Binding devices and binders

Abstract

The present invention provides a binding tool not only capable of stably binding a document having a binding hole but also easy for a user to operate. To this end, this binding tool (A) has a first ring group (G1), a second ring group (G2), and a third ring group (G3) each of which is configured with a plurality of binding rings including non-lock rings (C) and locking rings (D). The binding tool (A) is configured such that the posture thereof can be changed from a closed posture in which the document is bound to an open posture in which the document can be attached and detached, by applying an operation force only to the locking rings (D) that are operation rings in the third ring group (G3), which is positioned between the first and second ring groups (G1), (G2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a binder and a binder.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a binder provided with a plurality of binding rings has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a binder having a movable substrate that can move between a binding position and a bindable position with respect to a fixed substrate. However, since the movable substrate has a configuration that can be moved by moving a separately provided operating rod back and forth, the user cannot easily perform an opening / closing operation.

[0004] Also, in the one disclosed in Patent Document 2, in order to open and close a plurality of binding rings, one base portion has to be relatively moved in the longitudinal direction with respect to the other base portion, and the user cannot easily perform an opening / closing operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made paying attention to the above circumstances, and at least provides a binder and a binder that can not only stably bind documents having binding holes but also are easy to operate by the user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In other words, the present invention has the following configuration.

[0008] The invention described in claim 1 is a fastening device comprising: a first group of rings located at one end in the longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of fastening rings arranged at predetermined intervals; a second group of rings located at the other end in the longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of fastening rings arranged at predetermined intervals and comprising a third group of rings located between the first group of rings and the second group of rings, The aforementioned first, second, and third ring groups are identifiable through visual means. The first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group all have the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group two Set to Locking ring By applying operating force only to this part, the orientation can be changed from a closed position for binding documents to an open position for attaching and detaching the documents. The locking ring has a locking mechanism that can lock it in the closed position, and each of the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group is configured to be able to change position from the open position to the closed position by applying an operating force only to the operating rings set on the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group, and the operating rings include the locking ring and a non-locking ring that does not have the locking mechanism, and the change in position from the open position to the closed position is performed by applying an operating force in the closed position direction to both or either of the non-locking ring and the locking ring that constitute the third ring group. It is a binding device.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a fastening device comprising: a first group of rings located at one end in the longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of fastening rings arranged at predetermined intervals; a second group of rings located at the other end in the longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of fastening rings arranged at predetermined intervals and comprising a third group of rings located between the first group of rings and the second group of rings, The first, second, and third ring groups are identifiable by sight, and each of the first, second, and third ring groups is configured to be able to change from a closed position for binding documents to an open position for attaching and detaching documents by applying operating force only to the locking rings set on two of the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group, or only to the locking rings set on two of the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group, and the locking rings have locking means that can lock in the closed position, and the first, second, and third ring groups In each case, the orientation can be changed from the open position to the closed position by applying an operating force only to the operating rings set on the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group, or only to the operating rings set on the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group, and the operating rings include the locking ring and the non-locking ring without the locking means, and the orientation change from the open position to the closed position is performed by applying an operating force in the direction of the closed position to both or either of the non-locking ring and the locking ring that constitute the first ring group or the second ring group. It is a binding device.

[0014] Claim 3 Claim 1 describes the invention wherein the spacing between the first ring group and the third ring group, and the spacing between the second ring group and the third ring group are set to be longer than the predetermined spacing in each of the first, second, and third ring groups. or This is the binding device described in 2.

[0015] Claim 4Claim 1 describes the invention wherein the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group, the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group, and the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group each operate integrally between the closed position and the open position. or This is the binding device described in 2.

[0016] Claim 5 The invention described in Claim 1 comprises a base on which first and second connecting plates, which are abutted against each other, are rotatably supported with respect to a base body, wherein the plurality of binding rings are composed of a first ring component supported by the first connecting plate and a second ring component supported by the second connecting plate, the closed position is a state in which the respective ends of the first and second ring components are engaged or in contact with each other, the open position is a state in which the respective ends of the first and second ring components are separated, and the plurality of binding rings are biased in the direction of the open position by an elastic biasing means and the closed position is taken when the rings are closed against the biasing force. or This is the binding device described in 2.

[0017] Claim 6 Claim 1, wherein the invention described herein comprises a base having first and second connecting plates that abut each other and are rotatably supported with respect to a base body, the plurality of binding rings are composed of a first ring component supported by the first connecting plate and a second ring component supported by the second connecting plate, and the locking means is an engaging portion provided at the respective ends of the first and second ring components. or This is the binding device described in 2.

[0018] Claim 7 The invention described above relates to a cover body, as stated in claim 1 or This is a binder equipped with the fastening mechanism described in 2. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] As described above, according to the present invention, at least, it is possible not only to stably bind documents having binding holes, but also to provide a binder equipped with a binder that is easy to operate by the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] Perspective view showing an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] Perspective view of the binder in the same embodiment (closed posture). [Figure 4] Perspective view of the binder in the same embodiment (open posture). [Figure 5] Front view of the binder in the same embodiment (closed posture). [Figure 6] Rear view of the binder in the same embodiment (closed posture). [Figure 7] Right side view of the binder in the same embodiment (closed posture). [Figure 8] Left side view of the binder in the same embodiment (closed posture). [Figure 9] Arrow view in the A direction of the binder in FIG. 3. [Figure 10] Arrow view in the B direction of the binder in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] Exploded plan view of the binder in the same embodiment. [Figure 12] Exploded rear view of the binder in the same embodiment. [Figure 13] Partial enlarged plan view for explaining one usage mode of the binder in the same embodiment. [Figure 14] Partial enlarged plan view for explaining one usage mode of the binder in the same embodiment. [Figure 15] Perspective view in the same embodiment. [Figure 16] Partial enlarged view of the binder (open posture) in the same embodiment. [Figure 17] Partial enlarged view of the binder (open posture) in the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0021] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 17. For the sake of convenience in the description, the front / back, up / down, and left / right directions will be based on the settings shown in Figure 1.

