Ring threading device and method for manufacturing ring notebooks

Abstract

In manufacturing a ring notebook, ring bodies of resinous or paper rings are accurately inserted into binding holes of a sheet and caused to pass through the same. This ring threading device (11) is provided with a placement table (51) on which a sheet 2 is placed, a positioning jig (52) having guide rollers (521) and nip rollers (522), and a ring movement mechanism (53). The positioning jig (52) is a jig for retaining respective ring bodies (31) with mutual intervals between the plurality of ring bodies (31) maintained. The ring movement mechanism (53) is a mechanism for allowing insertion of the ring bodies (31) retained by the positioning jig (52) into binding holes (21a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ring-passing device, particularly a ring-passing device for passing a ring body of a ring made of resin, paper, etc. having a plurality of ring bodies through a plurality of binding holes formed at the ends of a plurality of sheets. The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a ring notebook using this ring-passing device.

Background Art

[0002] A ring notebook is formed by binding a plurality of sheets having a plurality of binding holes at their ends with a ring. Rings include those made of metal wire, resin, or paper.

[0003] For example, the ring notebook of Patent Document 1 is bound by a resin ring. The ring has a base portion and a plurality of ring bodies. The base portion is formed to extend in one direction. Each of the plurality of ring bodies has a predetermined length and extends in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the base portion extends. Further, the plurality of ring bodies are arranged at a predetermined pitch.

[0004] When manufacturing such a ring notebook, the ring body is passed through the binding hole, the passed portion is folded back to form a ring shape, and the tip portion thereof is welded to the base portion, whereby a plurality of sheets are bound. After welding the ring body and the base portion, portions other than the main part of the welded portion are cut and discarded as end materials.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As mentioned above, the manufacturing process of a ring notebook requires inserting each of the multiple ring bodies into the binding holes of the paper. At this time, for example, the following steps are performed: the rings are positioned relative to the paper placed on the table, the rings are raised or lowered to insert each of the tips of the multiple ring bodies into the corresponding binding holes, and then the rings are raised or lowered again to pass the ring bodies through the binding holes.

[0007] In the process of inserting the ring body through the binding hole, with low-rigidity resin rings, even if each ring body and the corresponding binding hole of the paper are positioned correctly, misalignment may occur when the ring is raised or lowered, and the tip of the ring body may not be accurately inserted into the binding hole.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to enable the precise insertion and passage of the ring body of a soft ring, such as one made of resin or paper, into the binding holes of a sheet of paper during the manufacturing of a ring notebook. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] (1) The ring threading device according to the first aspect of the present invention is a device for threading the ring bodies of a ring having multiple ring bodies through multiple binding holes formed at the edges of multiple sheets of paper. The ring threading device comprises a mounting base on which the paper is placed, a positioning jig, and a moving mechanism. The positioning jig is a jig for holding each of the multiple ring bodies while maintaining the distance between them. The moving mechanism is a mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning jig relative to the mounting base and threading the ring bodies through the binding holes.

[0010] In this ring threading device, a positioning jig positions the ring body relative to the paper placed on the mounting base. More specifically, the spacing between the multiple ring bodies is maintained by the positioning jig, and this state is held. That is, the pitch of the multiple ring bodies is maintained at a predetermined pitch. Then, while maintaining the predetermined pitch, the multiple ring bodies are moved relative to the mounting base by a moving mechanism and inserted into the corresponding binding holes of the paper.

[0011] Here, each of the multiple ring bodies is positioned and maintained in that state before being inserted into the binding hole of the paper. Therefore, even if the rings are made of soft materials such as resin or paper, the ring body can be accurately inserted into the binding hole.

[0012] (2) In the ring threading device according to the second aspect of the present invention, the positioning jig has a positioning part and a connecting part in the device of the first aspect. The positioning part is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ring bodies and positions the plurality of ring bodies. The connecting part extends along the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of binding holes of the paper and connects the plurality of positioning parts.

[0013] (3) In the ring threading device according to the third aspect of the present invention, in the device according to the first or second aspect, the positioning jig is positioned on the same side as the mounting base on which the ring is placed. The moving mechanism moves the ring body, which is positioned and held by the positioning jig, in a first direction relative to the mounting base to pass through the binding hole.

[0014] (4) In the ring-passing device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a first engagement portion is formed on each of the multiple ring bodies in the device according to the third aspect. The positioning jig also has a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion to position and hold the multiple ring bodies.

[0015] (5) In the fifth aspect of the present invention, the ring-passing device is the device of the fourth aspect, wherein the first engaging portion is a projection formed on the tip of the ring body and protruding from the surface, and the second engaging portion is a recess that fits into the projection.

[0016] (6) In the ring threading device according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the moving mechanism allows only the ring body to pass through the binding hole, as in the device according to the third aspect.

[0017] In this configuration, the positioning jig is not inserted into the binding hole; only the ring body passes through the binding hole. Therefore, the positioning jig is not limited by its size, making manufacturing easier.

[0018] (7) In the ring-passing device according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the ring is formed such that the tip of the ring body is harder than the rest of the ring over a predetermined range.

[0019] In this case, for example, the tip of the ring body is formed relatively hard by two-color molding, making the tip less prone to deformation and easier to insert through the binding hole.

[0020] (8) The ring threading device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention is the device according to the sixth aspect, wherein the positioning jig has a main body and a holding part. The main body positions each of the plurality of ring bodies. The holding part holds the ring bodies positioned by the main body. The main body also extends along the direction of the arrangement of the plurality of binding holes of the paper and has guide grooves on its surface into which each of the plurality of ring bodies fits. The holding part holds the ring bodies that are fitted into the guide grooves by clamping them between itself and the main body.

[0021] (9) The ring threading device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention is the device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the main body is a rotatable roller having guide grooves formed on its surface into which each of a plurality of ring bodies fits. The holding part is a rotatable nip roller that clamps the ring bodies fitted into the guide grooves between itself and the roller. The moving mechanism rotates at least one of the roller and the nip roller.

