Mold set for paper binding

A paper sheet binding die set comprises first and second dies, each having an opposed surface comprising a plurality of tooth portions. The first and second dies face each other such that the first die and the second die are capable of meshing with each other. Each tooth portion of the first die comprises a valley-bottom portion, and a peak-top portion. Each tooth portion of the second die comprises a valley-bottom portion, a peak-top portion, and an inclined-surface portion extending at an incline from the valley-bottom portion to the peak-top portion. The peak-top portion of each of the plurality of tooth portions of the first die has a length so as to cover the inclined-surface portion of the corresponding tooth portion of the second die upon meshing of the first and second dies. The first and second dies pressurize the plurality of stacked paper sheets to bind them together.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to a paper sheet binding die set capable of binding a plurality of paper sheets without use of metal staples, glues, strings, cords, or the like.

2. Background Art

Conventionally, many booklets and ledger sheets are created by binding with use of metal staples, glues, or the like. In a case of using the metal staples for binding, however, when a bound state is incomplete, there is a risk that end portions of the metal staple protrude.

Further, regarding disposal of booklets and ledger sheets that have become unnecessary, the booklets and ledger sheets are shredded by a shredder when necessary and then incinerated, or reused as recycled paper sheets in terms of resource conservation. In this context, in order to avoid damage to blades of the shredder, it is necessary to remove metal staples from paper sheets bound with the metal staples. Further, regarding paper sheets bound with glue, when the glue is a resin-based glue such as a hot-melt glue, it is necessary to cut off glued parts of the paper sheets so that noxious gases are not generated at the time of incineration.

Those operations require time and effort, which is reflected in costs such as a personnel cost. In order to overcome the problem, in other words, in order to bind paper sheets without use of metal staples or glues, for example, there have been disclosed a binding method and a binding apparatus in which, at the time of binding a plurality of paper sheets such as ledger sheets, moisture is supplied to each of the paper sheets, and then pressure is applied from above and below by binding members respectively provided with a series of projections and recesses (for example, refer to JP 3481300 B and JP 3502204 B).

However, by the binding method according to the technologies disclosed in Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature 2, in which moisture is supplied to each of the paper sheets, and then pressure is applied from above and below by binding members respectively provided with a series of projections and recesses, bound parts are corrugated owing to the moisture. Thus, the method is not applicable to aesthetic articles such as a booklet and a brochure, and hence application of the method is limited to ledger sheets and the like. Further, in order to evenly supply moisture with respect to each of the paper sheets separately, it is necessary to install an elaborate and complex device for a preceding step of a binding process. Thus, in order to bind a large number of paper sheets, a scale of the device becomes larger in accordance therewith. Those are problems with this method.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a die set to be used, not only by general consumers but also by producers, in a paper sheet binding device for paper products, the die set being free from use of metal staples, glues, or the like, being excellent in safety, productivity, and cost performance, and facilitating disposal of paper sheets.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the invention as described in claim1, provided is a paper sheet binding die set, including a pair of dies arranged to face each other and having respective opposed surfaces provided with respective tooth portions capable of meshing with each other, the paper sheet binding die set being configured to bind a plurality of stacked paper sheets in a manner that the pair of dies pressurize the plurality of stacked paper sheets from both sides in a thickness direction and the respective tooth portions of the pair of dies are meshed with each other. The respective tooth portions formed on the respective opposed surfaces of the pair of dies each include a plurality of tooth portions each having a substantially triangular shape in cross section and a predetermined tooth width, and provided in series on a corresponding one of the respective opposed surfaces. Of the respective tooth portions formed on the respective opposed surfaces of the pair of dies, each of the plurality of tooth portions of one of the pair of dies includes, on one tooth-widthwise side or both tooth-widthwise sides, an inclined-surface portion inclined in a narrowing direction toward a peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies, and at least a peak-top portion of each of the plurality of tooth portions of another of the pair of dies, which face the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies, exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the another of the pair of dies covers a valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies.

According to the invention as described in claim1, of the respective tooth portions formed on the respective opposed surfaces of the pair of dies, each of the plurality of tooth portions of one of the pair of dies includes, on one widthwise side or both widthwise sides, the inclined-surface portion inclined in a narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies, and at least the peak-top portion of each of the plurality of tooth portions of another of the pair of dies, which face the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies, exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the another of the pair of dies covers the valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies. Thus, regarding the respective tooth portions of the pair of dies facing each other, an end portion of the peak-top portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies falls within a width of the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the another of the pair of dies. When the respective tooth portions of the pair of dies facing each other are meshed with each other, the peak-top portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies undergoes meshing on the end portion side within the width of the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the another of the pair of dies. In this way, the valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies and the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the another of the pair of dies are meshed with each other.

