Ring binder

Abstract

To provide a ring type binding tool capable of widening the gap between the tips of split ring parts while avoiding excessively lowering the height position of an inner shaft part. [Solution] When the first substrate 1, the second substrate 2, and the sheath body 4 are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a first outer shaft portion 51, which serves as an axis of relative rotation of the first substrate 1 with respect to the sheath body 4, is provided on the outside of the first substrate 1 in the width direction D2, a second outer shaft portion 52, which serves as an axis of relative rotation of the second substrate 2 with respect to the sheath body 4, is provided on the outside of the second substrate 2 in the width direction D2, and an inner shaft portion 53, which serves as an axis of relative rotation between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, is provided on the inside of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 in the width direction D2, and the inner shaft portion 53 is positioned closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 than the center position CP between the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 53 with respect to the width direction D2.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a ring-type binder whose state can be switched between a closed state and an open state by rotational displacement of a first substrate and a second substrate under the action of a pressing force of a sheath body. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally used ring binders of this type include, for example, the ring binder disclosed in Patent Document 1 below. Patent Document 1 discloses a ring binder whose state is switched between a closed state and an open state by the rotational displacement of a first substrate and a second substrate under the action of a pressing force of a sheath body. A first outer shaft portion is provided on the outer side of the first substrate in the width direction, which serves as an axis of relative rotation of the first substrate with respect to the sheath body. A second outer shaft portion is provided on the outer side of the second substrate in the width direction, which serves as an axis of relative rotation of the second substrate with respect to the sheath body. An inner shaft portion (fulcrum convex portion) is provided on the inner side of the first and second substrates in the width direction, which serves as an axis of relative rotation between the first and second substrates. The inner shaft portion is disposed at the center between the first and second outer shaft portions in the width direction. By disposing the inner shaft portion at the center between the first and second outer shaft portions in this way, first and second substrates of the same shape can be used by being inverted longitudinally and facing each other. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7402583 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the above-described ring binder, the wider the gap between the tips of the split ring portions (half ring portions) in the open state, the easier it is to insert paper sheets between them. The gap between the tips can be adjusted by the amount of deviation between the height positions of the first and second outer shaft portions and the inner shaft portion in the closed state. Specifically, the lower the inner shaft portion is positioned, the wider the gap between the tips. However, if the inner shaft portion is lowered too much to widen the gap between the tips, the distance (radius of rotation) between the inner shaft portion and the first and second outer shaft portions increases, increasing the amount of displacement and increasing the input to the operating piece, etc., to switch between the open and closed states. It is preferable to switch between the open and closed states with less force. Furthermore, as the amount of displacement increases, the operating force required to make the displacement increases. On the other hand, if the inner shaft portion is set higher to switch between the open and closed states with less force, the gap between the tips tends to narrow, so there is a limit to the amount of adjustment of the gap between the tips by changing the height position of the inner shaft portion.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its purposes is to provide a ring-type binding device that can widen the gap between the tips of the split ring portions while avoiding making the height position of the inner shaft portion too low. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The inventors conducted various studies and discovered that by positioning the inner shank in a width direction closer to the first outer shank than to the center between the first and second outer shanks, the distance between the tips of the split ring portions can be made wider compared to when the inner shank is positioned in the center as in conventional technology. The present invention was made based on this new finding.

[0007] [1] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a ring-type binder comprising: longitudinal first and second substrates extending parallel to each other adjacent to each other; a plurality of split ring portions provided on the front surfaces of the first and second substrates; and a longitudinal sheath body disposed on the rear surfaces of the first and second substrates, sandwiching the first and second substrates from the outside in the width direction and pressing the first and second substrates against each other to hold them in place, wherein rotational displacement of the first and second substrates under the action of the pressing force of the sheath body switches between a closed state in which the tips of the split ring portions are brought close to each other and an open state in which the tips of the split ring portions are separated from each other. The present invention relates to a ring-type binding device, wherein, when the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sheath body are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a first outer shaft portion is provided on the outside of the first substrate in the width direction, the first outer shaft portion being an axis of relative rotation of the first substrate with respect to the sheath body, a second outer shaft portion is provided on the outside of the second substrate in the width direction, the second outer shaft portion being an axis of relative rotation of the second substrate with respect to the sheath body, and an inner shaft portion is provided on the inside of the first substrate and the second substrate in the width direction, the inner shaft portion being an axis of relative rotation between the first substrate and the second substrate, and the inner shaft portion is positioned in a position closer to the first outer shaft portion in the width direction than the center position between the first outer shaft portion and the second outer shaft portion.