[0022] (10) The ring passing device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention is, in the device of the eighth aspect, the main body of which is a main body bar that is formed with guide grooves on its surface into which each of a plurality of ring bodies is fitted and is movable closer to and away from the mounting table. Further, the holding portion is a clamp bar that is movable closer to and away from the main body bar, sandwiches the ring body fitted in the guide groove between itself and the main body bar, and is movable closer to and away from the mounting table. And the moving mechanism moves the main body bar and the clamp bar closer to and away from the mounting table.

[0023] (11) The ring passing device according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention is, in the device of the second aspect, the positioning portion of the positioning jig is movable relative to the mounting table in a direction intersecting the mounting surface of the mounting table and can pass through the stitching holes of the paper. And the moving mechanism passes the positioning portion holding the ring body together with the ring body through the stitching holes.

[0024] Here, not only the ring body but also the positioning portion holding the ring body together with the ring body is inserted into the stitching holes, so that the ring body can be inserted into the stitching holes more accurately.

[0025] (12) The ring passing device according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention is, in the device of the eleventh aspect, the positioning jig is arranged on the side opposite to the side where the ring is arranged across the mounting table. And the moving mechanism relatively moves the positioning portion of the positioning jig relative to the mounting table in the first direction to pass through the stitching holes, and relatively moves the positioning portion holding and positioning the ring body relative to the mounting table in the second direction opposite to the first direction together with the ring body to pass through the stitching holes.

[0026] (13) The ring passing device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention is, in the device of the twelfth aspect, the positioning jig has a pair of holding portions that are arranged opposite to each other and are movable closer to and away from each other.

[0027] (14) The ring passing device according to the 14th aspect of the present invention is the device according to the 12th aspect, in which a first engaging portion is formed on each of the plurality of ring bodies. And the positioning jig has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion to position and hold the plurality of ring bodies.

[0028] (15) The ring passing device according to the 15th aspect of the present invention is the device according to the 1st aspect, in which the moving mechanism moves the ring relatively to the mounting table from above to below to pass the ring body through the stitching hole of the paper.

[0029] (16) The manufacturing method of the ring notebook according to the present invention includes the following steps.

[0030] Notebook preparation step: Prepare a notebook composed of a plurality of sheets of paper having a plurality of stitching holes formed side by side in the first direction at one end.

[0031] Ring preparation step: Prepare a ring having a base portion extending in the first direction and a plurality of ring bodies extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction from the base portion.

[0032] Ring passing step: Pass each ring body of the ring through the corresponding stitching hole of the notebook by the ring passing device according to any one of the above aspects.

[0033] Welding step: Bend and deform each ring body and weld the tip of the ring body to the base portion.

[0034] Cutting step: Cut the tip portion from the main portion of the welded portion between the ring body and the base portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0035] In the present invention as described above, when manufacturing a ring notebook, the ring body of a soft ring made of resin, paper, etc. can be accurately inserted into and passed through the stitching hole of the paper.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0036] [Figure 1] External perspective view of a ring notebook manufactured using a ring threading device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front view of a ring used in a ring threading device. [Figure 3] Enlarged section of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Cross-section of the ring. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram of a ring notebook manufacturing machine. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of a ring threading device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Schematic cross-sectional view of the apparatus in Figure 6. [Figure 8] Cross-sectional view of the paper and ring after the ring threading and welding processes. [Figure 9] A cross-section of the finished ring notebook after the scrap material cutting process is complete. [Figure 10] A schematic diagram of the ring insertion according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] A schematic diagram showing the bending deformation operation of the ring according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] A schematic diagram of the ring insertion according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] A schematic diagram of the ring insertion according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram of a ring-passing device according to the fifth embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] -First Embodiment- Figure 1 shows a ring notebook 1 manufactured using a ring threading device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This ring notebook 1 has multiple sheets of paper (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "paper") 2 and a ring 3.

[0038] [Paper 2] The paper 2 has a pair of covers 20 (front and back covers) and multiple sheets of inner paper 21 laminated between the pair of covers 20. In this embodiment, the pair of covers 20 are formed to be larger than the inner paper 21 (see Figures 8 and 9). Multiple binding holes 21a are formed at the edges of the paper 2, arranged at a predetermined pitch.

[0039] [Ring 3] Figures 2 to 4 show the rings 3 used in the ring notebook 1 of this embodiment. More precisely, the rings 3 shown in Figures 2 to 4 are not the rings 3 in the finished ring notebook 1, but rather the ring material. That is, the rings 3 shown in these figures are in the state before they are inserted into the binding holes 21a of the paper 2 and the paper is bound together. Figure 3 is an enlarged section of Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the rings 3.

[0040] Ring 3 is made of synthetic resin. Ring 3 has a base portion 30 and a plurality of ring bodies 31, and the base portion 30 and the plurality of ring bodies 31 are integrally injection molded.

[0041] The base portion 30 extends in the direction in which the binding holes 21a of the paper 2 are arranged. The multiple ring bodies 31 are formed at the same pitch as the pitch of the multiple binding holes 21a. The ring bodies 31 also extend from the base portion 30 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the base portion 30 extends and have a predetermined length. In the manufacturing process, each ring body 31 is inserted into the corresponding binding hole 21a and formed into an annular shape, and its tip is welded to the base portion 30.

[0042] [Details of Ring 3] The base portion 30 of the ring 3 has a welded portion 30a and a cut portion 30b. The welded portion 30a is a region formed on the ring body 31 side of the base portion 30. The welded portion 30a is the part to which the tip of the ring body 31 is welded. More specifically, the tip of the ring body 31, which is inserted into the binding hole 21a of the paper 2 and curved into an annular shape, is welded to the welded portion 30a. The cut portion 30b is a region formed on the end of the base portion 30 opposite to the ring body 31 (shown with multiple dots in Figures 2 and 3), and is the part that is cut after the tip of the ring body 31 has been welded.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the ring body 31 has a straight section 31a, a curved section 31b, a welded section 31c, and a cut section 31d. The straight section 31a extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base section 30. The curved section 31b curves outward (away from the base section 30) from the end of the straight section 31a. The welded section 31c extends substantially parallel to the base section 30 from the end of the curved section 31b. The cut section 31d is a region that continues straight from the welded section 31c and is the part that is cut after being welded to the base section 30. The tip of the cut section 31d is tapered.