When a plurality of stacked paper sheets are pressurized from both sides in a thickness direction with the pair of dies as described above and the respective tooth portions of the pair of dies are meshed with each other, with regard to the end portions of the peak-top portions of each of the respective tooth portions, at which the plurality of paper sheets are most liable to be torn, the peak-top portion on the inclined-surface portion side undergoes meshing on the end portion side within the width of the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the another of the pair of dies. Therefore, the end portions of the peak-top portions are not meshed with each other in a manner of facing each other. Thus, the paper sheets are suppressed from being torn even through application of high pressure. Further, the end portion of the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies, which is to undergo meshing within the width of the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the another of the pair of dies, is formed as the inclined-surface portion. Thus, the inclined-surface portion buffers pressure generated when meshing the respective tooth portions of the pair of dies with each other. Also with this, the paper sheets are suppressed from being torn.

With this, at the time of binding the plurality of paper sheets, the plurality of paper sheets can be compressed through application of a large force to the pair of dies while suppressing the paper sheets from being torn, and a large binding force is obtained at the compressed portions of the plurality of paper sheets. Thus, the plurality of paper sheets can be reliably bound while being suppressed from being torn.

Further, the end portion of the valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the one of the pair of dies is meshed with the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the another of the pair of dies. As a result, the plurality of paper sheets are compressed between the end portions of the peak-top portion of the respective tooth portions of the pair of dies and between the end portions of the valley-bottom portion of the respective tooth portions of the pair of dies. Thus, a large binding force is obtained at the compressed portions of the plurality of paper sheets, and hence the plurality of paper sheets can be reliably bound.

According to the invention as described in claim2, in claim1, the opposed surface provided with the tooth portions of at least one of the pair of dies, each include a flat surface substantially flush with the valley-bottom portion of each of the plurality of tooth portions of a corresponding one of the pair of dies, the flat surface being formed on the one widthwise side or both the widthwise sides of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the corresponding one of the pair of dies.

According to the invention as described in claim2, the opposed surface provided with the tooth portions of at least one of the pair of dies, each include the flat surface substantially flush with the valley-bottom portion of each of the plurality of tooth portions of a corresponding one of the pair of dies, the flat surface being formed on the one widthwise side or both the widthwise sides of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the corresponding one of the pair of dies. In a case where a large number of paper sheets are stacked, it is necessary to apply higher pressure from the respective tooth portions, but excessive pressure may cause the paper sheets to be torn, with the result that a binding strength may be reduced. However, when the plurality of stacked paper sheets are pressed with the flat surfaces, excessive pressure to the plurality of paper sheets from the respective tooth portions can be regulated.

According to the invention as described in claim3, in claim1or2, both widthwise end portions of the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the corresponding one of the pair of dies and both widthwise end portions of the valley-bottom portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the corresponding one of the pair of dies are each formed into a curved-surface shape.

According to the invention as described in claim3, both the widthwise end portions of the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the corresponding one of the pair of dies and both the widthwise end portions of the valley-bottom portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the corresponding one of the pair of dies are each formed into a curved-surface shape. Thus, the plurality of paper sheets are effectively prevented or suppressed from being torn by both the widthwise end portions of the peak-top portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the corresponding one of the pair of dies and both the widthwise end portions of the valley-bottom portion of the each of the plurality of tooth portions of the corresponding one of the pair of dies, at which extremely high-pressure is applied to the plurality of paper sheets when the respective tooth portions are meshed with each other.

According to the invention as described in claim4, in any one of claims1,2, and3, the one of the pair of dies has a gear shape, and the another of the pair of dies has a linear shape.

According to the invention as described in claim4, the one of the pair of dies has a gear shape, and the another of the pair of dies has a linear shape. Thus, the plurality of paper sheets can be bound through rotation of the gear-shaped die and movement of the gear-shaped die or the linear-shaped die. In this way, the pair of dies can pressurize the plurality of paper sheets through reciprocating movement. Further, contacts of meshing are partial, and hence surface pressure is considerably reduced. Still further, variation of ranges of points to be bound can be easily coped with.

