of the first ring component c1 and the top of the second ring component c2 of the four non-locking rings C constituting the third ring group G3, and the separation dimension w6 between the top of the first ring component d1 and the top of the second ring component d2 of the two locking rings D constituting the third ring group G3.

[0121] <Group G3, Third Ring>

[0122] The third ring group G3 consists of a collection of multiple unlocked rings C and multiple locking rings D, which are multiple binding rings. The third ring group G3 consists of four unlocked rings C and two locking rings D arranged with approximately equal separation width w2 in the vertical direction. The third ring group G3 is an assembly of four unlocked rings C and two locking rings D.

[0123] The third ring group G3 includes two locking rings D, which serve as operating rings. The two locking rings D are configured to have an outward engaging portion d3 and an inward engaging portion d4, which serve as locking units capable of being locked in a closed position (S).

[0124] The locking unit provided in each of the two locking rings D engages with the outwardly engaging portion d3 provided at the top end of the two first ring constituent members d1 forming the two locking rings D and the inwardly engaging portion d4 provided at the top end of the two second ring constituent members d2 forming the two locking rings D, thereby overcoming the force caused by the spring 4 acting in the direction of separation between the first ring constituent member d1 and the second ring constituent member d2 and preventing them from disengaging.

[0125] Four of the binding rings in the third ring group G3 include non-locking rings C, which serve as operating rings. The four non-locking rings C do not have locking units capable of locking in a closed position (S). No engaging elements capable of restricting separation are provided at the top ends of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 that form each non-locking ring C.

[0126] That is, the third ring group G3, which is the middle ring group, is located between the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, which are non-locking ring groups C, located at both ends in the length direction. Furthermore, the third ring group G3 is configured to be visually identifiable relative to the first and second ring groups G1 and G2.

[0127] The third ring group G3 has a pair of two locking rings D located at both ends in the vertical direction, and four non-locking rings C located between the two locking rings D and without locking units.

[0128] <Regarding the separation dimension w1 between adjacent ring groups>

[0129] The separation dimension w1 between adjacent ring groups, namely 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 the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, and is set to be longer than the interval w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3.

[0130] In other words, the separation dimension w1 between the upper locking ring D in the third ring group G3 and the first ring group G1, which is a non-locking ring group C, and the separation dimension w1 between the lower locking ring D in the third ring group G3 and the second ring group G2, which is a non-locking ring group C, are set to be longer than the interval w2 between adjacent non-locking rings C in the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, which are non-locking ring groups C.

[0131] 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, are set to be approximately the same. Furthermore, the spacing w2 and w3 between adjacent binding rings in each of the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 are set to be more than twice the size of the intervals w2 and w3.

[0132] The separation region formed between the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the separation region formed between the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3, are respectively set to the width for the two binding rings to be provided when binding rings are arranged with a separation distance that is the same as the separation distance between the binding rings in each ring group G1, G2, G3.

[0133] Furthermore, the interval w2 between adjacent binding rings in each of the first and second ring groups G1 and G2 is set to be shorter than the interval w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3. Of course, the interval w2 between adjacent binding rings in each of the first and second ring groups G1 and G2 and the interval w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3 can also be set to the same size.

[0134] <Regarding the work on Groups G1, G2, and G3 of the first, second, and third rings>

[0135] In this embodiment, the binding device A's posture change from a closed position (S) to an open position (T) is permitted only by applying an operating force to the two locking rings D included in the third ring group G3.

[0136] More specifically, the binding device A is configured such that the first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 can change their posture from the closed posture (S) of the bound document P to the open posture (T) of the document P being able to be loaded and unloaded by applying an operating force only to the operating rings, namely the two locking rings D, of the uppermost and lowermost binding rings among the six binding rings that are set to constitute the third ring group G3.

[0137] By using the fingers of either hand, the binding tool A can be opened with a single touch, i.e., the operation of changing its posture from a closed position (S) to an open position (T), by applying an operating force to the first ring component d1 of each of the two locking rings D located at the upper and lower ends of the third ring group G3, which moves closer to each other due to the elastic deformation of the components.