[0044] Here, in the ring body 31, as shown in detail in Figure 6, the predetermined area 31e at the tip (shown with multiple dots in Figure 6) is made of polypropylene resin, and the other area (including the base portion 30) 31f is made of polyethylene resin, and is formed by two-color molding. For this reason, the predetermined area 31e at the tip of the ring body 31 has higher hardness and is less prone to deformation compared to the other parts 31f.

[0045] Furthermore, the range of the predetermined area 31e at the tip is set to be approximately the same as, or shorter than, the cutting portion 31d.

[0046] [Overall diagram of the manufacturing equipment] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the ring notebook manufacturing apparatus 40. This apparatus 40 has the following components arranged in a circular pattern in the order listed above: a notebook supply station 41, a waiting station 42, a ring threading / ring bending deformation station 43, a paper positioning station 44, a ring welding station 45, a ring scrap cutting station 46, and a finished product discharge station 47.

[0047] At the notebook supply station 41, paper 2 with binding holes 21a formed by another device is supplied. The standby station 42 is reserved as space for use when replacing parts, etc. At the ring insertion / ring bending deformation station 43, the ring body 31 of the ring 3 is inserted into the binding holes 21a of the paper 2, and the ring body 31 is bent into an annular shape. At the paper positioning station 44, the position of the paper in the ring welding process is adjusted. At the ring welding station 45, the welding portion 31c and cut portion 31d of the ring body 31 and the welding portion 30a and cut portion 30b of the base portion 30 are welded together. At the ring scrap cutting station 46, the welded base portion 30 and the cut portions 30b and 31d of the ring body 31 are cut. At the finished product discharge station 47, the ring notebooks manufactured through the above processes are discharged.

[0048] In this manufacturing apparatus 40, the jig that holds the paper at the notebook supply station 41 is rotated while maintaining the paper's position, thereby enabling processing at each stage of the process. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a separate jig for holding the paper at each stage. Furthermore, a mechanism for transferring paper between jigs is unnecessary.

[0049] [Ring threading device] Figure 6 shows a ring threading device 11 provided on the ring threading / ring bending deformation station 43. The ring threading device 11 is a device for threading the ring body 31 of the ring 3 through the binding hole 21a of the paper 2. This ring threading device 11 has a mounting table 51 on which the paper 2 is placed, a positioning jig 52, and a ring moving mechanism 53. Here, this ring threading device 11 only threads the ring body 31 through the binding hole 21a. In other words, the positioning jig 52 is not inserted into the binding hole 21a.

[0050] Although not shown in Figure 6, a jig is provided above the ring threading device 11 to grip the upper part of the base portion 30 of the ring 3. This jig grips the ring 3 supplied from the ring supply device 48.

[0051] <Positioning jig 52> The positioning jig 52 is a jig for maintaining the multiple ring bodies 31 at a predetermined pitch and for holding the multiple ring bodies 31 in a state where they are maintained at the predetermined pitch.

[0052] The positioning jig 52 includes a guide roller 521 and a plurality of nip rollers 522. The guide roller 521 extends in the direction in which the binding holes 21a of the paper 2 are arranged. Both ends of the guide roller 521 are rotatably supported by the upper support member 523 shown in Figure 7, and are rotatable clockwise in Figure 6. A guide groove 521a is formed on the surface of the guide roller 521, having approximately the same width and thickness (depth) as the ring body 31, so that the ring body 31 can be fitted into it. The plurality of nip rollers 522 are arranged opposite the guide roller 521 (more specifically, the guide groove 521a). Each nip roller 522 is rotatable and connected to one another. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the nip rollers 522 are rotatably supported by the upper support member 523 while maintaining a predetermined distance from the guide roller 521.

[0053] The positional relationship between the guide roller 521 and the nip roller 522 depends on the dimensional relationship between the guide groove 521a and the ring body 31. That is, as shown in Figure 7, if the surface of the ring body 31 fitted into the guide groove 521a protrudes from the surface of the guide roller 521, the surface of the nip roller 522 contacts the surface of the ring body 31 but does not contact the surface of the guide roller 521. On the other hand, if the surface of the ring body 31 fitted into the guide groove 521a does not protrude from the surface of the guide roller 521, the surface of the nip roller 522 is positioned to contact the surface of the guide roller 521.

[0054] The nip roller 522 may be a single roller, similar to the guide roller 521. Furthermore, the nip roller 522 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the guide roller 521.

[0055] <Ring movement mechanism 53> As shown in Figure 6, the ring moving mechanism 53 has a motor 531. The motor 531 is provided at the end of the guide roller 521 and rotates the guide roller 521 clockwise in Figure 6. This makes it possible to insert the multiple ring bodies 31, which are fitted into the guide groove 521a of the guide roller 521 and maintained at a predetermined pitch, into the binding hole 21a while maintaining that position.

[0056] [Ring bending deformation device] Figure 7 schematically shows a device for bending a ring into an annular shape. Note that Figure 7 is a schematic representation of the ring body, and the actual shape, dimensions, etc., may differ.

[0057] As shown in the figure, below the mounting base (not shown in Figure 7) on which the paper 2 is placed, a pair of retraction rollers 60 are provided at positions corresponding to the binding holes 21a. Each of the pair of retraction rollers 60 is rotatably supported by a lower support member 61 and is connected to each other at a predetermined interval. The pair of retraction rollers 60 grip the tip of the ring body 31 that has passed through the binding holes 21a and pull the ring body 31 further downward. In addition, although not shown, a drive mechanism is provided to rotate the upper support member 523 in the direction of arrow A in the figure and the lower support member 61 in the direction of arrow B.

[0058] With the above-described device, the base portion 30 of the ring 3 and the ring body 31 that has passed through the binding hole 21a of the paper 2 are curved and deformed into an annular shape, allowing the base portion 30 of the ring 3 and the tip of the ring body 31 to be brought into close contact.