In addition, the pair of dies generates less noise at the time of pressing, and enables compact devices to perform binding. Thus, the pair of dies can be utilized as dies for manual binding devices and inner binding devices for on-demand digital printers each having a small space therein.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the paper sheet binding die set of the present invention, at the time of binding a plurality of paper sheets, the plurality of paper sheets can be compressed through application of a large force to the pair of dies while suppressing the plurality of paper sheets from being torn, and a large binding force is obtained at the compressed portions of the plurality of paper sheets. Thus, the plurality of paper sheets can be reliably bound with a large binding force while being suppressed from being torn.

The paper sheet binding die set according to the present invention can be used not only for binding magazines, booklets, brochures, free newspapers, bulletins, commemorative issues, booklet leaflets, booklet newspapers, and notebooks, but also for binding parts to be bound of paper bags, paper carton boxes, and paper cardboard boxes.

Further, the paper sheet binding die set according to the present invention is capable of binding, in addition to paper sheets, for example, a metal sheet member obtained by laminating a plastic film, an aluminum film, and the like on a paper sheet, and hence is applicable to binding of the metal sheet member obtained by laminating a plastic film, an aluminum film, and the like on a paper sheet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Next, description is made of a paper sheet binding die set according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The paper sheet binding die set according to the present invention includes a pair of dies arranged to face each other and having respective opposed surfaces provided with respective tooth portions capable of meshing with each other.

The tooth portions formed on the opposed surface of each of the pair of dies each have a substantially triangular shape in cross section and a predetermined width, and a plurality of tooth portions are provided in series on the opposed surface. Regarding the tooth portions, it is preferred that, when the respective tooth portions of the pair of dies are meshed with each other, a gap be formed between a peak-top portion of each of the tooth portions of one of the dies and a valley-bottom portion of each of the tooth portions of another of the dies. The gap can be formed by forming the peak-top portion of the tooth portion to have a curved surface having a curvature larger than that of the valley-bottom portion.

Of the tooth portions formed as described above, the tooth portion of the one of the dies includes, on one widthwise side or both widthwise sides, an inclined-surface portion inclined in a narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion of the tooth portion. At least the peak-top portion of the tooth portion of the another of the dies, which faces the tooth portion of the one of the dies, exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion of the tooth portion of the another of the dies covers the valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the tooth portion of the one of the dies.

The inclined-surface portion may be provided on one widthwise side of the tooth portion of the one of the dies, and the inclined-surface portion may further be provided on one widthwise side of the tooth portion of the another of the dies, which is situated on a diagonal line with respect to the inclined-surface portion of the tooth portion of the one of the dies facing the tooth portion of the another of the dies. Alternatively, the inclined-surface portion may be provided on both the widthwise sides of the tooth portion of the one of the dies. Inclination angles of the inclined-surface portions are not particularly limited.

Further, the peak-top portion of the tooth portion of the another of the dies, which exists up to the position at which the peak-top portion of the tooth portion of the another of the dies covers the valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the tooth portion of the one of the dies, is not limited in position as long as the peak-top portion covers the valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the tooth portion of the one of the dies. For example, the peak-top portion of the tooth portion of the another of the dies may exist partway up to the valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side of the tooth portion of the one of the dies, or may exist up to a position beyond the valley-bottom portion on the inclined-surface portion side.

Still further, it is preferred that, on the opposed surface provided with the tooth portions of at least one of the pair of dies facing each other, a flat surface substantially flush with the valley-bottom portion of each of the tooth portions be formed on the one widthwise side or both the widthwise sides of each of the tooth portions. Yet further, it is preferred that, on the opposed surface provided with the tooth portions of at least one of the pair of dies facing each other, a flat surface substantially flush with the valley-bottom portion of each of the tooth portions be formed on the one side or both the sides in a direction in which the tooth portions are provided in series. Yet further, it is preferred that both widthwise end portions of the peak-top portion of the tooth portion and both widthwise end portions of the valley-bottom portion of the tooth portion be formed into a curved-surface shape. Yet further, it is preferred that side surfaces of the tooth portion, in other words, corner portions formed of the inclined-surface portion and the surface portion opposite to the inclined-surface portion also be each formed into a curved-surface shape.