[0138] When the user applies an operating force to the first ring component d1 of the two locking rings D in a direction that brings them closer together, the engagement of the outward engaging part d3 and the inward engaging part d4 is released. The rotation of the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, which are always acting outward due to the force of the spring 4, is permitted. The first ring group G1, the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3 are all changed from the closed position (S) to the open position (T).

[0139] The binding tool A can be closed by applying an operational force in the direction of the closed position (S) to one or more, or all or any one of the four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D that make up the third ring group G3 using only the fingers of one hand (either left or right). This is an operation that changes the position from the open position (T) to the closed position (S).

[0140] Furthermore, the binding device A can be closed extremely easily with a single touch by randomly grasping the third ring group G3 in the open position (T) with the fingers of one hand, instead of strictly selecting specific binding rings from the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D, and bringing the components that the fingers of one hand are in contact with at this time (i.e., any one of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, d2 constituting the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D) closer together.

[0141] More specifically, the binding device A is configured such that the first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 can all change their posture from an open posture (T) capable of loading and unloading document P to a closed posture (S) capable of binding document P by applying an operating force only to one or more binding rings set as multiple binding rings in the third ring group G3, that is, only to all or any one of the two locking rings D and four non-locking rings C set as multiple binding rings constituting the third ring group G3.

[0142] In other words, by using the fingers of either hand (either left or right), an operating force can be applied to all or any one (at least one) of the first ring components c1 and d1 and all or any one (at least one) of the second ring components c2 and d2 located in the third ring group G3, thereby performing the closing operation of the binding tool A with a single touch, that is, the operation of changing the posture from the open posture (T) to the closed posture (S).

[0143] When the user performs the closing operation, the two locking rings D that make up the third ring group G3 overcome the force of the spring 4 and maintain the closed posture (S). Therefore, even if the user lets go, the closed posture (S) of all binding rings (i.e., the twenty non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D) can be maintained.

[0144] In the above-described embodiment, since the binding tool A has multiple binding rings arranged in a row, it is possible to stably bind the document P with binding holes p1. Moreover, the binding tool A is configured to allow the operation of opening and closing the multiple binding rings to be performed with a single touch using only one hand, making it easy for the user to operate.

[0145] Furthermore, in the binding device A of the above-described embodiment, at both ends along the length direction where the document P to be bound is easily positioned, there is a group of non-locking rings C, consisting only of non-locking rings C with shaped portions that easily engage with the binding holes p1 where the document P is not located. Therefore, in the binding device A of this embodiment, the document P can be smoothly installed and detached from the multiple binding rings.

[0146] As explained above, the binding device A of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of binding rings, including a non-locking ring C and a locking ring D, which are arranged at predetermined intervals and can be opened and closed between a closed position (S) for binding document P and an open position (T) for loading and unloading document P.

[0147] Furthermore, a locking ring D is provided at the middle of the binding device A along its length. This locking ring D is included in the binding ring and is configured to have an outward engaging portion d3 and an inward engaging portion d4, which serve as locking units capable of being locked in a closed position (S). First and second ring groups G1 and G2 are provided at both ends of the binding device A along its length. These first and second ring groups G1 and G2 are non-locking ring groups included in the binding ring and consisting only of multiple non-locking rings C that do not have locking units.

[0148] Therefore, in this embodiment, at least one binding tool A can be provided that can smoothly mount a document P onto a non-locking ring C, which is a plurality of binding rings, and a locking ring D.

[0149] In other words, the binding tool A has non-locking rings C as multiple binding rings and locking rings D in order to stably hold the document P. Furthermore, in this binding tool A, first and second ring groups G1 and G2 are provided at both ends in the length direction that are easy to become positioning targets for the document P to be bound. These first and second ring groups G1 and G2 are non-locking ring groups consisting only of non-locking rings C with shaped portions that are easy to catch the binding hole p1 where the document P is not provided.

[0150] Therefore, if it is the binding device A of this embodiment, the document P can be smoothly installed on the non-locking ring C, which is a plurality of binding rings, and the locking ring D.