[0059] [Manufacturing method] First, binding holes 20a are formed in the paper 2 by a device other than the manufacturing device 40 shown in Figure 5. Then, rings 3 as shown in Figure 2 are stacked and supplied to the ring supply device 48. Here, the paper 2 with the binding holes 21a formed is supplied to the notebook supply station 41 with the inner sheets 21 placed on top of a pair of covers 20 positioned below, as shown in Figure 8. In this way, the larger cover 20 is placed below, and the smaller inner sheets 21 are stacked on top of it, so the misalignment between the cover 20 and the inner sheets 21 can be checked.

[0060] The paper sheets 2 supplied in this manner are held in a jig (not shown) and transported sequentially in a counterclockwise direction.

[0061] At the ring threading and ring bending deformation station 43, paper 2 transported from the standby station 42 is supplied, and rings 3 are supplied from the ring supply device 48. Then, the ring threading device 11 shown in Figure 6 inserts the ring body 31 into the binding hole 21a of the paper 2 from above, and the ring bending deformation device further bends the base portion 30 and the ring body 31 into an annular shape.

[0062] More specifically, each of the ring bodies 31 is fitted into the guide groove 521a of the guide roller 521 and held by the nip roller 522 while maintaining the spacing between adjacent ring bodies 31. The guide roller 521 is then rotated by the motor 531, causing the leading edge of the ring body 31 to pass through the binding hole 21a. The leading edge of the ring body 31 that has passed through the binding hole 21a is then gripped by a pair of pull-in rollers 60 and moves further downward.

[0063] Next, with the ring body 31 held by the rollers 521, 522, and 60, the upper support member 523 above the mounting table is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and the lower support member 61 below the mounting table is rotated in the direction of arrow B. The jig that grips the base portion 30 of the ring 3 (not shown) is rotated in the same manner. As a result, the welded portion 30a and the cut portion 30b of the base portion 30 and the welded portion 31c and the cut portion 31d of the ring body 31 come into close contact.

[0064] In the above process, the position of paper 2 may shift. If the welding process is performed at the next ring welding station 45 with paper 2 still in a shifted position, paper 2 may interfere with the ring welding process. Therefore, the paper positioning station 44 adjusts the positions of paper 2 and ring 3 to prevent paper 2 from interfering with the ring welding process.

[0065] Next, at the ring welding station 45, the base portion 30 and the ring body 31 are welded together by a conventionally known ultrasonic welding mechanism or the like.

[0066] After the welding is completed as described above, the base portion 30 and the cut portions 30b and 31d of the ring body 31 are separated at the ring end cutting station 46, and the ring note 1 is completed.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, in the completed ring notebook 1, one cover 20 and inner pages 21 are moved above the base 30, and the other cover 20 is moved below the welded portion 31c of the ring body 31. This positions the welded portions 30a and 31c of the base 30 and the ring body 31 inside the paper 2, making them invisible from the outside.

[0068] In this embodiment, each of the multiple ring bodies 31 is positioned by a positioning jig 52 and inserted into the binding hole 21a while maintaining that position. This allows each ring body 31 to be accurately inserted into and passed through the binding hole 21a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the positioning jig 52 is not inserted into the binding hole 21a; only the ring bodies 31 are inserted. Therefore, the positioning jig 52 is not limited by its size, allowing for greater design flexibility and easier manufacturing.

[0069] -Second Embodiment- Figure 10 shows a ring threading device 12 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. This ring threading device 12 differs from the first embodiment in its positioning jig and the mechanism for driving it, but the other structure, basic operation, and manufacturing method are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0070] [composition] The ring threading device 12 includes a mounting table 65 on which the paper is placed, a positioning jig 66, a jig moving mechanism 67, and a ring moving mechanism 68. Similar to the first embodiment, a jig for gripping the upper part of the ring is provided above the ring threading device 12. This jig descends in synchronization with the positioning jig 66.

[0071] In this second embodiment, the ring is formed by two-color molding, similar to the first embodiment. Specifically, the predetermined area 31e at the tip (shown with multiple dots in Figure 10) is made of polypropylene resin, while the other areas (including the base portion 30) 31f are made of polyethylene resin. As a result, the predetermined area 31e at the tip of the ring body 31 has higher hardness and is less prone to deformation compared to the other parts 31f.

[0072] Furthermore, the range of the predetermined area 31e at the tip is set to be the same as or slightly shorter than the cutting portion 31d, similar to the first embodiment.

[0073] This ring-passing device 12 only passes the ring body 31 through the binding hole 21a, and the positioning jig 66 is not inserted into the binding hole 21a.

[0074] The positioning jig 66 is positioned on the same side as the ring 3, i.e., above the mounting base 65. The positioning jig 66 has a main bar 661 and a clamp bar 662.

[0075] The main bar 661 extends in the direction in which the binding holes 21a of the paper are arranged and is vertically movable. Guide grooves 661a are formed on the surface of the main bar 661, which are approximately the same width and thickness (depth) as the ring body 31, so that the ring body 31 can be fitted into them. Both ends of the main bar 661 in the longitudinal direction are immovably supported by support members 664.

[0076] The clamp bar 662 is positioned opposite the main bar 661 and extends in the same direction as the main bar 661. The clamp bar 662 is supported by the support member 664 so as to be immovable in the vertical direction and movable in the horizontal direction.

[0077] The jig moving mechanism 67 includes a hydraulic cylinder, etc. This jig moving mechanism 67 allows the clamp bar 662 to move closer to and further away from the main bar 661.

[0078] The ring moving mechanism 68 includes a hydraulic cylinder or the like. This ring moving mechanism 68 makes it possible to move the support member 664 and raise and lower the main bar 661 and the clamp bar 662 in a synchronized manner.

[0079] [Ring threading and bending deformation motion] First, each of the ring bodies 31 is fitted into the guide groove 661a of the main bar 661 and held by the clamp bar 662 while maintaining the spacing between adjacent ring bodies 31. Then, with the ring bodies 31 held, the main bar 661 and the clamp bar 662 are lowered by the ring moving mechanism 68, and the leading edges of the ring bodies 31 are passed through the binding holes 21a. The leading edges of the ring bodies 31 that have passed through the binding holes 21a are gripped by a pair of retraction rollers 60, similar to those in the first embodiment, and move further downward.