In the following, detailed description is made of a paper sheet binding die set according to specific embodiments of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 to 9illustrate a paper sheet binding die set according to a first embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1is a front view of the paper sheet binding die set according to the first embodiment.FIG. 2is a right-side view ofFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a front view illustrating a state in which tooth portions of a pair of dies according to the first embodiment are meshed with each other.FIG. 4is a partially enlarged view ofFIG. 3.FIG. 5is a right-side view ofFIG. 3.FIG. 6is a partially-omitted enlarged perspective view of the tooth portions of the die according to the first embodiment.FIG. 7illustrate a meshing state of the tooth portions under a state in which axes of the pair of dies according to the first embodiment shift with respect to each other.FIG. 7(A)is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which an upper die shifts to one side, andFIG. 7(B)an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the upper die shifts to another side.FIG. 8is a partially enlarged sectional view illustrating a state in which paper sheets are compressed with the dies according to the first embodiment.FIG. 9is a vertical sectional view taken along a width direction of the tooth portions, illustrating the state in which paper sheets are compressed with the dies according to the first embodiment.

The paper sheet binding die set according to the first embodiment includes a pair of dies1and2arranged to face each other. Opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2are respectively provided with tooth portions5and6capable of meshing with each other. The tooth portions5and6each have a substantially triangular shape in cross section and a predetermined width, and a plurality of tooth portions are provided in series on a corresponding one of the respective opposed surfaces.

In the first embodiment, peak-top portions7and valley-bottom portions8are formed into a curved surface in each of the tooth portions5and6, and the curved surface of each of the peak-top portions7has a curvature larger than the curved surface of each of the valley-bottom portions8. With this, when the tooth portions5and6are meshed with each other, a gap S is formed between the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the one die1and the valley-bottom portion8of the tooth portion6of the another die (refer toFIGS. 2 and 3).

Of the tooth portions5and6formed as described above, in the first embodiment, the tooth portion5of the one die1includes, on one widthwise side, an inclined-surface portion9inclined in a narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. Further, the tooth portion6of the die2includes, on one widthwise side, an inclined-surface portion9, which is formed on a diagonal side with respect to the above-mentioned inclined-surface portion9of the tooth portion5of the die1. Inclination angles of the inclined-surface portions9are not particularly limited.

Further, the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion6of the die2. In addition, the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5of the die1.

The peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1), which exists up to the position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1) covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2), is not limited in position as long as the peak-top portion7covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2). In the first embodiment, the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1) exists up to a position beyond an end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2).

Further, a surface portion10opposite to the inclined-surface portion9on the one widthwise side of each of the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2may include a perpendicular surface or an inclined surface as long as the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) exists up to the position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1). In the first embodiment, the opposite surface portion10is a perpendicular surface.

Further, in the first embodiment, on each of the opposed surfaces3and4of the pair of dies1and2facing each other, on which the respective tooth portions5and6are formed, a flat surface11substantially flush with the valley-bottom portion8of each of the tooth portions5and6is formed on the inclined-surface portion9side of each of the tooth portions5and6and on both sides in a direction in which the tooth portions5and6are provided in series.

Still further, in the first embodiment, end portions7aand7bon both widthwise sides of the peak-top portion7and end portions8aand8bon both widthwise sides of the valley-bottom portion8of each of the tooth portions5and6are each formed into a curved-surface shape. In addition, side surfaces of each of the tooth portions5and6, in other words, corner portions14formed of the inclined-surface portion9, the opposite surface portion10, and side-wall surface portions13are also each formed into a curved-surface shape (refer toFIG. 6).

The paper sheet binding die set including the pair of dies1and2formed as described above binds a plurality of stacked paper sheets as follows.

A plurality of stacked paper sheets15are strongly pressurized from both sides in a thickness direction with the pair of dies1and2, and the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are meshed with each other. In this manner, the plurality of paper sheets15are compressed by the tooth portions5and6, and thus are strongly pressurized in a vertical direction between the side-wall surface portions13of the tooth portions5and6. With this, the plurality of stacked paper sheets15is strongly rubbed against each other. As a result, fibers on surfaces of the paper sheets15are exposed and twined with each other, and then compressed. In this way, compressed portions16are united, with the result that the stacked paper sheets15are firmly bound to each other. Then, surplus fibers of the paper sheets15, which are formed as a result of the compression, are collected into the gap S to be formed between the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1and the valley-bottom portion8of the tooth portion6of the die2. As a result, a binding strength with respect to the paper sheets15at this part is prevented from being deteriorated (refer toFIG. 8).