[0008] [2] The present invention may relate to the ring-type binding device described in paragraph 1, wherein a first operating piece is provided at one end of the first substrate in the longitudinal direction, a second operating piece is provided at an end of the second substrate on the same side as the first operating piece in the longitudinal direction, the first substrate and the second substrate are rotated to the open state so that the tops of the first operating piece and the second operating piece approach each other, and the first substrate and the second substrate are rotated to the closed state so that the top of the first operating piece and the second operating piece move away from each other, and the first operating piece and the second operating piece are arranged so that in the open state, the top of the first operating piece is positioned at a higher position than the top of the second operating piece.

[0009] [3] The present invention may relate to the ring-type binding device described in paragraph 2, wherein a protrusion is provided on the top of the second operating piece, extending in the longitudinal direction and contacting the side of the first operating piece in the open state.

[0010] [4] The present invention may relate to a ring-type binding device as described in paragraph 2 or 3, wherein the back surface of the first substrate is provided with at least one first flange portion that fits under the back surface of the second substrate, and the back surface of the second substrate is provided with at least one second flange portion that is spaced apart from the first flange portion in the longitudinal direction and fits under the back surface of the first substrate, and at least one of the second flange portions is positioned closer to the ends of the first substrate and the second substrate at which the first operating piece and the second operating piece are provided, compared to the first flange portion.

[0011] [5] The present invention may relate to the ring-type binding device described in paragraph 4, wherein a third operating piece is provided at the other end of the first substrate in the longitudinal direction, and at least one of the second flange portions is positioned closer to the other end of the first substrate at which the third operating piece is provided than the first flange portion.

[0012] [6] The present invention may relate to a ring-type binding device as described in any one of paragraphs 2 to 5, in which an axle body is provided on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, a bearing body is provided on at least the other of the first substrate and the second substrate, the axle body is inserted into the bearing body, and relative rotation between the first substrate and the second substrate is performed around the axle body as an axis.

[0013] [7] The present invention may relate to a ring-type binding device described in paragraph 6, wherein the bearing body has a first receiving piece and a second receiving piece with an opening between their respective tips to allow the shaft body to be inserted, and a bearing claw portion that protrudes from one tip of the first receiving piece and the second receiving piece so as to approach the other of the first receiving piece and the second receiving piece, and narrows the opening of the opening in a portion of the width of the bearing body in the longitudinal direction.

[0014] [8] The present invention may relate to a ring-type binding device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein, when the first substrate, the second substrate and the sheath body are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the position of the tip of the split ring portion in the closed state is positioned closer to the first outer shaft portion in the width direction than the center position between the first outer shaft portion and the second outer shaft portion.

[0015] [9] The present invention may relate to a ring-type binding device described in any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein, when the first substrate, the second substrate and the sheath body are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the position of the tip of the split ring portion in the closed state is positioned closer to the second outer shaft portion in the width direction than the center position between the first outer shaft portion and the second outer shaft portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to one embodiment of the ring-type binding device of the present invention, in the width direction, the inner shaft portion is positioned closer to the first outer shaft portion than the center position between the first outer shaft portion and the second outer shaft portion, thereby making it possible to widen the gap between the tips of the split ring portions while avoiding the height position of the inner shaft portion being too low. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a ring-type binder according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the ring-type binder of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the ring binder of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the ring binder of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a perspective view of the ring binder of FIG. 1 as seen obliquely from above. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the ring-type binder of FIG. 1 in an open state. [Figure 7] 2 is a perspective view of the ring binder of FIG. 1 in an open state, seen obliquely from above. FIG. [Figure 8] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ring binder of FIG. 1 in a closed state. [Figure 9] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ring binder of FIG. 1 in an open state. [Figure 10] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the effect of the inner shaft portion being disposed at a position closer to the first outer shaft portion than the center position. FIG. [Figure 11] 6 is a perspective view of the first and second substrates of FIG. 5 as viewed from the rear surface side. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing region XII in FIG. [Figure 13] 8 is a perspective view of the first and second substrates of FIG. 7 as viewed from the rear surface side. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing region XIV of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the ring-type binder of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing an open state in the first modified example of FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is a perspective view of the first modified example of FIG. 15 with the sheath removed and the front and back and longitudinal direction reversed. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view showing region XVIII of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing region XVIII in the open state. [Figure 20] 1 with the sheath removed. FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the first substrate of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view showing region XXII of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view showing region XXIII of FIG. 21. [Figure 24] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the second substrate of FIG. 20. [Figure 25] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view showing area XXV of FIG. 21. [Figure 26] FIG. 22 is an enlarged view showing area XXVI of FIG. 21. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a second modified example taken along line XXVII-XXVII in FIG. 20. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the second modified example of FIG. 27 in an open state. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is an enlarged view showing area XXIX of FIG. 28. [Figure 30] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a third modified example of the ring-type binder of FIG. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the third modified example of FIG. 30 in an open state. [Figure 32] 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth modified example of the ring-type binder of FIG. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth modified example of FIG. 32 in an open state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to each embodiment, and the components can be modified and embodied without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Furthermore, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining multiple components disclosed in each embodiment. For example, some components may be omitted from all the components shown in the embodiments. Furthermore, components of different embodiments may be appropriately combined.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a front view showing a ring type binding device according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the ring type binding device of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a bottom view showing the ring type binding device of Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a left side view showing the ring type binding device of Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the ring type binding device of Fig. 1 when viewed obliquely from above. Fig. 6 is a left side view showing the ring type binding device of Fig. 1 in an open state, and Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the ring type binding device of Fig. 1 in an open state when viewed obliquely from above. The back view and right side view of the ring type binding device are symmetrical to the front view and left side view.