[0080] Next, as shown in Figure 11, the same operation as in the first embodiment is performed, that is, the base portion 30 of the ring 3 above the mounting table is rotated in the direction of arrow A in the figure, and the tip portion of the ring body 31 below the mounting table is rotated in the direction of arrow B. As a result, the ring 3 is curved and deformed, and the welded portion 30a and cut portion 30b of the base portion 30 and the welded portion 31c and cut portion 31d of the ring body 31 come into close contact.

[0081] As mentioned above, the other configurations and manufacturing methods are basically the same as those of the first embodiment. The same effects and advantages as those of the first embodiment can be obtained with this second embodiment as well.

[0082] As a modification of this second embodiment, the main bar 661 and the clamp bar 662 may be provided with extensions that extend downward along each ring body 31. In this case, the ring body 1 and the positioning jig 66 (main bar 661 and clamp bar 662) are fixed in place, and the mounting base 65 on which the paper 2 is placed is raised so that the extensions of the ring body 31, the main bar 661 and the clamp bar 662 pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0083] Alternatively, a hole or notch may be formed in the clamped portion of the ring body 31, and a projection that matches the hole or notch may be formed on the clamp bar 662, so that the ring body 31 is held by the clamp bar 662 and the main bar 661.

[0084] -Third Embodiment- [composition] Figure 12 shows a ring threading device 13 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same ring 3 as in the first embodiment is used. The ring threading device 13 includes a mounting table 70 on which the paper is placed, a positioning jig 71, a jig moving mechanism 72, and a ring moving mechanism 73. In this third embodiment, the ring threading device 13 allows not only the ring body 31 but also the positioning jig 71 to pass through the binding hole 21a together with the ring body 31.

[0085] The positioning jig 71 is positioned on the opposite side of the mounting base 70 from the side where the ring 3 is placed. Specifically, in Figure 12, the ring 3 is supplied above the mounting base 70, and the positioning jig 71 is positioned below the mounting base 70. As with the embodiments described above, the upper part of the ring 3 is held by a jig (not shown). This jig descends in synchronization with the positioning jig 71.

[0086] The positioning jig 71 has multiple pairs of first holders 711 and second holders 712, which are pairs of holding parts provided corresponding to each of the multiple ring bodies 31, that is, corresponding to the binding holes 21a of the paper. Note that in Figure 12, only one pair of holders (first holder 711 and second holder 712) is shown, and the others are omitted.

[0087] The first holder 711 and the second holder 712 are vertically movable and shaped to allow passage through the binding holes 21a of the paper. Multiple first holders 711 are connected at their lower ends by connecting parts 711a. Similarly, the second holders 712 are connected at their lower ends by connecting parts 712a.

[0088] The first holder 711 is a plate that is long in the vertical direction, and both ends of the connecting portion 711a in the longitudinal direction are immovably supported by the support member 714. The second holder 712 is a plate that is long in the vertical direction, similar to the first holder 711, and is positioned opposite the first holder 711. The tip of the second holder 712 has a bent portion 712b that faces the first holder 711. Both ends of the connecting portion 712a of the second holder 712 in the longitudinal direction are supported by the support member 714 so as to be immovable in the vertical direction and movable in the horizontal direction.

[0089] The jig moving mechanism 72 includes a hydraulic cylinder and the like. This jig moving mechanism 72 allows the second holder 712 to move closer to and further away from the first holder 711.

[0090] The second holder 712 may have a connecting portion 712a that is rotatably connected to the support member 714 or the connecting portion 711a of the first holder 711. In this case, by rotating the second holder 712, the bent portion 712b at its tip can be moved closer to and further away from the first holder 711.

[0091] The ring moving mechanism 73 includes a hydraulic cylinder or the like. This ring moving mechanism 73 makes it possible to raise and lower the first holder 711 and the second holder 712, which are supported by the support member 714, together with the support member 714.

[0092] [Ring threading operation] First, the ring movement mechanism 73 is driven to raise the first holder 711 and the second holder 712 so that they pass through the binding hole 21a. Then, both holders 711 and 712 are raised to a height that allows them to grip the tip of the ring body 31.

[0093] Next, the jig moving mechanism 72 is driven to bring the second holder 712 closer to the first holder 711, and the tip of the ring body 31 is gripped by both holders 711 and 712. As a result, each of the multiple ring bodies 31 is gripped by both holders 711 and 712, maintaining the spacing between adjacent ring bodies 31 and positioning them accordingly.

[0094] Next, the ring movement mechanism 73 is driven, and the two holders 711 and 712 that grip the ring body 31 are lowered in this state, allowing both the ring body 31 and the two holders 711 and 712 to pass through the binding hole 21a. At this time, the jig that grips the upper part of the ring 3 also lowers in sync.

[0095] As a variation of passing the ring 3 and both holders 711, 712 through the binding hole 21a, the ring 3 and both holders 711, 712 may be fixed in place, and the mounting base 51 on which the paper 2 is placed may be raised to allow both the ring body 31 and both holders 711, 712 to pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0096] Next, similar to the second embodiment, the jig (not shown) that grips the upper part of the ring 3 is rotated in one direction, while both holders 711 and 712 are rotated in the other direction. Then, the welded portion 30a and cut portion 30b of the base portion 30 of the ring 3 and the welded portion 31c and cut portion 31d of the ring body 31 are brought into close contact. The subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0097] In this ring insertion device 13, similar to the first and second embodiments, each of the multiple ring bodies 31 can be positioned and inserted into the binding hole 21a while maintaining that position. Therefore, each ring body 31 can be accurately inserted into and passed through the binding hole 21a.

[0098] Furthermore, in this third embodiment, both holders 711 and 712 grip the ring body 31 and pass through the binding hole 21a together with the ring body 31. Therefore, the ring body 31 can be passed through the binding hole 21a accurately and reliably.