In the first embodiment, the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) includes, on the one widthwise side, the inclined-surface portion9inclined in the narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6). The peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1), which faces the tooth portion5(6), exists up to a position beyond the end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2). Therefore, the end portion7aof the peak-top portion7on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) falls within a width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1). When the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are meshed with each other, the peak-top portion7on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) undergoes meshing on the end portion7aside within the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1). As a result, the end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) is meshed with the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1) (refer toFIG. 5).

In the plurality of paper sheets15compressed with the dies1and2as described above, bound portions21each marked by a compression imprint20are formed. In the compression imprint20, peak portions17and valley portions18are formed, and an inclined surface19is formed on one side of each of the peak portions17while another inclined surface19is formed on one side of each of the valley portions18, which is an opposite side of the inclined surface19formed on each of the peak portions17(refer toFIG. 10).

When the plurality of stacked paper sheets15are pressurized from both the sides in the thickness direction with the dies1and2formed as described above and the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are meshed with each other, with regard to the end portions7aand7bof the respective peak-top portions7of the tooth portions5and6, at which the paper sheets15are most liable to be torn, the peak-top portion7on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the one die1(2) undergoes meshing on the end portion7aside and the end portion7bside within the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the another die2(1). Therefore, the end portions7aand7bof the respective peak-top portions7of the tooth portions5and6are not meshed with each other in a manner of facing each other. Thus, the paper sheets15are suppressed from being torn even through application of high pressure. Further, the end portions7aand7bof the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6) of the one die1(2), which is to undergo meshing within the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the another die2(1), are formed as the inclined-surface portions9. Thus, the inclined-surface portion9buffers pressure generated when meshing the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2with each other. Also with this, the paper sheets15are suppressed from being torn.

With this, at the time of binding the plurality of paper sheets15, the plurality of paper sheets15can be compressed through application of a large force to the dies1and2while suppressing the paper sheets15from being torn, and a large binding force is obtained at the compressed portions16of the paper sheets15. Thus, the plurality of paper sheets15can be reliably bound while being suppressed from being torn. Further, the end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the one die1(2) is meshed with the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the another die2(1). As a result, the paper sheets15are compressed between the end portions7aand7bof the peak-top portion7of the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2and between the end portions8aand8bof the valley-bottom portion8of the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2. Thus, a large binding force is obtained at the compressed portions16of the paper sheets15, and hence the plurality of paper sheets15can be reliably bound (refer toFIG. 9).

Further, in the first embodiment, the end portion7aof the peak-top portion7on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) falls within the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1). Thus, even when opposed axes of the die land the die2shift with respect to each other, as long as the end portion7aof the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) falls within the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1), the tooth portion5of the die1and the tooth portion6of the die2can be reliably meshed with each other (refer toFIG. 7).

An overlapping width C of the peak-top portions7of the tooth portion5of the die1and the tooth portion6of the die2varies in accordance with the shift of the opposed axes of the die1and the die2. A large compressive force is applied to the paper sheets15when the overlapping width C is large, and a small compressive force is applied to the paper sheets15when the overlapping width C is small. Therefore, through an intentional shift of the opposed axes of the die1and the die2with respect to each other, the compressive force to be applied to the paper sheets15can be arbitrarily controlled.

Still further, in the first embodiment, on each of the opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2, on which the respective tooth portions5and6are formed, the flat surface11substantially flush with the valley-bottom portion8of each of the tooth portions5and6is formed on the inclined-surface portion9side of each of the tooth portions5and6and on both the sides in the direction in which the tooth portions5and6are provided in series. Thus, when a large number of paper sheets15are stacked, the stacked paper sheets15are pressed with the flat surfaces11, and hence excessive pressure to the paper sheets15from the tooth portions5and6can be regulated. As a result, the paper sheets15can be prevented or suppressed from being torn by the excessive pressure (refer toFIG. 9).

Yet further, in the first embodiment, the end portions7aand7bon both the widthwise sides of the peak-top portion7and the end portions8aand8bon both the widthwise sides of the valley-bottom portion8of each of the tooth portions5and6are each formed into a curved-surface shape. In addition, the side surfaces of each of the tooth portions5and6, in other words, the corner portions14formed of the inclined-surface portion9, the opposite surface portion10, and the side-wall surface portions13are also formed into a curved-surface shape. Thus, when the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are meshed with each other, pressure is dispersed by the curved-surface shape. As a result, the paper sheets15can be effectively prevented or suppressed from being torn by the end portions7aand7bon both the widthwise sides of the peak-top portion7and the end portions8aand8bon both the widthwise sides of the valley-bottom portion8of each of the tooth portions5and6, at which extremely high pressure is applied to the paper sheets15.