[0020] The ring binder shown in Figures 1 to 7 is a tool for binding multiple sheets of paper with multiple holes, such as loose-leaf paper. As shown in Figures 1 to 7, the ring binder has a first substrate 1, a second substrate 2, multiple split ring portions 3, and a sheath body 4.

[0021] The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 are longitudinal members that extend parallel to each other and are adjacent to each other. The direction in which the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 extend is sometimes referred to as the longitudinal direction D1.

[0022] The split ring portions 3 are provided on the front surface side (top surface side in FIG. 1) of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. The split ring portions 3 are provided integrally with the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, respectively. The split ring portions 3 are provided spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction D1 on each of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. The split ring portions 3 provided on the first substrate 1 are arranged so as to face the split ring portions 3 provided on the second substrate 2. The number of split ring portions 3 provided on each of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 is the same. In the ring-type binding device of this embodiment, 26 split ring portions 3 are provided on each of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2.

[0023] The sheath body 4 is a longitudinal member disposed on the rear surface side (the lower surface side in FIG. 1) of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, sandwiching the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 from the outside in the width direction D2 and pressing and holding the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 against each other. The width direction D2 is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1.

[0024] The sheath body 4 may be made of a material containing a resin material. Various materials containing a resin material can be used to make up the sheath body 4. As the material containing a resin material, a petroleum-derived resin such as polycarbonate may be used, but a biomass plastic may also be used. Biomass plastic may mean a resin not derived from petroleum, such as a paper- or plant-derived resin. The material containing a resin material may include a material derived from paper, corn, eggshells, or seashells. The material making up the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 may be the same material as the sheath body 4 or may be a different material from the sheath body 4. An example of a material different from the sheath body 4 is a metal such as an iron-based material.

[0025] The ring-type binder of this embodiment is configured so that its state can be switched between a closed state in which the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 are brought close to each other and an open state in which the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 are separated from each other by rotational displacement of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 under the action of the pressing force of the sheath body 4. Figures 1 to 5 show the ring-type binder in the closed state, and Figures 6 and 7 show the ring-type binder in the open state.

[0026] Next, Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the ring-type binder of Fig. 1 in a closed state, and Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the ring-type binder of Fig. 1 in an open state. Figs. 8 and 9 show cross sections perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1 at the position of line AA in Fig. 2.

[0027] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, when the first substrate 1, the second substrate 2, and the sheath body 4 are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1, a first outer shaft portion 51, which serves as an axis of relative rotation of the first substrate 1 with respect to the sheath body 4, is provided on the outer side of the first substrate 1 in the width direction D2 (left side in the figure). A second outer shaft portion 52, which serves as an axis of relative rotation of the second substrate 2 with respect to the sheath body 4, is provided on the outer side of the second substrate 2 in the width direction D2 (right side in the figure). An inner shaft portion 53, which serves as an axis of relative rotation between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, is provided on the inner side of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 in the width direction D2. In Figures 8 and 9, circles are drawn at the positions of the first outer shaft portion 51, the second outer shaft portion 52, and the inner shaft portion 53 for ease of understanding. In the ring-type binding device of this embodiment, in relation to the width direction D2, the inner shaft portion 53 is disposed at a position closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 than the center position CP between the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52. In other words, in the ring-type binding device of this embodiment, the inner shaft portion 53 is disposed offset from the center position CP toward the first substrate 1.