[0099] In this third embodiment, the configuration for holding the ring body 31 with a pair of retainers is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 12, which clamps the ring body 31. For example, a hole or notch may be formed at the tip of the ring body 31, and the bent portion 712b of the second retainer 712 may be inserted into the hole or notch, bringing the tip of the bent portion 712b into contact with the first retainer 711, thereby holding the ring body 31 by hooking it.

[0100] -Fourth Embodiment- [composition] Figure 13 shows a ring threading device 14 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. This ring threading device 14 includes a mounting base 75 on which the paper is placed, a positioning jig 76, a back plate 77, a jig moving mechanism 78, and a ring moving mechanism 79. Furthermore, this ring threading device 14 passes not only the ring body but also the positioning jig 76 together with the ring body through the binding hole 21a.

[0101] In this ring-passing device 14, a ring 8 as shown in Figure 13 is used. Specifically, the ring 8 has a base portion 80 and a ring body 81. A projection 81a is integrally formed at the tip of the ring body 81, protruding from the surface to a predetermined thickness. The lower end of the projection 81a is tapered, similar to the tip of the ring body 81. The upper end of the projection 81a is tapered upwards.

[0102] The positioning jig 76 is positioned above the mounting base 75, that is, on the same side of the mounting base 75 as the ring 8 is positioned, and is vertically movable. The positioning jig 76 is, for example, a metal plate and has a plurality of positioning parts 761 and a connecting part 762.

[0103] Each positioning portion 761 is formed to correspond to each of the ring body 81, that is, to the binding holes 21a of the paper 2, and is shaped to allow passage through the binding holes 21a of the paper. In addition, a recess 761a is formed at the tip of the positioning portion 761. The recess 761a is shaped to taper upward and can engage with the upper end of the projection 81a formed at the tip of the ring body 81.

[0104] The connecting portion 762 is formed extending in the direction in which the base portion 80 of the ring 8 extends. This connecting portion 762 connects the upper ends of the multiple positioning portions 761. Both longitudinal ends of the connecting portion 762 are supported by the support member 763 so as to be immovable in the vertical direction and movable in the horizontal direction.

[0105] The back plate 77 is positioned opposite the positioning jig 76. That is, the back plate 77 is positioned to contact the surface of the ring body 81 on the side opposite to the side that the positioning jig 86 contacts. This back plate 77 helps to stabilize the position of the ring 8 as it descends.

[0106] The jig moving mechanism 78 includes a hydraulic cylinder and the like. This jig moving mechanism 78 makes it possible to move the positioning jig 76 closer to and further away from the back plate 77.

[0107] The ring moving mechanism 79 includes a hydraulic cylinder or the like. This ring moving mechanism 79 makes it possible to raise and lower the positioning jig 76, which is supported by the support member 763, together with the support member 763.

[0108] [Ring threading operation] First, the jig moving mechanism 78 moves the positioning jig 76 closer to the back plate 77. As a result, the ring body 81 of the ring 8 is sandwiched between the back plate 77 and the positioning jig 76. Next, the ring moving mechanism 79 lowers the positioning jig 76. This causes the recess 761a of the positioning part 761 to engage with the projection 81a of the ring body 81. In this state, the relative position of each ring body 81 is fixed by the recess 761a of the positioning part 761 and the projection 81a of the ring body 81, and the distance between adjacent ring bodies 81 is maintained and they are positioned. Then, when the positioning jig 76 and the ring 8 are lowered from this state, the positioning part 761 of the positioning jig 76 and the ring body 81 pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0109] As a variation of passing the ring 3 and positioning jig 76 through the binding hole 21a, the ring 3 and positioning jig 76 may be fixed in place, and the mounting base 75 on which the paper 2 is placed may be raised to allow both the ring body 31 and the positioning jig 76 to pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0110] The subsequent operations are basically the same as in each of the embodiments described above, in which the base portion 80 of the ring 8 is rotated clockwise, and the ring body 81 that has passed through the binding hole 21a is rotated counterclockwise, bringing the welded portions of the two into close contact.

[0111] This fourth embodiment also provides the same effects and advantages as the third embodiment.

[0112] -Fifth Embodiment- [composition] Figure 14 shows a ring threading device 15 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. This ring threading device 15 includes a mounting base 85 on which the paper is placed, a positioning jig 86, upper and lower back plates 87, a jig moving mechanism 88, and a ring moving mechanism 89. In addition, similar to the third and fourth embodiments, this ring threading device 15 passes not only the ring body but also the positioning jig 86 together with the ring body through the binding hole 21a. The same ring 8 as in the fourth embodiment is used in this ring threading device 15.

[0113] The positioning jig 86 is positioned on the opposite side of the mounting base 85 from where the ring 8 is placed. Specifically, in Figure 14, the ring 8 is supplied above the mounting base 85, and the positioning jig 86 is positioned below the mounting base 85. The upper part of the ring 8 is held by a jig (not shown). This jig descends in sync with the positioning jig 86.

[0114] The positioning jig 86 is, for example, a metal plate and has a plurality of positioning parts 861, engaging parts 862, and connecting parts 863.

[0115] Each positioning portion 861 is formed to correspond to each of the ring body 81, that is, to the binding holes 21a of the paper 2, and is shaped to allow passage through the binding holes 21a of the paper. The engaging portion 862 is provided on the surface of the tip of the positioning portion 861, on the side facing the back plate 87. The engaging portion 862 has a predetermined thickness, and a recess 862a is provided at its lower end. The recess 862a is shaped to taper upward and can engage with the upper end of the projection 81a of the ring body 81.

[0116] The connecting portion 863 is formed extending in the direction in which the base portion 80 of the ring 8 extends. This connecting portion 863 connects the lower ends of the multiple positioning portions 861. Both longitudinal ends of the connecting portion 863 are supported by the support member 864 so as to be immovable in the vertical direction and movable in the horizontal direction.

[0117] The upper and lower back plates 87 are positioned above and below the mounting base 85, at a location laterally away from the mounting base 85. The back plates 87 are positioned so as to contact the surface opposite to the side of the ring body 81 that the positioning jig 86 contacts. These back plates 87 help to stabilize the position of the ring 8 as it descends.

[0118] The jig moving mechanism 88 includes a hydraulic cylinder and the like. This jig moving mechanism 88 makes it possible to move the positioning jig 86 closer to and further away from the back plate 87.

[0119] The ring moving mechanism 89 includes a hydraulic cylinder or the like. This ring moving mechanism 89 makes it possible to raise and lower the positioning jig 86, which is supported by the support member 864, together with the support member 864.

[0120] [Ring threading operation] First, the positioning jig 86 is raised by the ring moving mechanism 89, allowing the positioning part 861 to pass through the binding hole 21a. Then, when the engaging part 862 of the positioning jig 86 rises to a height that exceeds the projection 81a of the ring body 81, the movement of the positioning jig 86 is stopped.

[0121] Next, the jig moving mechanism 88 moves the positioning jig 86 closer to the upper back plate 87, and the tip of the ring body 81 is clamped between the positioning jig 86 and the back plate 87. In this state, when the ring moving mechanism 89 lowers the positioning jig 86, the recess 862a of the engaging portion 862 engages with the projection 81a of the ring body 81. As a result, the spacing between the multiple ring bodies 81 is maintained and positioned by the positioning jig 86.

[0122] Next, the ring moving mechanism 89 lowers the ring body 81, which has been positioned by the positioning jig 86, together with the positioning jig 86, so that it passes through the binding hole 21a. At this time, the jig that grips the upper part of the ring 8 also lowers in sync.

[0123] As a variation of passing the ring 3 and positioning jig 86 through the binding hole 21a, the ring 3 and positioning jig 86 may be fixed in place, and the mounting base 85 on which the paper 2 is placed may be raised to allow both the ring body 31 and the positioning jig 86 to pass through the binding hole 21a.

[0124] The subsequent steps of bending and deforming the ring into an annular shape, or welding it, are the same as in each embodiment.

[0125] The same effects and advantages as those of the third and fourth embodiments can be obtained with this ring-passing device 15.

[0126] In the first to third embodiments, a predetermined area at the tip of the ring body is formed by two-color molding to give it higher hardness than other parts. However, the predetermined area may be made to have the same hardness as the other parts without two-color molding. Also, in all embodiments, the ring body is passed through the binding hole from above, but this is not the only option. The ring body may be passed through the binding hole from below, or the binding hole may be positioned to open horizontally, allowing the ring body to pass through the binding hole horizontally.

[0127] [Other embodiments] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications or alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0128] (a) The shape of the positioning jig is not limited to the embodiments described above, and any configuration that can position each of the multiple ring bodies and maintain that position is acceptable.

[0129] (b) A hydraulic cylinder was given as an example of a mechanism for moving the positioning jig, but other drive mechanisms may also be used.

[0130] (c) The shape of the ring used in the ring-passing device of the present invention is an example and is not limited to the shape shown in each figure.

[0131] (d) In the embodiments described above, the case in which a resin ring is passed through the binding hole of the paper was explained, but the present invention can be applied to any other soft ring, such as one made of paper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 2 sheets 21a Binding holes 3 rings 30 Ring section 31 Ring body 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 Ring threading device 51, 65, 70, 75, 85 Mounting platform 52, 66, 71, 76, 86 Positioning jigs 53, 68, 73, 79, 89 Ring movement mechanism 521 Guide Roller 521a Guide groove 522 Nipple Roller 661 Main Bar 661a Guide groove 662 Clamp Bar 711,712 1st grip, 2nd grip 711a,712a Connection part 761 Positioning unit 761a Recess 762 Connecting part 861 Positioning unit 862 Engaging part 862a Recess 863 Connecting part

Claims

1. A ring-passing device for passing the ring bodies of a resin ring, which has a base portion and multiple ring bodies that extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the base portion extends, and whose leading ends are welded to the base portion, through multiple binding holes formed at the edges of multiple sheets of paper, A mounting platform on which the aforementioned paper is placed, A positioning jig for holding each of the multiple ring bodies while maintaining the distance between them, A moving mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning jig relative to the base described above, and passing the ring body through the binding hole, A mechanism for bringing the tip of the ring body, which has passed through the binding hole, into close contact with the base portion in order to weld it. Equipped with, The positioning jig is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ring bodies and has a positioning section for positioning the plurality of ring bodies, and is a ring-passing device.

2. The positioning jig further includes, The paper has a connecting portion that extends along the direction of arrangement of the multiple binding holes and connects the multiple positioning portions, The ring threading device according to claim 1.

3. A ring-passing device for passing the ring bodies of a ring having multiple ring bodies through multiple binding holes formed at the edges of multiple sheets of paper, A mounting platform on which the aforementioned paper is placed, A positioning jig for holding each of the multiple ring bodies while maintaining the distance between them, A moving mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning jig relative to the base described above, and passing the ring body through the binding hole, Equipped with, The positioning jig is positioned on the same side as the ring is positioned on the base described above. The moving mechanism moves the ring body, which is positioned and held by the positioning jig, in a first direction relative to the base described above, so that it passes through the binding hole. Each of the aforementioned multiple ring bodies is formed with a first engagement portion, The positioning jig has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion to position and hold the plurality of ring bodies, wherein the ring threading device is a ring threading device.

4. The first engaging portion is a projection formed at the tip of the ring body and protruding from the surface, The second engaging portion is a recess that fits into the projection. The ring threading device according to claim 3.

5. A ring-passing device for passing the ring bodies of a ring having multiple ring bodies through multiple binding holes formed at the edges of multiple sheets of paper, A mounting platform on which the aforementioned paper is placed, A positioning jig for holding each of the multiple ring bodies while maintaining the distance between them, A moving mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning jig relative to the base described above, and passing the ring body through the binding hole, Equipped with, The positioning jig is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ring bodies and has a positioning section for positioning the plurality of ring bodies, The positioning jig is positioned on the same side as the ring is positioned on the base described above. The moving mechanism moves the ring body, which is positioned and held by the positioning jig, in a first direction relative to the base described above, so that it passes through the binding hole. The aforementioned moving mechanism is a ring threading device that allows only the ring body to pass through the binding hole.

6. The ring-passing device according to claim 5, wherein the tip of the ring body is molded to be harder than other parts over a predetermined range.

7. A ring threading device for passing the ring bodies of a ring having multiple ring bodies through multiple binding holes formed at the edges of multiple sheets of paper, A mounting platform on which the aforementioned paper is placed, A positioning jig for holding each of the multiple ring bodies while maintaining the distance between them, A moving mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning jig relative to the base described above, and passing the ring body through the binding hole, Equipped with, The positioning jig is positioned on the same side as the ring is positioned on the base described above. The positioning jig comprises a body for positioning each of the multiple ring bodies, and a holding portion for holding the ring body positioned by the body. The main body extends along the direction of the arrangement of the multiple binding holes of the paper and has guide grooves on its surface into which each of the multiple ring bodies fits. The holding part holds the ring body, which is fitted into the guide groove, by sandwiching it between itself and the main body. The moving mechanism moves the ring body, which is positioned and held by the positioning jig, in a first direction relative to the base described above, so that it passes through the binding hole. The aforementioned moving mechanism is a ring threading device that allows only the ring body to pass through the binding hole.

8. The main body is a rotatable roller having guide grooves formed on its surface into which each of the plurality of ring bodies fits, The holding portion is a rotatable nip roller that clamps the ring body, which is fitted into the guide groove, between itself and the roller. The moving mechanism rotates at least one of the roller and the nip roller. The ring threading device according to claim 7.

9. The main body is a main body bar having guide grooves formed on its surface into which each of the plurality of ring bodies fits, and which can move freely towards and away from the aforementioned mounting base. The holding portion is a clamp bar that can move toward and toward the main bar, and clamps the ring body fitted into the guide groove between itself and the main bar, and can move toward and toward the aforementioned mounting base. The moving mechanism moves the main bar and clamp bar closer to and further away from the base described above. The ring threading device according to claim 7.

10. A ring-passing device for passing the ring bodies of a ring having multiple ring bodies through multiple binding holes formed at the edges of multiple sheets of paper, A mounting platform on which the aforementioned paper is placed, A positioning jig for holding each of the multiple ring bodies while maintaining the distance between them, A moving mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning jig relative to the base described above, and passing the ring body through the binding hole, Equipped with, The positioning jig is A positioning unit is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ring bodies for positioning the plurality of ring bodies, A connecting portion extending along the direction of arrangement of multiple binding holes in the aforementioned paper, and connecting multiple of the aforementioned positioning portions, It has, The positioning portion of the positioning jig is movable relative to the aforementioned mounting base in a direction intersecting the mounting surface of the aforementioned mounting base, and is capable of passing through the binding holes of the paper. The moving mechanism passes the ring body and the positioning part that holds the ring body through the binding hole, The positioning jig is positioned on the side opposite to the side on which the ring is placed, with the aforementioned base in between. The moving mechanism moves the positioning part of the positioning jig in a first direction relative to the base described above to pass through the binding hole, and moves the positioning part, which positions and holds the ring body, together with the ring body in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the base described above to pass through the binding hole. The positioning jig has a pair of holding parts that are arranged facing each other and can move closer to and further away from each other, and is a ring-passing device.

11. A ring-passing device for passing the ring bodies of a ring having multiple ring bodies through multiple binding holes formed at the edges of multiple sheets of paper, A mounting platform on which the aforementioned paper is placed, A positioning jig for holding each of the multiple ring bodies while maintaining the distance between them, A moving mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning jig relative to the base described above, and passing the ring body through the binding hole, Equipped with, The positioning jig is A positioning unit is provided corresponding to each of the plurality of ring bodies for positioning the plurality of ring bodies, A connecting portion extending along the direction of arrangement of multiple binding holes in the aforementioned paper, and connecting multiple of the aforementioned positioning portions, It has, The positioning portion of the positioning jig is movable relative to the aforementioned mounting base in a direction intersecting the mounting surface of the aforementioned mounting base, and is capable of passing through the binding holes of the paper. The moving mechanism passes the ring body and the positioning part that holds the ring body through the binding hole, The positioning jig is positioned on the side opposite to the side on which the ring is placed, with the aforementioned base in between. The moving mechanism moves the positioning part of the positioning jig in a first direction relative to the base described above to pass through the binding hole, and moves the positioning part, which positions and holds the ring body, together with the ring body in a second direction opposite to the first direction relative to the base described above to pass through the binding hole. Each of the aforementioned multiple ring bodies is formed with a first engagement portion, The positioning jig has a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion to position and hold the plurality of ring bodies, wherein the ring threading device is a ring threading device.

12. The ring threading device according to claim 1, wherein the moving mechanism moves the ring from above to below relative to the aforementioned base, causing the ring body to pass through the binding hole of the paper.

13. A method for manufacturing a ring notebook using a ring threading device, The ring threading device is a ring threading device for passing the ring bodies of a ring having multiple ring bodies through multiple binding holes formed at the edges of multiple sheets of paper, A mounting platform on which the aforementioned paper is placed, A positioning jig for holding each of the multiple ring bodies while maintaining the distance between them, A moving mechanism for moving the ring held by the positioning jig relative to the base described above, and passing the ring body through the binding hole, Equipped with, The method for manufacturing the aforementioned ring notebook is: A notebook preparation step involves preparing a notebook consisting of multiple sheets of paper, each having multiple binding holes arranged in a first direction at one end, and A ring preparation step of preparing a ring having a base portion extending in the first direction and a plurality of ring bodies extending from the base portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction, The ring threading process involves passing each ring body of the rings through the corresponding binding holes of the notebook using the ring threading device, A welding process in which each of the ring bodies is bent and deformed and the tip of the ring body is welded to the base, A cutting step of cutting the tip portion from the main part of the welded portion between the ring body and the base portion, A method for manufacturing a ring notebook.

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