[0022] A binder is also called a file. A binder comprises a cover H and a binding mechanism A attached to the spine h3 of the cover H.

[0023] <<Cover font H>> The cover body H consists of a pair of covers, a front cover h1 and a back cover h2, which are formed in a roughly rectangular shape, and a spine h3 provided between the front cover h1 and the back cover h2. The cover body H is made by integrally manufacturing the front cover h1, spine h3, and back cover h2 from, for example, a sheet material made of synthetic resin.

[0024] <<Binding mechanism A>> The binding device A includes a plurality of binding rings, namely non-locking rings C and locking rings D, which can be opened and closed between a closed position (S) in which a document P having a binding hole p1 is bound so that the document P does not come loose, and an open position (T) in which the document P having a binding hole p1 can be attached and detached.

[0025] Here, the locking ring D has engaging portions (outward-facing engaging portion d3 and inward-facing engaging portion d4) that are locking means capable of maintaining a closed position (S). The non-locking ring C can assume a closed position (S), but it does not have engaging portions that are locking means capable of maintaining a closed position (S) itself.

[0026] The binding device A is provided with three ring groups, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3, which are distinguishable by sight. The binding device A has twenty non-locking rings C and two locking rings D arranged in predetermined locations to form the three ring groups, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3, which are distinguishable by sight.

[0027] At both ends of the binder A in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the vertical direction, are the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, which consist only of a plurality of non-locking rings C, i.e., eight non-locking rings C, that do not have a locking mechanism that can lock them into a closed position (S). In other words, as shown in Figure 15, the binder A has non-locking ring groups C consisting only of non-locking rings C that do not have a shape that easily catches the binding holes p1 of the document P, at both ends in the longitudinal direction, which are likely to be the positioning targets for the document P to be bound.

[0028] A third ring group G3 is provided in the middle of the longitudinal direction, i.e., the vertical direction, of the fastener A, consisting of two locking rings D having outward-facing engaging portions d3 and inward-facing engaging portions d4 which are locking means that can be locked in a closed position (S), and four non-locking rings C that do not have locking means that can be locked in a closed position (S).

[0029] The first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3, are spaced apart to the extent that the user's fingers can pass through, in order to facilitate the application of operating force by the user's fingers to the locking rings D located on the upper and lower outer sides of the third ring group G3.

[0030] The fastener A comprises a base B and a plurality of fastening rings supported on the base B, namely twenty non-locking rings C and two locking rings D. The twenty non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D are composed of twenty first ring components c1 and two first ring components d1 supported on a first connecting plate 1, and twenty second ring components c2 and two second ring components d2 supported on a second connecting plate 2.

[0031] The binding device A of this embodiment will be described in detail below.

[0032] <Base B> Base B is longitudinally elongated in the vertical direction. Base B comprises a first connecting plate 1 extending in the vertical direction and positioned on one side, i.e., the left side; a second connecting plate 2 extending in the vertical direction and positioned on the other side, i.e., the right side; a base body 3 extending in the vertical direction and capable of rotatably supporting the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2; and a spring 4, which is an elastic biasing means, interposed between the base body 3 and the first connecting plate 1.

[0033] [Bass body 3] The base body 3 is made of synthetic resin and has a vertically elongated shape. The base body 3 has mounting holes 31 provided near both ends in the vertical direction, end shaft supports 32 provided at both ends in the vertical direction to rotatably support the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, intermediate shaft supports 33 provided between both ends in the vertical direction, and a spring mounting section 34 where a spring 4 is provided to bias the first connecting plate 1 in the opening direction using the base body 3 as a base.

[0034] The mounting holes 31 of the base body 3 are through-holes in the vertical direction. The mounting holes 31 are through which rivets, which are fasteners (not shown) used to attach the base body 3 to the spine h3 of the cover body H, are inserted.

[0035] The end shaft support portion 32 of the base body 3 is roughly perforated. The end shaft support portion 32 rotatably supports the end shafts 12 and 22 that protrude from both longitudinal ends of the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0036] 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, which are provided on the lower surfaces of the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 so as to extend vertically, by partially enclosing them.

[0037] [First and second connecting plates 1 and 2] The first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are made of synthetic resin and are elongated in the vertical direction. The first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are each single units.

[0038] The first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 each have plate-like portions 11 and 21 that extend vertically in a plan view, end shafts 12 and 22 protruding from both ends in the vertical direction, and intermediate shafts 13 and 23 positioned between the two ends in the vertical direction.

[0039] The first ring components c1 and d1, which constitute the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, are each integrally extended upward from the plate-like portion 11 of the first connecting plate 1.