[0028] At least one first protrusion 10 is provided on the outer side of the first substrate 1 in the width direction D2. In the illustrated embodiment, two first protrusions 10 are provided spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction D3 of the first substrate 1. The first protrusion 10 on the back side (lower side in the figure) of the first substrate 1 abuts against the sheath body 4. When switching between the closed state and the open state as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer surface of the first protrusion 10 abutting against the sheath body 4 slides on the inner surface of the sheath body 4, causing the first substrate 1 to rotate relative to the sheath body 4. In the cross sections shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first substrate 1 rotates counterclockwise when switching from the closed state of FIG. 8 to the open state of FIG. 9. The position of the first outer shaft portion 51 in this embodiment is the center of curvature of the outer surface of the first protrusion 10 abutting against the sheath body 4 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1. When the center of curvature of the outer surface of the first protrusion 10 is uncertain, the relative rotation of the first substrate 1 with respect to the sheath body 4 is observed, and the center position of that rotation is taken as the position of the first outer shaft portion 51.

[0029] Similarly, at least one second protrusion 20 is provided on the outer side of the second substrate 2 in the width direction D2. In the illustrated embodiment, two second protrusions 20 are provided spaced apart from each other in the thickness direction D3 of the second substrate 2. The second protrusion 20 on the back side (lower side in the figure) of the second substrate 2 abuts against the sheath body 4. When switching between the closed state and the open state as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the outer surface of the second protrusion 20 abutting against the sheath body 4 slides on the inner surface of the sheath body 4, causing the second substrate 2 to rotate relative to the sheath body 4. In the cross sections shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the second substrate 2 rotates clockwise when switching from the closed state of FIG. 8 to the open state of FIG. 9. The position of the second outer shaft portion 52 in this embodiment is the center of curvature of the outer surface of the second protrusion 20 abutting against the sheath body 4 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1. When the center of curvature of the outer surface of the second protrusion 20 is uncertain, the relative rotation of the second substrate 2 with respect to the sheath 4 is observed, and the center position of that rotation is taken as the position of the second outer shaft portion 52 .

[0030] When viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1, the first substrate 1 has a first body 11, and the second substrate 2 has a second body 21. The first body 11 and the second substrate 21 may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In the closed state shown in FIG. 8, the inner surfaces of the first body 11 and the second body 21 are close to each other. At this time, the inner surfaces of the first body 11 and the second body 21 are in contact at least at their rear ends (lower ends in the figure) in the thickness direction D3. In the open state shown in FIG. 9, the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 rotate relative to each other so that the front ends (upper ends in the figure) of the inner surfaces of the first body 11 and the second body 21 move away from each other while the rear ends (lower ends in the figure) of the inner surfaces of the first body 11 and the second body 21 remain in contact with each other. In this configuration, the position of the inner shaft portion 53 is the position of the rear ends of the inner surfaces of the first body 11 and the second body 21.

[0031] In this embodiment, the width of the first substrate 1 is narrower than the width of the second substrate 2, and therefore the inner shaft portion 53 is disposed at a position closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 than the center position CP between the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52. From this perspective, the first substrate 1 may be called the narrow substrate, and the second substrate 2 may be called the wide substrate.

[0032] The sheath body 4 has a U-shaped cross section. The sheath body 4 has a back plate 40, side plate portions 41 extending from both side edges of the back plate 40, and sheath engagement claws 42 projecting toward each other from the tips of the side plate portions 41. The first protrusions 10 and the second protrusions 20 abut against the inner surface of the side plate 41. The sheath engagement claws 42 are positioned between the two first protrusions 10 and the two second protrusions 20. The sheath engagement claws 42 contact the side surfaces (upper surfaces in the figure) of the first protrusions 10 and the second protrusions 20 abutting against the sheath body 4 in the thickness direction D3. Curved surfaces having curvatures corresponding to the outer surfaces of the first protrusions 10 and the second protrusions 20 are provided at the connection points between the side plate portions 41 and the sheath engagement claws 42.

[0033] As shown in Figure 8, when the first substrate 1, second substrate 2, and sheath body 4 are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1, the position of the tip 3a of the split ring portion 3 in the closed state may be located at the center position CP between the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52 in the width direction D2. The split ring portion 3 may also be O-ring shaped. In other words, the radius of curvature of the split ring portion 3 of the first substrate 1 may be the same as the radius of curvature of the split ring portion 3 of the second substrate 2. Having the split ring portion 3 be O-ring shaped improves the ease of turning over paper sheets.

[0034] Next, Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the effect of arranging the inner shaft portion 53 at a position closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 than the center position CP. In Figure 10, reference numerals are omitted for ease of viewing.