[0151] The separation dimension w1 between the locking ring D and the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, which are non-locking ring groups, is set to be longer than the separation dimension w2 between adjacent non-locking rings C in the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, which are non-locking ring groups.

[0152] Therefore, the design of the locking ring D, which allows the user's fingers to easily access it, offers excellent flexibility.

[0153] The non-locking ring C and locking ring D, which constitute multiple binding rings, are each composed of a pair of ring-forming components c1, c2, d1, and d2 that are rotatably arranged relative to the base body 3.

[0154] Therefore, the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are multiple binding rings, are appropriately defined in an open posture (T) and a closed posture (S) by a pair of ring constituent members c1, c2, d1, d2 that are rotatably arranged relative to the base body 3.

[0155] The base B comprises a base on which the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, which are rotatably supported relative to the base body 3. Furthermore, the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are multiple binding rings, are composed of first ring members c1 and d1 supported on the first connecting plate 1 and second ring members c2 and d2 supported on the second connecting plate 2.

[0156] Furthermore, the tilt angles of the first and second ring constituent members c1 and c2 of the outermost two non-locking rings C in the first and second ring groups G1 and G2 of the non-locking ring group relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are different from the tilt angles of the first and second ring constituent members c1 and c2 of the six non-locking rings C located further inside them relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0157] Therefore, it is possible to appropriately achieve a setting where the separation dimension w4 between the top ends of the outermost first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the open posture (T) of the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, which are non-locking ring groups, is shorter than the separation dimensions w5 and w6 between the top ends of the other first and second ring components c1 and c2. This allows the first and second ring groups G1 and G2 to be guided from the open posture (T) to the appropriate closed posture (S) in conjunction with the operation of changing the posture of the third locking ring group G3, which has a locking ring D arranged in the middle part in the length direction, from the open posture (T) to the closed posture (S).

[0158] The third ring group G3 is configured to include a plurality of non-locking rings C arranged at predetermined intervals w2, and is located between the first and second ring groups G1 and G2 located at both ends in the length direction, and is configured to be recognizable relative to the first and second ring groups G1 and G2.

[0159] Furthermore, the third ring group G3 has a pair of locking rings D disposed at both ends and multiple, i.e., four non-locking rings C disposed between the pair of locking rings D and without locking units.

[0160] Therefore, the third ring group G3 makes it sufficient to apply the user's operating force to only one pair of locking rings D for the operation of changing the posture from the closed posture (S) to the open posture (T). Moreover, the operation of changing the posture from the open posture (T) to the closed posture (S) only requires applying the user's operating force to any one of the pair of locking rings D and the four unlocking rings C. Therefore, it is possible to properly implement the operation of changing the posture between the open posture (T) and the closed posture (S).

[0161] The non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are multiple binding rings, move together in the closed position (S) and the open position (T), respectively.

[0162] Therefore, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 move together in the closed posture (S) and open posture (T), thus enabling the user to perform closed and open operations appropriately.

[0163] The non-locking ring C, which consists of multiple binding rings, and the locking ring D are subjected to force by the spring 4, which acts as an elastic force-applying unit, in the direction of the open position (T), and in the state of closing by overcoming the force, they take the closed position (S).

[0164] Therefore, the open position (T) and closed position (S) of the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are appropriately defined by the spring 4.

[0165] The locking unit provided on the locking ring D consists of an outwardly engaging portion d3 and an inwardly engaging portion d4 located at the top ends of a pair of ring-forming members d1 and d2.

[0166] Therefore, the non-locking ring C, which consists of multiple binding rings, and the locking ring D can be closed by engaging the outward engaging portion d3 and the inward engaging portion d4, which are engaged portions provided at the top ends of the first and second ring constituent members d1 and d2 constituting the locking ring D. This can appropriately achieve a closed state that overcomes the force of the spring 4.

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

[0168] Alternatively, a single locking ring may be provided in the middle of the binding tool along its length. In other words, the binding tool may also be configured without a ring assembly in the middle of its length.

[0169] Binding tools may also be equipped with multiple locking rings only in the middle of the length direction.

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

[0171] The configuration of the locking unit set in the locking ring can be any configuration that can lock in a closed position, and any appropriate configuration can be used.

[0172] In a position inside the first and second ring groups, which are the outermost ring groups, other ring groups different from the third ring group may also be provided, or a single binding ring that does not constitute a specific ring group may be provided.

[0173] The third ring group, which is the central ring group, is preferably configured to be recognizable relative to the first and second ring groups, which are the outer ring groups. Here, "configured to be recognizable" means configured to be visually distinguishable.

[0174] In the above embodiments, the third ring group is configured to be identifiable relative to the first and second ring groups by setting the separation size between the third ring group and the first ring group and the third ring group and the second ring group to be larger than the separation size between adjacent binding rings in each ring group. However, the method of configuring it to be identifiable is not limited to such a method.

[0175] Other specific examples of settings that enable recognition include examples where the color and shape of the third ring group are different from those of the first and second ring groups; examples where the color and shape of the base supporting the third ring group are different from those of the base supporting the first and second ring groups; and examples where the color and shape of the cover corresponding to the position of the third ring group are different from those of the cover corresponding to the position of the first and second ring groups.

[0176] Each ring group can consist of two or more binding rings. That is, each ring group may not consist of the number of binding rings shown in the above embodiments.

[0177] The locking ring can be configured with only one ring or with three or more rings.

[0178] In the above-described embodiments, the multiple binding rings are configured as so-called O-rings, but are not limited to this configuration. For example, the multiple binding rings may also be configured as so-called D-rings.

[0179] Documents bound with binding tools are not limited to paper; they can also be made of synthetic resin.

[0180] Furthermore, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0181] Industrial availability

[0182] The present invention can be used as a binding tool for binding documents with binding holes and as a folder using the binding tool.

[0183] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0184] A…binding tools

[0185] B…base

[0186] C…non-locking ring

[0187] D…locking ring

[0188] 1…First connecting plate

[0189] 2…Second connecting plate

[0190] 3…Base Main Body

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

[0192] G1…First ring group (non-locking ring group)

[0193] G2…Second ring group (non-locking ring group)

[0194] G3…Third Ring Group

[0195] c1, d1… The first ring consists of components

[0196] c2, d2… Second ring components

[0197] (S)...Closed posture

[0198] (T)...Opening posture

Claims

1. A binding device, the binding device being provided with a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals and capable of opening and closing between a closed position for binding documents and an open position for loading and unloading the documents. A locking ring is provided at the middle of the length direction. The locking ring is included in the binding ring and is configured to have a locking unit capable of locking in the closed position. Non-locking ring groups are provided at both ends along the length direction. The non-locking ring groups are included in the binding ring and consist only of a plurality of non-locking rings that do not have the locking unit.

2. The binding tool according to claim 1, The separation dimension between the locking ring and the unlocked ring group is set to be longer than the separation dimension between adjacent unlocked rings in the unlocked ring group.

3. The binding tool according to claim 1, The locking ring and the unlocking ring constituting the plurality of binding rings are each composed of a pair of ring-shaped components that are rotatably disposed relative to the base body.

4. The binding tool according to claim 1, 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 tilt angles of the first ring component and the second ring component of the outermost single or multiple non-locking rings in the non-locking ring group relative to the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate are different from the tilt angles of the first ring component and the second ring component of the inner single or multiple non-locking rings relative to the first connecting plate and the second connecting plate.

5. The binding tool according to claim 1, The binding tool includes a central ring group comprising a plurality of binding rings arranged at predetermined intervals, located between the unlocked ring groups located at both ends in the length direction, and configured to be identifiable relative to the unlocked ring groups. The intermediate ring assembly includes a pair of locking rings disposed at both ends and one or more unlocked rings disposed between these locking rings and without the locking unit.

6. The binding tool according to claim 1, The plurality of binding rings move together in the closed position and the open position.

7. The binding tool according to claim 1, 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.

8. The binding tool according to claim 3, The locking unit disposed on the locking ring is an engaging portion disposed at the top end of the pair of ring constituent members.

9. A type of binder, The binder is configured to have a binding device as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 on its cover.

Images