[0040] Furthermore, the second ring components c2 and d2, which constitute the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, are each integrally extended upward from the plate-like portion 21 of the second connecting plate 2.

[0041] At both the upper and lower ends of the first connecting plate 1, end shafts 12 are provided, which are supported by end shaft support portions 32, which are concave bearing portions provided on the base body 3.

[0042] On the side of the first connecting plate 1 facing the base body 3, there are multiple intermediate shafts 13 extending in the vertical direction, supported by an intermediate shaft support 33 which is a shaft holding part provided on the base body 3, located at three different points at regular intervals.

[0043] On the inner edge of the first connecting plate 1, multiple lower engaging portions 14, which are engaging portions for engaging with the second connecting plate 2, are provided at two locations, that is, at a certain interval. The lower engaging portion 14 comprises a pair of rod-shaped extensions 14a and a projection 14b provided at the extension end of either one of these extensions 14a.

[0044] The lower engaging portion 14 is located below the upper engaging portion 24, which is the other engaging portion that protrudes from the second connecting plate 2. The lower engaging portion 14 extends from the longitudinal middle portion of the first connecting plate 1 toward the second connecting plate 2.

[0045] At both the upper and lower ends of the second connecting plate 2, end shafts 22 are provided, which are supported by end shaft support portions 32, which are concave bearing portions provided on the base body 3.

[0046] On the side of the second connecting plate 2 facing the base body 3, there are multiple intermediate shafts 23 extending in the vertical direction, supported by an intermediate shaft support 33 which is a shaft holding part provided on the base body 3, located at three different points at regular intervals.

[0047] The inner edge of the second connecting plate 2 is provided with an upper engaging portion 24 that engages with the lower engaging portion 14 provided on the first connecting plate 1. The upper engaging portion 24 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower engaging portion 14 of the first connecting plate 1. The upper engaging portion 24 has a portion 24a that protrudes in a semicircular shape toward the first connecting plate 1 in the longitudinal middle portion of the second connecting plate 2, and a rail-shaped projection engaging portion 24b is formed on its lower surface.

[0048] In this embodiment, a pair of extensions 14a of the lower engaging portion 14 are arranged to sandwich the rail-shaped projection engaging portion 24b of the upper engaging portion 24, and the projection 14b of the lower engaging portion 14 engages with a guide hole (not shown) provided in the rail-shaped projection engaging portion 24b, thereby enabling relative movement without detachment from each other.

[0049] Furthermore, the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are linked in their relative movement, that is, their rotation relative to the base body 3, through the interaction of the lower engaging portion 14 and the upper engaging portion 24.

[0050] The first connecting plate 1 supports the 20 first ring components c1 that constitute the left half of the non-locking ring C, and the two first ring components d1 that constitute the left half of the locking ring D. The first connecting plate 1 and the first ring components c1 of the non-locking ring C, and the first connecting plate 1 and the first ring components c1 of the locking ring D are integrally molded from synthetic resin.

[0051] The second connecting plate 2 supports the twenty second ring components c2 that constitute the right half of the non-locking ring C, and the two second ring components d2 that constitute the right half of the locking ring D. The second connecting plate 2 and the second ring components c2 of the non-locking ring C, and the second connecting plate 2 and the second ring components d2 of the locking ring D are integrally molded from synthetic resin.

[0052] The fastener A consists of a single first connecting plate 1 and a single second connecting plate 2 that rotate in conjunction with the base body 3. As a result, all non-locking rings C and all locking rings D operate integrally between a closed position (S) in which the tips of the first ring components c1 and d1 and the tips of the second ring components c2 and d2 are in contact, close together, or engaged, and an open position (T) in which the tips of the first ring components c1 and d1 and the tips of the second ring components c2 and d2 are separated.

[0053] [Spring 4] The spring 4, which is an elastic biasing means, is what is known as a torsion coil spring. The spring 4 indirectly biases the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D in the direction that causes them to be in the open position (T).

[0054] The spring 4 is a single spring. That is, the spring 4 is located in only one place between the base body 3 and the first connecting plate 1, near the longitudinal inner edge of the base B in the second ring group G2.

[0055] The spring 4 is installed in the spring mounting section 34 of the base body 3. One end of the spring 4 is connected to the spring contact section 35 of the base body 3, which serves as a scaffold, and the other end is connected to the lower surface of the first connecting plate 1. The first connecting plate 1 is constantly biased 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.

[0056] When the engagement between the tips (outward-facing engagement portion d3 and inward-facing engagement portion d4) of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 of the locking ring D is released, the first connecting plate 1 rotates around its axis (end shaft 12 and intermediate shaft 13) due to the direct elastic biasing force from the spring 4. The first connecting plate 1 is directly biased 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, and rotates around its axis (end shaft 12 and intermediate shaft 13).

[0057] At this time, the second connecting plate 2 also rotates around its axis (end axis 22 and intermediate axis 23) in the opening direction, i.e., the direction in which the inner edge of the second connecting plate 2 moves upward, because the upper engaging portion 24 provided on the second connecting plate 2 is engaged with the lower engaging portion 14 of the first connecting plate 1.

[0058] All binding rings on binding device A operate integrally between the closed position (S) and the open position (T). Binding device A operates integrally with multiple first ring components c1 and d1 arranged side-by-side on a single first connecting plate 1, and also operates integrally with multiple second ring components c2 and d2 arranged side-by-side on a single second connecting plate 2.