[0035] In a ring binder, the wider the gap between the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 in the open state, the easier it is to insert paper sheets between them. The gap between the tips 3a can be adjusted by the amount of deviation between the height positions of the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52 and the height position of the inner shaft portion 53 in the closed state. Specifically, the lower the inner shaft portion 53 is positioned, the wider the gap between the tips 3a can be.

[0036] However, if the inner shaft 53 is set too low to widen the gap between the tips 3a, the distance (radius of rotation) between the inner shaft 53 and the first and second outer shafts 51 and 52 increases, increasing the amount of displacement, which in turn increases the input required to operate the operating piece to switch between the open and closed states. It is preferable to be able to switch between the open and closed states with less force. Furthermore, as the amount of displacement increases, the operating force required to effect the displacement also increases. On the other hand, if the inner shaft 53 is set high to enable switching between the open and closed states with less force, the gap between the tips 3a tends to narrow, which limits the amount of adjustment of the gap between the tips 3a by adjusting the height of the inner shaft 53.

[0037] The embodiments shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B) are embodiments in which all parts are designed under the same conditions except for the position of the inner shaft portion 53 in the width direction D2. That is, in the embodiments shown in Figures 10(A) and 10(B), the amount of deviation between the height positions of the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52 and the height position of the inner shaft portion 53 is the same. However, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10(A), the inner shaft portion 53 is positioned closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 than the center position CP, as in the ring binding device of Figures 1 to 9, while in the embodiment shown in Figure 10(B), the inner shaft portion 53 is positioned at the center position CP, unlike the ring binding device of Figures 1 to 9.

[0038] As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, by arranging the inner shaft portion 53 closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 than the center position CP between the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52 in the width direction D2 as in Figure 10A, the gap between the distal ends 3a of the split ring portions 3 can be made wider compared to when the inner shaft portion 53 is arranged closer to the center position CP as in Figure 10B. This is thought to be because the first substrate 1 (narrow substrate) rotates more greatly when the inner shaft portion 53 is offset toward the first substrate 1. That is, according to the ring-type binding device of this embodiment, the inner shaft portion 53 is arranged closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 than the center position CP between the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52 in the width direction D2. This makes it possible to widen the gap between the distal ends 3a of the split ring portions 3 while avoiding the height position of the inner shaft portion 53 being too low. Another way to widen the gap between the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 is to increase the radius of curvature of the split ring portions 3, but the ring-type binder of this embodiment makes it possible to widen the gap between the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 without increasing the radius of curvature of the split ring portions 3. Also, by rotating the first substrate 1 (narrow substrate) more, the tip 3a of the first substrate 1 can be oriented in a way that allows paper sheets to be easily inserted.

[0039] 1 to 7, a first operation piece 61 is provided at one end of the first substrate 1 in the longitudinal direction D1, and a second operation piece 62 is provided at an end of the second substrate 2 on the same side as the first operation piece 61 in the longitudinal direction D1. The first operation piece 61 and the second operation piece 62 are provided so as to protrude from the ends of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 toward the front surface. The first operation piece 61 and the second operation piece 62 are provided adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction D1.

[0040] The ring-type binding device of this embodiment is opened by rotating the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 so that the tops 61a, 62a of the first operating piece 61 and the second operating piece 62 approach each other as shown in Figure 6, and is closed by rotating the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 so that the tops 61a, 62a of the first operating piece 61 and the second operating piece 62 move away from each other as shown in Figure 4.

[0041] 6, the first operating piece 61 and the second operating piece 62 are arranged so that in the open state, the top 61a of the first operating piece 61 is positioned higher than the top 62a of the second operating piece 62. With this configuration, it is possible to easily press down only the top 61a of the first operating piece 61 from the front side of the ring binder. By pressing down the top 61a of the first operating piece 61, the state of the ring binder can be switched to the closed state.

[0042] 4, the first operating piece 61 and the second operating piece 62 are arranged so that the tops 61a, 62a of the first operating piece 61 and the second operating piece 62 are located at the same height in the closed state. In the ring-type binding device of this embodiment, the offset of the inner shaft portion 53 toward the first substrate 1 causes the first substrate 1 to rotate more, so that the top 61a of the first operating piece 61 is located at a higher position than the top 62a of the second operating piece 62 in the open state.

[0043] A protrusion 62b is provided on the top 62a of the second operating piece 62, extending in the longitudinal direction D1 and coming into contact with a side surface 61b of the first operating piece 61 in the open state as shown in Fig. 6. The contact of the protrusion 62b with the side surface 61b of the first operating piece 61 restricts the angle of relative rotation between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2.