Description is made of an example in which the plurality of paper sheets15is bound to create a booklet with use of the dies1and2according to the first embodiment. First, the plurality of paper sheets15to be created as a booklet is stacked. Bending lines22and22are formed parallel to each other at a predetermined interval on the stacked paper sheets15(refer toFIG. 11). The bound portions21are formed by securely meshing the tooth portions5of the die1and the tooth portions6of the die2with each other from both sides of the stacked paper sheets15between the bending lines22and22and along the bending lines22and22. In this way, the plurality of paper sheets15are bound by the bound portions21to be created as a booklet23(refer toFIG. 12).

FIGS. 13 to 14illustrate a paper sheet binding die set according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.13is a side view illustrating the paper sheet binding die set according to the second embodiment.FIG. 14is a front view illustrating a state in which tooth portions of a pair of dies according to the second embodiment are meshed with each other.FIG. 15is a vertical sectional view taken along a width direction of the tooth portions, illustrating a state in which paper sheets are compressed with the dies according to the second embodiment.

The paper sheet binding die set according to the second embodiment basically has the same structure as that in the first embodiment described above. InFIGS. 13 to 14, parts corresponding to those in the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

Similarly to the first embodiment described above, the paper sheet binding die set according to the second embodiment includes the pair of dies1and2arranged to face each other. The opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2are respectively provided with the tooth portions5and6capable of meshing with each other. The tooth portions5and6each have a substantially triangular shape in cross section and a predetermined tooth width, and a plurality of tooth portions are provided in series on a corresponding one of the respective opposed surfaces.

Of the tooth portions5and6formed as described above, in the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the tooth portion5of the one die1includes, on the one widthwise side, the inclined-surface portion9inclined in a narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. Further, the tooth portion6of the die2includes, on the one widthwise side, the inclined-surface portion9, which is formed on the diagonal side with respect to the above-mentioned inclined-surface portion9of the tooth portion5of the die1. Still further, the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1covers the end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion6of the die2. In addition, the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2covers the end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5of the die1.

Further, the surface portion10opposite to the inclined-surface portion9on the one widthwise side of each of the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2may include a perpendicular surface or an inclined surface as long as the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) exists up to the position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1). In the second embodiment, the opposite surface portion10is an inclined surface.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in that, in the second embodiment, on each of the opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2, on which the respective tooth portions5and6are formed, the flat surfaces11substantially flush with the valley-bottom portion8of each of the tooth portions5and6are formed on both the widthwise sides of each of the tooth portions5and6. Other structural details are the same as those in the first embodiment, and hence the description of the first embodiment applies thereto.

According to the paper sheet binding die set according to the second embodiment, which includes the dies1and2formed as described above, on each of the opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2, on which the respective tooth portions5and6are formed, the flat surfaces11substantially flush with the valley-bottom portion8of each of the tooth portions5and6are formed on both the widthwise sides of each of the tooth portions5and6. Thus, when a large number of paper sheets15are stacked, the paper sheets15stacked between the flat surfaces11are pressed with the flat surfaces11formed on both the widthwise sides of each of the tooth portions5and6, and hence excessive pressure to the paper sheets15from the tooth portions5and6can be regulated. As a result, the paper sheets15can be effectively prevented or suppressed from being torn by the excessive pressure (refer toFIG. 15).

Other functions and advantages are the same as those in the first embodiment, and hence the description of the first embodiment applies thereto.

FIGS. 16 and 17illustrate a paper sheet binding die set according to a third embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 16is a side view illustrating the paper sheet binding die set according to the third embodiment.FIG. 17is a front view illustrating a state in which tooth portions of a pair of dies according to the third embodiment are meshed with each other.

The paper sheet binding die set according to the third embodiment basically has the same structure as that in the second embodiment described above. InFIGS. 16 and 17, parts corresponding to those in the second embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

Similarly to the second embodiment described above, the paper sheet binding die set according to the third embodiment includes the pair of dies1and2arranged to face each other. The opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2are respectively provided with the tooth portions5and6capable of meshing with each other. The tooth portions5and6each have a substantially triangular shape in cross section and a predetermined width, and a plurality of tooth portions are provided in series on a corresponding one of the respective opposed surfaces.