[0059] <Regarding the closed (S) and open (T) positions of the non-locking ring C> The closed position (S) of the non-locking ring C is a state in which the tips of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 that constitute the non-locking ring C are in contact with or close to each other.

[0060] Furthermore, the tips of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the non-locking ring C are not provided with a structure that resists the biasing force in the open position (T) direction caused by the spring 4 when the ring is in the closed position (S).

[0061] In other words, the maintenance of the closed position (S) of the non-locking ring C is entrusted to the locking ring D. The maintenance of the closed position (S) of the non-locking ring C is achieved when the respective tips (outward-facing engaging portion d3 and inward-facing engaging portion d4) of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 that constitute the locking ring D engage with each other, thereby locking the locking ring D into the closed position (S).

[0062] In the non-locking ring C, the tips of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 have a shape in which one side in the extension direction is smoothly cut out when viewed from above. The tips of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the non-locking ring C do not have any uneven shapes that would easily catch on the binding hole p1 provided in the document P.

[0063] The tip of the first ring component c1 in the non-locking ring C extends cantilevered from the upper half, which is one side in a plan view, toward the corresponding second ring component c2, i.e., toward the right. The tip of the first ring component c1 in the non-locking ring C is provided with a first opposing surface m1 that faces downward and can abut against the second opposing surface m2 of the second ring component c2 when in the closed position (S).

[0064] The tip of the second ring component c2 in the non-locking ring C extends cantilevered from the lower half, which is one side in a plan view, toward the direction of the corresponding first ring component c1, i.e., to the left. The tip of the second ring component c2 in the non-locking ring C is provided with a second opposing surface m2 that faces upward and can contact the first opposing surface m1 of the first ring component c1 when in the closed position (S).

[0065] The non-locking ring C is in a closed position (S) when the first opposing surface m1 and the second opposing surface m2, which are provided on the cantilevered tip portions of the first and second ring components c1 and c2, come into contact with each other.

[0066] The open position (T) of the non-locking ring C is a state in which the tips of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 that constitute the non-locking ring C are separated in the left-right direction.

[0067] <Regarding the closed (S) and open (T) positions of locking ring D> The closed position (S) of the locking ring D is a state in which the ends of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 that constitute the locking ring D are engaged with each other. In the closed position (S), the ends of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 of the locking ring D are configured to engage with each other against the biasing force in the open position (T) direction caused by the spring 4.

[0068] More specifically, the tip of the first ring component d1 in the locking ring D is provided with an outward-facing engaging portion d3, which constitutes the locking mechanism. The outward-facing engaging portion d3 comprises a first engaging projection 1t that protrudes outward, i.e., upward, outward in the longitudinal direction of the base B, and a first recess 1w adjacent to the first engaging projection 1t and open upward. The first recess 1w is positioned such that when the second engaging projection 2t, which constitutes the inward-facing engaging portion d4 provided on the second ring component d2 of the locking ring D, engages with the first engaging projection 1t.

[0069] The tip of the second ring component d2 in the locking ring D is provided with an inward-facing engaging portion d4, which constitutes the locking mechanism. The inward-facing engaging portion d4 comprises a second engaging projection 2t that protrudes inward, i.e., downward on the longitudinal side of the base B, and a second recess 2w adjacent to the second engaging projection 2t and open downward. The first engaging projection 1t provided on the first ring component d1 of the locking ring D is positioned in the second recess 2w when it engages with the second engaging projection 2t.

[0070] The open position (T) of the locking ring D is a state in which the tips of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 that constitute the locking ring D are separated in the left-right direction.

[0071] The non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are each biased in the open position (T) direction by a spring 4, which is an elastic biasing means disposed on the base B. The non-locking ring C and the locking ring D are then maintained in a closed state against the biasing force of the spring 4 by the action of outward-facing engaging parts d3 and d4, which are locking means provided on the locking ring D, thereby adopting the closed position (S).

[0072] The operation to change the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D from the closed position (S) to the open position (T) is performed, for example, as shown in Figure 13. Specifically, the operation is performed by placing fingers from above on the first ring component d1 of the locking ring D located at the upper outermost part of the third ring group G3, and placing fingers from below on the first ring component d1 of the locking ring D located at the lower outermost part of the third ring group G3, and temporarily elastically deforming each of these first ring component d1 in a direction toward each other (a direction toward proximity to each other) with the fingers, thereby releasing the engagement state of the outward-facing engaging portion d3 provided on the first ring component d1 with the inward-facing engaging portion d4 provided on the second ring component d2.

[0073] <<First, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, G3>> The fastener A comprises a first ring group G1 located at one end in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the upper end in the vertical direction, and composed only of a plurality of non-locking rings C, i.e., a plurality of fastening rings w2, arranged at a predetermined interval w2; a second ring group G2 located at the other end in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the lower end in the vertical direction, and composed only of a plurality of non-locking rings C, i.e., a plurality of fastening rings w2, arranged at a predetermined interval w2, and located in the vertical middle section between the first ring group G1 and the second ring group G2, i.e., provided in a manner distinguishable from the first and second ring groups G1 and G2.

[0074] <First ring group G1> The first ring group G1 is a collection 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 so as to have approximately equal spacing in the vertical direction. The first ring group G1 is an aggregate of eight non-locking rings C.