[0044] Next, Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 of Fig. 5 as viewed from the back surface side, Fig. 12 is an enlarged view showing region XII of Fig. 11, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 of Fig. 7 as viewed from the back surface side, and Fig. 14 is an enlarged view showing region XIV of Fig. 11. Note that in Figs. 11 to 14, the sheath body 4 has been removed from the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2.

[0045] At least one first flange 71 is provided on the back surface of the first substrate 1, which extends below the back surface of the second substrate 2. At least one second flange 72 is provided on the back surface of the second substrate 2, spaced apart from the first flange 71 in the longitudinal direction D1, which extends below the back surface of the first substrate 1. These first flange 71 and second flange 72 come into contact with the back surfaces of the second substrate 2 and the first substrate 1, respectively, to restrict the angle of relative rotation between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. Figure 9 shows how the front surface of the second flange 72 comes into contact with the back surface of the first substrate 1 to restrict the angle of rotation.

[0046] 12, at least one of the second flange portions 72 is disposed at a position closer to the ends of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 on which the first operating piece 61 and the second operating piece 62 are provided, compared to the first flange portion 71. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 14, in the ring-type binder of this embodiment, in the open state, the top 61a of the first operating piece 61 is positioned higher than the top 62a of the second operating piece 62. Then, as described above, it is assumed that the state of the ring-type binder is switched to the closed state by pressing down the top 61a of the first operating piece 61. Because the second flange 72 is positioned close to the ends of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, the force applied when pressing down on the top 61a of the first operating piece 61 (see the upward arrow at the bottom of FIG. 14) can be received by the second flange 72 (see the downward arrow at the top of FIG. 14), as particularly shown in FIG. 14, and this force allows the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 to rotate smoothly relative to each other.

[0047] As particularly shown in FIGS. 5 and 7 , a third operation piece 63 is provided at the other end of the first substrate 1 in the longitudinal direction D1, and a fourth operation piece 64 is provided at the end of the second substrate 2 on the same side as the third operation piece 63 in the longitudinal direction D1. The third operation piece 63 and the fourth operation piece 64 are configured similarly to the first operation piece 61 and the second operation piece 62 described above. That is, the third operation piece 63 and the fourth operation piece 64 are provided so as to protrude from the ends of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 toward the front surface. The third operation piece 63 and the fourth operation piece 64 are provided adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction D1. The third operation piece 63 and the fourth operation piece 64 are provided so that the top 63a of the third operation piece 63 is positioned higher than the top 64a of the fourth operation piece 64 in the open state. By pressing down the top 63a of the third operation piece 63, the state of the ring binder can be switched to the closed state.

[0048] 11 and 13, at least one of the second flanges 72 is disposed closer to the other end of the first substrate 1, on which the third operating piece 63 and the fourth operating piece 64 are provided, than the first flange 71. This allows the second flange 72 to receive the force exerted when pressing down on the top 63a of the third operating piece 63, and this force allows the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 to rotate smoothly relative to each other.

[0049] Next, Figure 15 is an oblique view showing a first modified example of the ring-type binding device of Figure 1, Figure 16 is an oblique view showing the open state in the first modified example of Figure 15, Figure 17 is an oblique view of the first modified example of Figure 15 with the sheath body 4 removed and the front and back and the longitudinal direction D1 inverted, Figure 18 is an enlarged view showing area XVIII of Figure 17, and Figure 19 is an enlarged view showing area XVIII in the open state.

[0050] The first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 may have different structures at one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction D1. In the first modified example shown in FIGS. 15 to 19, a first operating piece 61 and a second operating piece 62 are provided at one end, while only a third operating piece 63 is provided at the other end. That is, the fourth operating piece 64 is omitted from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7. Even in this embodiment, the state of the ring-type binder can be switched to the closed state by pressing down the top portion 63a of the third operating piece 63. Furthermore, at least one of the second flanges 72 is located closer to the other end of the first substrate 1 where the third operating piece 63 is provided, compared to the first flange 71.

[0051] In addition, the number of split ring portions 3 can be changed as desired. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 7, 26 split ring portions 3 were provided on each of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, but in a first modified example shown in Figures 15 to 19, 8 split ring portions 3 are provided on each of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. In the first modified example, two split ring groups, each consisting of four split ring portions 3, are arranged apart in the longitudinal direction D1 on each of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2.

[0052] Next, Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the ring-type binding device of Fig. 1 with the sheath body 4 removed. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing the first substrate 1 of Fig. 20, Fig. 22 is an enlarged view showing area XXII of Fig. 21, and Fig. 23 is an enlarged view showing area XXIII of Fig. 21. Fig. 24 is a perspective view showing the second substrate 2 of Fig. 20, Fig. 25 is an enlarged view showing area XXV of Fig. 21, and Fig. 26 is an enlarged view showing area XXVI of Fig. 21. Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the second modified example taken along line XXVII-XXVII of Fig. 20, Fig. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the second modified example of Fig. 27 in the open state, and Fig. 29 is an enlarged view showing area XXIX of Fig. 28.

[0053] A shaft 81 may be provided on at least one of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2, and a bearing 82 may be provided on at least the other of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. The shaft 81 may be inserted into the bearing 82, and relative rotation between the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2 may occur around the shaft 81. The shaft 81 may be a cylindrical portion, and the bearing 82 has an internal arcuate surface corresponding to the outer surface of the shaft 81. In a second modified example shown in FIGS. 20 to 29, the shaft 81 and the bearing 82 are provided on both the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. The shafts 81 and the bearings 82 are alternately provided in the longitudinal direction D1 on each of the first substrate 1 and the second substrate 2. In this configuration, the position of the inner shaft portion 53 is the position of the center point of the shaft 81 in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1. In this configuration, the shaft 81 and the bearing 82 can withstand the force generated when the first operating piece 61 and the third operating piece 63 are pressed down.

[0054] 22, 25, and 27 to 29, the bearing body 82 has a first receiving piece 821 and a second receiving piece 822 that have an opening between their respective tips to allow the shaft body 81 to be inserted therethrough, and a bearing claw 823 that protrudes from one tip of the first receiving piece 821 or the second receiving piece 822 toward the other of the first receiving piece 821 or the second receiving piece 822 and narrows the opening over a portion of the width of the bearing body 82 in the longitudinal direction D1. In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing claw 823 is provided on the second receiving piece 822 that is located on the back side. The provision of the bearing claw 823 makes it possible to prevent the shaft body 81 from falling off the bearing body 82.

[0055] Next, FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a third modified example of the ring-type binding device of FIG. 1 , and FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the third modified example of FIG. 30 in the open state. As shown in FIG. 30 , when the first substrate 1, the second substrate 2, and the sheath body 4 are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1, the positions of the tips 3 a of the split ring portions 3 in the closed state may be positioned in the width direction D2 closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 than the center position CP between the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52. Positioning the tips 3 a of the split ring portions 3 closer to the first outer shaft portion 51 in this manner makes it easier to widen the gap between the tips 3 a of the split ring portions 3 compared to when the tips 3 a of the split ring portions 3 are positioned at the center position CP. Furthermore, the distance between the tips 3 a of the split ring portions 3 of the first substrate 1 and the center position CP can be widened while the distance between the tips 3 a of the split ring portions 3 of the second substrate 2 and the center position CP can be reduced. This configuration has the effect of making it easier to insert paper sheets while preventing paper sheets from falling out from the lower ring (tip 3a of split ring portion 3 of second substrate 2) when the ring-type binder is attached to a vertical surface (such as the wall of a refrigerator) so that second substrate 2 is positioned below.

[0056] The split ring portions 3 may also be D-ring shaped. The split ring portions 3 of the first substrate 1 may have a straight portion 30 extending in the thickness direction D3 of the first substrate 1 and a first arc portion 31 extending from the tip of the straight portion 30. The split ring portions 3 of the second substrate 2 may have a second arc portion 32 having a larger radius of curvature than the first arc portion 31. Because the split ring portions 3 are D-shaped, the gap between the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 can be wider compared to when the split ring portions 3 are O-ring shaped.

[0057] Next, FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth modified example of the ring-type binding device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the fourth modified example of FIG. 32 in the open state. As shown in FIG. 32, when the first substrate 1, the second substrate 2, and the sheath body 4 are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D1, the positions of the tips of the split ring portions 3 in the closed state may be positioned in the width direction D2 closer to the second outer shaft portion 52 than the center position CP between the first outer shaft portion 51 and the second outer shaft portion 52. By positioning the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 closer to the second outer shaft portion 52 in this manner, the center of the gap between the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 can be closer to the center position CP compared to when the tips 3a of the split ring portions 3 are positioned at the center position CP. In this configuration, the split ring portion 3 of the second substrate 2 may have a straight portion 30 extending in the thickness direction D3 of the second substrate 2 and a first arc portion 31 extending from the tip of the straight portion 30. Furthermore, the split ring portion 3 of the first substrate 1 may have a second arcuate portion 32 having a larger radius of curvature than the first arcuate portion 31 .

[0058] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to these examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can conceive of various modifications and alterations within the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0059] 1: First board 2: Second board 3: Split ring part 3a:Tip 4: Sheath body 51: First outer shaft part 52: Second outer shaft part 53:Inner shaft part 61: 1st operation piece 61a: Top 61b: Side 62: 2nd operation piece 62a: Top 62b: protrusion 63: Operation 3 63a: Top 64a: Top 71: Part 1 72: Part 2 81: Shaft 82: Axon receptors 821: 1st receiving film 822: 2nd receiving film 823: Shaft bearing claw

Claims

1. a first substrate and a second substrate extending parallel to each other and adjacent to each other; a plurality of split ring portions provided on the front surface sides of the first substrate and the second substrate; a longitudinal sheath body that is disposed on the rear surface side of the first substrate and the second substrate, that sandwiches the first substrate and the second substrate from the outside in the width direction, and that presses and holds the first substrate and the second substrate against each other; Equipped with a rotational displacement of the first substrate and the second substrate under the action of the pressing force of the sheath body, whereby a state is switched between a closed state in which the tips of the split ring portions are brought close to each other and an open state in which the tips of the split ring portions are separated from each other; A ring-type binder, When the first substrate, the second substrate, and the sheath body are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a first outer shaft portion that serves as an axis of relative rotation of the first substrate with respect to the sheath body is provided on an outer side of the first substrate in the width direction, a second outer shaft portion that serves as an axis of relative rotation of the second substrate with respect to the sheath body is provided on an outer side of the second substrate in the width direction, an inner shaft portion serving as an axis of relative rotation between the first substrate and the second substrate is provided on an inner side of the first substrate and the second substrate in the width direction; In the width direction, the inner shaft portion is disposed at a position closer to the first outer shaft portion than a center position between the first outer shaft portion and the second outer shaft portion. Ring binding device.

2. a first operation piece is provided at one end of the first substrate in the longitudinal direction; a second operation piece is provided at an end of the second substrate on the same side as the first operation piece in the longitudinal direction; The open state is achieved by rotationally displacing the first substrate and the second substrate so that tops of the first operation piece and the second operation piece approach each other, and the closed state is achieved by rotationally displacing the first substrate and the second substrate so that tops of the first operation piece and the second operation piece move away from each other, the first operating piece and the second operating piece are provided such that, in the open state, a top of the first operating piece is positioned higher than a top of the second operating piece; The ring-type binder according to claim 1 .

3. a protrusion extending in the longitudinal direction and contacting a side surface of the first operating piece in the open state is provided on a top portion of the second operating piece; The ring-type binder according to claim 2.

4. At least one first flange portion is provided on the rear surface of the first substrate and is configured to be recessed under the rear surface of the second substrate; At least one second flange portion is provided on the rear surface of the second substrate, the second flange portion being spaced apart from the first flange portion in the longitudinal direction and extending below the rear surface of the first substrate; At least one of the second flange portions is disposed at a position closer to an end of the first substrate and an end of the second substrate on which the first operation piece and the second operation piece are provided than the first flange portion. The ring-type binder according to claim 2.

5. a third operation piece is provided at the other end of the first substrate in the longitudinal direction; At least one of the second flange portions is disposed at a position closer to the other end of the first substrate on which the third operation piece is provided than the first flange portion. The ring-type binder according to claim 4.

6. a shaft body is provided on at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate, a bearing body is provided on at least the other of the first substrate and the second substrate, the shaft body is inserted into the bearing body, and relative rotation between the first substrate and the second substrate occurs around the shaft body as an axis; The ring-type binder according to claim 2.

7. The bearing body is a first receiving piece and a second receiving piece having an opening between their tips that allows the shaft body to be inserted; a bearing claw portion that protrudes from a tip of one of the first receiving piece and the second receiving piece so as to approach the other of the first receiving piece and the second receiving piece, and that narrows the opening of the opening portion in a part of the width of the bearing body in the longitudinal direction; It has The ring-type binder according to claim 6.

8. when the first base plate, the second base plate, and the sheath body are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a position of a tip of the split ring portion in the closed state is disposed in a position closer to the first outer shaft portion in the width direction than a center position between the first outer shaft portion and the second outer shaft portion. The ring binder according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. when the first base plate, the second base plate, and the sheath body are viewed in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, a position of a tip of the split ring portion in the closed state is disposed in a position closer to the second outer shank in the width direction than a center position between the first outer shank and the second outer shank. The ring binder according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

Images