In the third embodiment, of the tooth portions5and6formed as described above, the tooth portion5of the one die1includes, on both the widthwise sides, the inclined-surface portions9each inclined in the narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. The peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2exists up to the position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2covers the end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9sides on both the widthwise sides of the tooth portion5of the die1.

Further, in the third embodiment, the surface portions10on both the widthwise sides of the tooth portion6of the die2are formed as inclined surfaces.

Other structural details are the same as those in the second embodiment, and hence the description of the second embodiment applies thereto.

According to the paper sheet binding die set according to the third embodiment, which includes the dies1and2formed as described above, the tooth portion5of the one die1includes, on both the widthwise sides, the inclined-surface portions9each inclined in the narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. Thus, when the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are meshed with each other, the tooth portions5and6are meshed with each other on both the widthwise sides with uniform pressure. As a result, stable pressure is applied onto the paper sheets15, and the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are easily meshed with each other into the paper sheets15. Further, the paper sheets15can be prevented or suppressed from being torn by meshing the tooth portions5and6with each other.

Further, in the third embodiment, the tooth portion5of the die1includes, on both the widthwise sides, the inclined-surface portions9each inclined in the narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. Thus, the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5is smaller than the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2, and the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1falls within the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2. Therefore, even when the opposed axes of the die1and the die2shift with respect to each other, the tooth portion5of the die1and the tooth portion6of the die2can be reliably meshed with each other as long as the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1falls within the width of the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2.

Other functions and advantages are the same as those in the second embodiment, and hence the description of the second embodiment applies thereto.

FIGS. 18 and 19illustrate a paper sheet binding die set according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 18is a side view illustrating the paper sheet binding die set according to the fourth embodiment.FIG. 19is a front view illustrating a state in which tooth portions of a pair of dies according to the fourth embodiment are meshed with each other.

The paper sheet binding die set according to the fourth embodiment basically has the same structure as that in the third embodiment described above. InFIGS. 18 and 19, parts corresponding to those in the third embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

Similarly to the third embodiment described above, the paper sheet binding die set according to the fourth embodiment includes the pair of dies1and2arranged to face each other. The opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2are respectively provided with the tooth portions5and6capable of meshing with each other. The tooth portions5and6each have a substantially triangular shape in cross section and a predetermined tooth width, and a plurality of tooth portions are provided in series on a corresponding one of the respective opposed surfaces.

In the fourth embodiment, of the tooth portions5and6formed as described above, the tooth portion5of the one die1includes, on both the widthwise sides, the inclined-surface portions9each inclined in the narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. Further, in the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5, a linear portion does not exist in the width direction thereof, and the peak-top portion7exhibits a small-circular-arc shape. Further, the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2exists up to the position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2covers the end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9sides on both the widthwise sides of the tooth portion5of the die1.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the surface portions10on both the widthwise sides of the tooth portion6of the die2are formed as inclined surfaces.

Other structural details are the same as those in the third embodiment, and hence the description of the third embodiment applies thereto.

According to the paper sheet binding die set according to the fourth embodiment, which includes the dies1and2formed as described above, the tooth portion5of the one die1includes, on both the widthwise sides, the inclined-surface portions9each inclined in the narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. The tooth portion5exhibits a substantially triangular shape formed of the inclined-surface portions9provided on both the sides thereof, and the peak-top portion7thereof exhibits a small-circular-arc shape. Thus, when the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are meshed with each other, the peak-top portions7of the tooth portions5easily bite into the paper sheets15, and the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are easily meshed with each other into the paper sheets15.

Other functions and advantages are the same as those in the third embodiment, and hence the description of the third embodiment applies thereto.

FIGS. 20 and 21illustrate a paper sheet binding die set according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.20is a side view illustrating the paper sheet binding die set according to the fifth embodiment.FIG. 21is a front view illustrating a state in which tooth portions of a pair of dies according to the fifth embodiment are meshed with each other.

The paper sheet binding die set according to the fifth embodiment basically has the same structure as that in the third embodiment described above. InFIGS. 20 and 21, parts corresponding to those in the third embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

Similarly to the third embodiment described above, the paper sheet binding die set according to the fifth embodiment includes the pair of dies1and2arranged to face each other. The opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2are respectively provided with the tooth portions5and6capable of meshing with each other. The tooth portions5and6each have a substantially triangular shape in cross section and a predetermined tooth width, and a plurality of tooth portions are provided in series on a corresponding one of the respective opposed surfaces.