[0075] In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the two non-locking rings C located on the outer (upper) side of the first ring group G1 with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are made different from the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (lower) side with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0076] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the two non-locking rings C located on the outer (upper) side with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are set to be inclined approximately 0.5° inward, or toward the closed position (S), compared to the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (lower) side with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0077] Furthermore, the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (lower) side of the first ring group G1 are made different from the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 in the four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D that constitute the third ring group G3, in relation to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0078] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inside (bottom) with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are set to be inclined approximately 1.5° inward, or toward the closed position (S), compared to the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the four non-locking rings C constituting the third ring group G3 with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, and the angles of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 in the two locking rings D with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0079] In this embodiment, the fastener A has different spacing dimensions w4, w5, and w6 between the leading edges (extended ends) of the corresponding first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 in the open position (T), based on the angle setting of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 described above.

[0080] In other words, as shown in Figure 16, the distance w4 between the tip of the first ring component c1 and the tip of the second ring component c2 in the two non-locking rings C located on the outer (upper) side of the first ring group G1 is set to be shorter than the distance w5 between the tip of the first ring component c1 and the tip of the second ring component c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (lower) side.

[0081] Furthermore, the distance w5 between the tip of the first ring component c1 and the tip of the second ring component c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (lower) side of the first ring group G1 is set to be shorter than the distance w6 between the tip of the first ring component c1 and the tip of the second ring component c2 in the four non-locking rings C that constitute the third ring group G3, and also shorter than the distance w6 between the tip of the first ring component d1 and the tip of the second ring component d2 in the two locking rings D that constitute the third ring group G3.

[0082] <Second ring group G2> The second ring group G2 is a collection of multiple non-locking rings C, which are binding rings. The second ring group G2 consists of eight non-locking rings C arranged so as to have approximately equal spacing in the vertical direction. The second ring group G2 is an aggregate of eight non-locking rings C.

[0083] In this embodiment, the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the two non-locking rings C located on the outer (lower) side of the second ring group G2 with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are made different from the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (upper) side with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0084] More specifically, the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the two non-locking rings C located on the outside (lower side) with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are set to be inclined approximately 0.5° inward, or toward the closed position (S), compared to the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inside (upper side) with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0085] Furthermore, the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (upper) side of the second ring group G2 are made different from the inclination angles of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 in the four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D that constitute the third ring group G3, in relation to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0086] More specifically, the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inside (upper side) relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 are set to be inclined approximately 1.5° inward, or toward the closed position (S), compared to the angles of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 in 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 in the two locking rings D relative to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2.

[0087] In this embodiment, the fastener A has different spacing dimensions w4, w5, and w6 between the leading edges (extended ends) of the corresponding first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 in the open position (T), based on the angle setting of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 with respect to the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2 described above.

[0088] In other words, as shown in Figure 17, the distance w4 between the tip of the first ring component c1 and the tip of the second ring component c2 in the two non-locking rings C located on the outer (lower) side of the second ring group G2 is set to be shorter than the distance w5 between the tip of the first ring component c1 and the tip of the second ring component c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (upper) side.

[0089] Furthermore, the distance w5 between the tip of the first ring component c1 and the tip of the second ring component c2 in the six non-locking rings C located on the inner (upper) side of the second ring group G2 is set to be shorter than the distance w6 between the tip of the first ring component c1 and the tip of the second ring component c2 in the four non-locking rings C that constitute the third ring group G3, and also shorter than the distance w6 between the tip of the first ring component d1 and the tip of the second ring component d2 in the two locking rings D that constitute the third ring group G3.

[0090] <Third ring group G3> The third ring group G3 is a collection of multiple binding rings, namely multiple non-locking rings C and multiple locking rings D. The third ring group G3 consists of four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D arranged so as to have approximately equal spacing w2 in the vertical direction. The third ring group G3 is an assembly of four non-locking rings C and two locking rings D.

[0091] The third ring group G3 includes two locking rings D, which are operating rings. The two locking rings D have an outward-facing engaging portion d3 and an inward-facing engaging portion d4, which are locking means that can be locked in the closed position (S).

[0092] The locking mechanism provided on each of the two locking rings D engages outward-facing engaging portions d3 provided at the tips of the two first ring components d1 that form the two locking rings D, and inward-facing engaging portions d4 provided at the tips of the two second ring components d2 that form the two locking rings D, so as not to detach against a biasing force acting in the direction that causes the first ring components d1 and the second ring components d2 to move apart, which is induced by the spring 4.

[0093] Four of the binding rings in the third ring group G3 include non-locking rings C, which are operating rings. The four non-locking rings C do not have a locking mechanism that can lock them in a closed position (S). The ends of the first and second ring components c1 and c2 that form each non-locking ring C are not provided with engaging elements that can restrict them from separating from each other.

[0094] In other words, the third ring group G3, which is an intermediate group of rings, 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 longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the third ring group G3 is provided in a way that makes it visually distinguishable from the first and second ring groups G1 and G2.

[0095] The third ring group G3 comprises a pair of locking rings D located at both ends in the vertical direction, and four non-locking rings C located between the two locking rings D that do not have a locking mechanism.

[0096] <Regarding the spacing w1 between adjacent ring groups> The spacing w1 between adjacent ring groups, that is, the spacing w1 between the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the spacing w1 between the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3, is set to be longer than the spacing w2 between adjacent binding rings in the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, respectively, and is also set to be longer than the spacing w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3.

[0097] In other words, the spacing w1 between the locking ring D at the upper end of the third ring group G3 and the first ring group G1, which is a group of non-locking rings C, and the spacing w1 between the locking ring D at the lower end of the third ring group G3 and the second ring group G2, which is a group of non-locking rings C, are set to be longer than the spacing w2 between adjacent non-locking rings C in the first and second ring groups G1 and G2, which are groups of non-locking rings C.

[0098] In this embodiment, the spacing w1 between the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the spacing w1 between the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3 are set to approximately the same dimension. Furthermore, the spacing w2 and w3 between adjacent binding rings in the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 are set to at least twice the dimension.

[0099] 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 set to a width such that two binding rings would be arranged if the binding rings were virtually lined up with the same separation pitch as the separation pitch between each binding ring in each ring group G1, G2, and G3.

[0100] Furthermore, the spacing w2 between adjacent binding rings in the first and second ring groups G1 and G2 is set shorter than the spacing w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3. Of course, the spacing w2 between adjacent binding rings in the first and second ring groups G1 and G2 and the spacing w3 between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group G3 may be set to the same dimension.

[0101] <Regarding the operation of the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3> In this embodiment, the fastener A can be changed from a closed position (S) to an open position (T) simply by applying an operating force to the two locking rings D included in the third ring group G3.

[0102] 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 be changed from a closed position (S) for binding documents P to an open position (T) for attaching and detaching documents P by applying an operating force only to the two locking rings D, which are the uppermost and lowermost operating rings among the six binding rings that make up the third ring group G3.

[0103] The opening operation of the binding device A, that is, the operation of changing its position from the closed position (S) to the open position (T), can be performed with a single touch by using the fingers of one hand, i.e., either the left or right hand, to apply an operating force in a direction that moves toward each other to only the first ring component d1 of the two locking rings D provided at both the upper and lower ends of the third ring group G3, utilizing the elastic deformation of the components.

[0104] When the user applies an operating force in a direction toward the first ring component d1 of the two locking rings D, the engagement between the outward-facing engagement portion d3 and the inward-facing engagement portion d4 is released, allowing the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, which are constantly subjected to an outward biasing force by the spring 4, to rotate, and the first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 all change their position from the closed position (S) to the open position (T).

[0105] The closing operation of the binding device A, that is, the operation of changing its position from the open position (T) to the closed position (S), can be performed solely by applying an operating force in the closed position (S) direction to one or more, all or any of, the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D that constitute the third ring group G3, using the fingers of one hand, i.e., either the left or right hand.

[0106] Furthermore, the closing operation of the binding device A can be performed very easily and in a one-touch manner by randomly grasping the third group of rings G3 in the open position (T) with the fingers of one hand, without strictly selecting a specific ring from among the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D, and bringing together the member that the fingers of that hand come into contact with at that time (i.e., any of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 that make up the four non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D).

[0107] 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 be changed from an open position (T) in which documents P can be attached and detached to a closed position (S) in which documents P can be bound by applying an operating force to only the operating rings set on one or more of the multiple binding rings in the third ring group G3, that is, to all or any of the two locking rings D and four non-locking rings C which are operating rings set on the multiple binding rings that make up the third ring group G3.

[0108] In other words, the closing operation of the binding device A, that is, the operation of changing its position from the open position (T) to the closed position (S), can be performed with a single touch by applying operating force to all or any (at least one) of the first ring components c1 and d1, and all or any (at least one) of the second ring components c2 and d2, which are provided on the third ring group G3, using the fingers of one hand, i.e., either the left or right hand.

[0109] When the user performs the closing operation, the two locking rings D that constitute the third ring group G3 maintain the closed position (S) against the biasing force of the spring 4, so that even when the user releases their hand, the closed position (S) of all the binding rings (i.e., the twenty non-locking rings C and the two locking rings D) is maintained.

[0110] In the embodiment described above, since the binding device A has multiple binding rings arranged in a row, it can stably bind documents P having binding holes p1. Moreover, the binding device A is configured so that the operation of opening and closing the multiple binding rings can be performed with one hand in a one-touch manner, making it easy for the user to operate.

[0111] Furthermore, in the binding device A of the embodiment described above, the longitudinal ends, which tend to serve as positioning targets for the documents P to be bound, are equipped with a group of non-locking rings C consisting only of non-locking rings C that do not have a shape that easily catches the binding holes p1 of the documents P. Therefore, with the binding device A of this embodiment, documents P can be smoothly attached to and detached from multiple binding rings.

[0112] As described above, the fastener A according to this embodiment comprises a first ring group G1 located at the upper end, which is one end in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the vertical direction, and consisting of eight non-locking rings C arranged at a predetermined interval w2; a second ring group G2 located at the lower end, which is the other end in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the vertical direction, and consisting of eight non-locking rings C arranged at a predetermined interval w2; and a third ring group G3 located between the first ring group G1 and the second ring group G2, and consisting of two locking rings D and four non-locking rings C arranged at a predetermined interval w2.

[0113] Furthermore, 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 be changed from a closed position (S) for binding documents P to an open position (T) for attaching and detaching documents P by applying an operating force only to the locking rings D, which are operating rings set on two of the multiple binding rings in the third ring group G3.

[0114] Therefore, with the binding device A of this embodiment, not only can a document P having a binding hole p1 be stably bound by the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3, but by applying operating force only to the two locking rings D in the third ring group G3, the orientation can be changed from a closed position (S) for binding the document P to an open position (T) for attaching and detaching the document P. Thus, a binding device A that is easy for the user to operate can be provided.

[0115] The first ring group G1, the second ring group G2, and the third ring group G3 are all configured such that by applying an operating force to all or any of the non-locking rings C and locking rings D, which are operating rings set on one or more of the multiple binding rings in the third ring group G3, the orientation of the document P can be changed from an open position (T) in which it can be attached and detached to a closed position (S) in which the document P can be bound.

[0116] Therefore, with the binding device A of this embodiment, not only can a document P having a binding hole p1 be stably bound by the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3, but the binding device A is also configured to allow the document P to be changed from an open position (T) where it can be attached and detached to a closed position (S) where it can be bound by applying an operating force to all or any of the non-locking ring C and locking ring D in the third ring group G3, thus providing a binding device A that is easy for the user to operate.

[0117] The operating ring includes a locking ring D having a locking mechanism that can lock it in the closed position (S). Changing the position from the closed position (S) to the open position (T) is permitted by applying an operating force to the locking ring D.

[0118] Therefore, by applying manual force to only the two locking rings D located in specific places, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 can be changed from the closed position (S) to the open position (T) with a single touch.

[0119] The operating ring includes a non-locking ring C that does not have a locking mechanism. The change in orientation from the open position (T) to the closed position (S) is performed by applying an operating force in the closed position (S) direction to both or either the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D.

[0120] Therefore, by simply applying a force to either or both of the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, which are located only at specific points, with one touch, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 can be changed from the open position (T) to the closed position (S).

[0121] The spacing w1 between the first ring group G1 and the third ring group G3, and the spacing w1 between the second ring group G2 and the third ring group G3, are set to be longer than the predetermined spacing w2 in each of the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3, i.e., the spacing w2 between adjacent binding rings.

[0122] Therefore, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 are suitably arranged to contain multiple binding rings, which are either non-locking rings C or locking rings D, that engage with the binding holes p1 formed in the document P to be bound. At the same time, the setting of the spacing dimension w1 allows for suitable identification of the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3. Furthermore, the setting of the spacing dimension w1 provides excellent design flexibility to facilitate the user's fingers access to the pair of locking rings D, which need to receive an operating force in a direction that brings them closer together during the opening operation.

[0123] The multiple (eight) non-locking rings C in the first ring group G1, the multiple (eight) non-locking rings C in the second ring group G2, and the multiple (two) locking rings D and multiple (four) non-locking rings C in the third ring group G3 all operate integrally between the closed position (S) and the open position (T).

[0124] Therefore, the first, second, and third ring groups G1, G2, and G3 each operate integrally between the closed position (S) and the open position (T), allowing for convenient closing and opening operations by the user.

[0125] The device is equipped with a base B that rotatably supports the first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, which are joined together, relative to the base body 3. The multiple binding rings, namely non-locking rings C and locking rings D, are composed of first ring components c1 and d1 supported by a single first connecting plate 1, and second ring components c2 and d2 supported by a single second connecting plate 2.

[0126] The closed position (S) of the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D is a state in which the tips of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 are engaged with or in contact with each other. The open position (T) of the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D is a state in which the tips of the first and second ring components c1, d1, c2, and d2 are separated.

[0127] The multiple binding rings, namely the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, are biased in the open position (T) direction by a spring 4, which is an elastic biasing means, and are in a closed position (S) when closed against this biasing force.

[0128] Therefore, the multiple binding rings, namely the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, are biased in the open position (T) direction by the spring 4, and are closed against this biasing force to assume a closed position (S). Thus, the open position (T) and the closed position (S) are suitably defined.

[0129] The device is equipped with a base B that rotatably supports first and second connecting plates 1 and 2, which are joined together, relative to a base body 3. The device consists of multiple binding rings, namely non-locking rings C and locking rings D, which are composed of first ring components c1 and d1 supported by the first connecting plate 1 and second ring components c2 and d2 supported by the second connecting plate 2. The locking mechanism consists of outward-facing engaging portion d3 and inward-facing engaging portion d4, which are engaging portions provided at the ends of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 that constitute the locking ring D.

[0130] Therefore, the multiple binding rings, namely the non-locking ring C and the locking ring D, are preferably closed against the biasing force of the spring 4 by engaging the outward-facing engaging portion d3 and the inward-facing engaging portion d4, which are engaging portions provided at the ends of the first and second ring components d1 and d2 that constitute the locking ring D. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described in detail above.

[0131] The operating ring is not limited to those set in the third ring group. That is, the binding device may be configured such that the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group can be changed from a closed position for binding documents to an open position for attaching and detaching documents by applying an operating force only to the operating ring set in one or more of the multiple binding rings in the first ring group, or only to the operating ring set in one or more of the multiple binding rings in the second ring group.

[0132] Furthermore, the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group may all be configured such that their orientation can be changed from an open position where documents can be attached and detached to a closed position where documents can be bound, by applying an operating force only to one or more operating rings set on one or more of the binding rings in the first ring group, or to one or more operating rings set on one or more of the binding rings in the second ring group.

[0133] The spacing between adjacent binding rings in the first ring group, the spacing between adjacent binding rings in the second ring group, and the spacing between adjacent binding rings in the third ring group may be different, or there may be no spacing at all.

[0134] The locking mechanism provided on the locking ring can be configured in any way that allows it to lock into the closed position. For example, the locking mechanism does not have to engage laterally, but may engage vertically.

[0135] The binding may have other ring groups inside the outer ring groups, the first and second ring groups, that are different from the third ring group, or it may have a single binding ring that does not constitute a specific ring group.

[0136] The third group of rings, which is the central group, should preferably be distinguishable from the first and second groups of rings, which are the outer groups. Here, "distinguishable" means that they should be distinguishable through visual means.

[0137] In the embodiment described above, the third ring group was made distinguishable from the first and second ring groups by setting the spacing between the third ring group and the first ring group, and the spacing between the third ring group and the second ring group, to be larger than the spacing between adjacent binding rings in each ring group. However, the method of making them distinguishable is not limited to this.

[0138] Other specific examples of distinguishable features include differentiating the color and shape of the third ring group from that of the first and second ring groups, differentiating the color and shape of the base supporting the third ring group from that of the base supporting the first and second ring groups, and differentiating the color and shape of the cover material corresponding to the position of the third ring group from that of the cover material corresponding to the position of the first and second ring groups.

[0139] Each ring group may consist of two or more binding rings. In other words, each ring group does not have to consist of the number of binding rings shown in the embodiments described above.

[0141] In the embodiment described above, the multiple binding rings formed a configuration known as O-rings, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the multiple binding rings may be configured as known as D-rings.

[0142] The documents bound in the binding mechanism are not limited to those made of paper; they can also be made of synthetic resin.

[0143] Furthermore, the specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0144] The present invention can be used as a binding device for binding documents having binding holes, and as a binder to which the binding device is applied. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] Binding... B... Bass C...Non-locking ring D... Locking ring 1…First connecting plate 2…Second connecting plate 3…Bass body 4... Spring (elastic biasing means) G1... The first group of rings G2…The second group of rings G3... The third group of rings c1, d1... First ring component c2, d2... Second ring component (S)…Closed posture (T)...open position

Claims

1. A fastening device comprising: a first group of rings located at one end in the longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of fastening rings arranged at predetermined intervals; a second group of rings located at the other end in the longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of fastening rings arranged at predetermined intervals and comprising a third group of rings located between the first group of rings and the second group of rings, The aforementioned first, second, and third ring groups are identifiable through visual means. Each of the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group is configured such that by applying an operating force only to the locking rings set on two of the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group, the orientation can be changed from a closed position for binding documents to an open position for attaching and detaching documents, and the locking rings have locking means that can be locked in the closed position. Each of the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group is configured to be able to change from the open position to the closed position by applying an operating force only to the operating rings set on the plurality of binding rings in the third ring group, and the operating rings include the locking ring and the non-locking ring without the locking means. A fastener in which the change of position from the open position to the closed position is performed by applying an operating force in the closed position direction to both or either of the non-locking ring and the locking ring constituting the third ring group.

2. A fastening device comprising: a first group of rings located at one end in the longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of fastening rings arranged at predetermined intervals; a second group of rings located at the other end in the longitudinal direction and comprising a plurality of fastening rings arranged at predetermined intervals and comprising a third group of rings located between the first group of rings and the second group of rings, The aforementioned first, second, and third ring groups are identifiable through visual means. Each of the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group is configured such that by applying an operating force only to the locking rings set on two of the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group, or only to the locking rings set on two of the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group, the orientation can be changed from a closed orientation for binding documents to an open orientation for attaching and detaching documents, and the locking rings have locking means that can be locked in the closed orientation. Each of the first ring group, the second ring group, and the third ring group is configured to be able to change from the open position to the closed position by applying an operating force only to the operating rings set on the plurality of binding rings in the first ring group, or only to the operating rings set on the plurality of binding rings in the second ring group, and the operating rings include the locking ring and the non-locking ring without the locking means. A fastener in which the change of position from the open position to the closed position is performed by applying an operating force in the direction of the closed position to both or either of the non-locking rings and locking rings that constitute the first ring group or the second ring group.

3. The fastener according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacing between the first ring group and the third ring group, and the spacing between the second ring group and the third ring group are set to be longer than the predetermined interval in each of the first, second, and third ring groups.

4. The fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of fastening rings in the first ring group, the plurality of fastening rings in the second ring group, and the plurality of fastening rings in the third ring group each operate integrally between the closed position and the open position.

5. It is equipped with a base that rotatably supports the first and second connecting plates, which are joined together, relative to the base body. The plurality of binding rings are composed of a first ring component supported by the first connecting plate and a second ring component supported by the second connecting plate. The closed position is a state in which the respective tip portions of the first and second ring components are engaged with or in contact with each other. The open position is a state in which the respective tip portions of the first and second ring components are separated. The fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of fastening rings are biased in the direction of the open position by an elastic biasing means and the closed position is adopted when the rings are closed against the biasing force.

6. It is equipped with a base that rotatably supports the first and second connecting plates, which are joined together, relative to the base body. The plurality of binding rings are composed of a first ring component supported by the first connecting plate and a second ring component supported by the second connecting plate. The fastening device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the locking means is an engaging portion provided at the tip of each of the first and second ring components.

7. A binder comprising a cover body equipped with the binding device described in claim 1 or 2.

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