Similarly to the third embodiment described above, in the fifth embodiment, of the tooth portions5and6formed as described above, the tooth portion5of the one die1includes, on both the widthwise sides, the inclined-surface portions9each inclined in the narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. The peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2exists up to the position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2covers the end portion8aof the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9sides on both the widthwise sides of the tooth portion5of the die1.

Further, in the fifth embodiment, the surface portions10on both the widthwise sides of the tooth portion6of the die2are formed as inclined surfaces.

The fifth embodiment is different from the third embodiment in that, in the fifth embodiment, on the opposed surface3of the die1, on which the tooth portions5are formed, each tooth portion5is not provided with the flat surfaces on both the widthwise sides. Instead, in the fifth embodiment, each of the end portions8aand8bon both the widthwise sides of the valley-bottom portion8of the tooth portion5of the die1is formed into a curved-surface shape.

Other structural details are the same as those in the third embodiment, and hence the description of the third embodiment applies thereto.

According to the paper sheet binding die set according to the fifth embodiment, which includes the dies1and2formed as described above, each of the end portions8aand8bon both the widthwise sides of the valley-bottom portion8of the tooth portion5of the die1is formed into a curved-surface shape. Thus, when the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2are meshed with each other, pressure from the end portions8aand8bon both the widthwise sides of the valley-bottom portion8of the tooth portion5of the die1is dispersed by the curved-surface shape. As a result, the paper sheets15can be prevented or suppressed from being torn by meshing the tooth portions5and6with each other.

Other functions and advantages are the same as those in the third embodiment, and hence the description of the third embodiment applies thereto.

FIG. 22is a front view illustrating a paper sheet binding die set according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

The paper sheet binding die set according to the sixth embodiment basically has the same structure as that in the third embodiment described above. InFIG. 22, parts corresponding to those in the third embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference symbols, and description thereof is omitted.

Similarly to the first embodiment described above, the paper sheet binding die set according to the sixth embodiment includes the pair of dies1and2arranged to face each other. The opposed surfaces3and4of the dies1and2are respectively provided with the tooth portions5and6capable of meshing with each other. The tooth portions5and6each have a substantially triangular shape in cross section and a predetermined tooth width, and a plurality of tooth portions are provided in series on a corresponding one of the respective opposed surfaces.

Of the tooth portions5and6formed as described above, in the sixth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment described above, the tooth portion5of the one die1includes, on the one widthwise side, the inclined-surface portion9inclined in the narrowing direction toward the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5. Further, the tooth portion6of the die2includes, on the one widthwise side, the inclined-surface portion9, which is formed on the diagonal side with respect to the above-mentioned inclined-surface portion9of the tooth portion5of the die1. Still further, the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5of the die1covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion6of the die2. In addition, the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2exists up to a position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion6of the die2covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion5of the die1.

Further, the surface portion10opposite to the inclined-surface portion9on the one widthwise side of each of the tooth portions5and6of the dies1and2may include a perpendicular surface or an inclined surface as long as the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) exists up to the position at which the peak-top portion7of the tooth portion5(6) of the die1(2) covers the valley-bottom portion8on the inclined-surface portion9side of the tooth portion6(5) of the die2(1). In the sixth embodiment, the opposite surface portion10is an inclined surface.

In the sixth embodiment, of the dies1and2, the one die1has a gear shape, and the another die2has a linear shape. Further, in the sixth embodiment, the tooth portions5and6are endlessly provided in series to the gear-shaped die1, and the flat surface is not provided in the direction in which the tooth portions5are provided in series. Other structural details are the same as those in the first embodiment, and hence the description of the first embodiment applies thereto.

According to the paper sheet binding die set according to the sixth embodiment, which includes the dies1and2formed as described above, of the dies1and2, the one die1has a gear shape, and the another die2has a linear shape. Thus, the paper sheets15can be bound through rotation of the gear-shaped die1and movement of the gear-shaped die1or the linear-shaped die2. In this way, the dies1and2according to the sixth embodiment pressurize and compress the paper sheets15through reciprocating movement. Thus, contacts of meshing are partial, and hence surface pressure is considerably reduced. Further, variation of ranges (dimensions) of points to be bound can be easily coped with. In addition, the dies1and2generate less noise at the time of pressing. Other functions and advantages are the same as those in the third embodiment, and hence the description of the third embodiment applies thereto.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST