Manufacturing method for staple-free binding

Abstract

To improve binding force more in comparison with a case where center positions of convex parts for binding are dispersed.SOLUTION: A method, which manufactures a needle-less binding part (U3b) that has a first binding part (1) having a plurality of concaves and convexes and a second binding part (2), arranged to oppose to the first binding part (1), which has concaves and convexes which fit to the concaves and convexes of the first binding part (1) and binds media (S) to each other while making the first binding part (1) and the second binding part (2) sandwich the media (S) in a thickness direction of the media (S), executes a formation step of forming the binding parts (1 and 2), a first adjustment step of adjusting center positions (41) of convex parts (12 and 22) of the binding parts (1 and 2), and a second adjustment step of adjusting shapes of outlines of the convex parts (12 and 22) having the center positions (41) adjusted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a stapleless binding portion that binds a stack of papers or the like without using staples. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art With regard to a stapleless stapler, which is a stapler that staples bundled papers or the like without using staples, the techniques described in the following Patent Documents 1 to 3 are conventionally known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (JP 2017-185785 A) describes a binding unit (50) that sandwiches and binds paper between upper teeth (540) and lower teeth (550) that mesh with each other. The convex portions (541, 551) of each tooth (540, 550) in Patent Document 1 are formed in a shape having a flat top surface (541a, 551a) along the surface of the paper, a sloping side surface (541b, 551b), a first side surface (542b, 552b) extending in the thickness direction of the paper, and a bottom surface (542a, 552a) along the surface of the paper. Patent Document 1 also describes a configuration in which the top surface (541a, 551a) and the sloping side surface (541b, 551b) are formed in a convex curved shape. In Patent Document 1, all the convex portions (541, 551) are formed in the same shape.

[0004] Patent Document 2 (JP 2018-158796 A) describes a binding unit (51) that sandwiches and binds paper between an upper pressing member (83A) and a lower pressing member (83B), in which the shape of the teeth of the lower pressing member (83B) is a configuration in which teeth composed of five protruding portions (91) with pointed tips are arranged with teeth composed of trapezoidal protruding portions (92) with their tips cut off at both ends. Patent Document 2 also describes a configuration in which an intermediate protruding portion (95) having a protruding amount smaller than the protruding portion (91) and larger than the trapezoidal protruding portion (92) is arranged between the protruding portion (91) and the trapezoidal protruding portion (92).

[0005] Patent Document 3 (JP 2018-158807 A) describes a binding unit (51) that sandwiches and binds paper between an upper pressing member (83A) and a lower pressing member (83B), in which the shape of the teeth of the lower pressing member (83B) is composed of a high protruding portion (42B) that has a pointed tip and a large protruding amount, and low protruding portions (42A) that have pointed tips and a small protruding amount on both ends of the teeth. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-185785 A ("0036"-"0043", "0057"-"0062", Figs. 5, 6, 10) [Patent Document 2] JP 2018-158796 A ("0025"-"0032", "0056"-"0063", Figs. 4, 6, and 9) [Patent Document 3] JP 2018-158807 A ("0034"-"0038", Figure 5) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has a technical object to improve the binding force compared to a case in which the center positions of the binding protrusions are all different. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above technical problem, the manufacturing method of the staple-free binding part of the invention described in claim 1 is as follows: A method for manufacturing a stapleless binding section, comprising: a first binding section having a plurality of projections and recesses; and a second binding section disposed opposite the first binding section and having projections and recesses that fit with the projections and recesses of the first binding section, wherein the first binding section and the second binding section sandwich a medium in a thickness direction of the medium to bind the medium together, the method comprising the steps of: a forming step of forming the binding portion using a mold; A first adjustment step of adjusting a center position of a convex portion of the binding portion formed by a mold and removed from the mold in an arrangement direction in which the concaves and convexes are arranged side by side; The center position has been adjusted The above a second adjusting step of adjusting the outer shape of the convex portion in the arrangement direction; Run Along with, After the forming step and before the first adjusting step, a step is carried out in which an area opposite to the uneven area at the center in the arrangement direction of the unevenness in each binding portion is pressed to warp the uneven area.

[0009] Claim 2 The invention described in Claim 1 In the method for manufacturing the staple-free binding portion described in a process for processing the opposite side portion so as to be flat, after the warping process and before the first adjustment process; The present invention is characterized by carrying out the following steps.

[0010] In order to solve the above technical problem, the manufacturing method of the staple-free binding part of the invention described in claim 3 is as follows: A method for manufacturing a stapleless binding section, comprising: a first binding section having a plurality of projections and recesses; and a second binding section disposed opposite the first binding section and having projections and recesses that fit with the projections and recesses of the first binding section, wherein the first binding section and the second binding section sandwich a medium in a thickness direction of the medium to bind the medium together, the method comprising the steps of: a forming step of forming the binding portion using a mold; A first adjustment step of adjusting a center position of the convex portion of the binding portion formed by the mold and removed from the mold in an arrangement direction in which the concaves and convexes are arranged side by side; a second adjusting step of adjusting an outer shape of the convex portion whose center position has been adjusted in the arrangement direction; In addition to carrying out the above, A forming step is performed in which a concave mold is used so that the convex portion at the center in the arrangement direction of the plurality of concaves and convexes is most protruding, and each of the binding portions is formed with the concave mold.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The above The convex portion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located on the base end side of the first inclined surface, and a first die is used to contact the second inclined surface, The above the first adjusting step of adjusting a center position of the convex portion; The present invention is characterized by carrying out the following steps.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is the method for manufacturing the stapleless bound portion described in claim 4, The first die also contacts the first inclined surface. It is characterized by:

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is the method for manufacturing the stapleless bound portion described in claim 5, The convex part Using the second mold that contacts the first slope on the tip side of The above the second adjusting step of adjusting the external shape of the tip of the convex portion; The present invention is characterized by carrying out the following steps.

[0014] The invention described in claim 7 is a method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to any one of claims 4 to 6, The above The second inclined surface on the base end side has a steeper inclination of the outer surface than the first inclined surface of the convex portion. It is characterized by:

[0015] The invention described in claim 8 is a method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to any one of claims 4 to 7, The above The tip of the convex part is the center position. It is characterized by:

[0016] The invention described in claim 9 is 4 In the method for manufacturing a stapleless binding portion according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The above the convex portion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located on the base end side of the first inclined surface, and a second die is used that does not contact the second inclined surface and contacts the first inclined surface, The above the second adjusting step of adjusting the outer shape of the convex portion; The present invention is characterized by carrying out the following steps.

[0017] The invention described in claim 10 is a method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to any one of claims 1 to 9, In the first and second adjustment steps, the adjustment mold is The above Convex part Contact with a slope It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 1, the binding force can be improved compared to a case in which the central positions of the binding protrusions are not uniform. Claim 2 According to the invention described in the above, adjustments in each adjustment step can be made easier than when the substrate is not processed to be flat. According to the invention as recited in claim 3, the binding force can be improved compared to a case in which the central positions of the binding protrusions are not uniform. According to the invention as recited in claim 4, it is possible to adjust the center position with higher accuracy than when using a mold that contacts only the tip or base end of the convex portion.

[0019] According to the invention as recited in claim 5, the center position of the convex portion can be adjusted with higher accuracy compared to a case in which the mold is not in contact with the first inclined surface. According to the invention as recited in claim 6, the position of the tip side of the convex portion can be adjusted with higher accuracy than when a mold that contacts the first inclined surface is not used in the second adjustment step. According to the invention as recited in claim 7, the portion of the first inclined surface to which force is first applied during binding can be adjusted with high precision.

[0020] According to the invention as recited in claim 8, the position of the tip of the convex portion that first comes into contact with the medium during binding can be adjusted with high precision. According to the invention described in claim 9, the outer shape of the first inclined surface, which is the portion to which force is applied during binding, can be adjusted with higher precision than when the second inclined surface is contacted in the second adjustment process. According to the invention described in claim 10, deformation such as crushing of the tip due to pressure from the adjustment is suppressed compared to when the mold used in the first adjustment process or the second adjustment process comes into contact with the tip of the convex portion. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory diagram of the stapleless binding portion of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the teeth portion of the stapleless binding portion of Example 1, FIG. 3A is an overall explanatory diagram, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the protruding portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing method of the binding member of Example 1, where FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of the forming process, FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of the warping process, FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram of the cutting process, FIG. 4D is an explanatory diagram of the first adjustment process, FIG. 4E is an explanatory diagram of the second adjustment process, and FIG. 4F is an explanatory diagram of the interlocking process. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a first adjustment step in the first embodiment, where FIG. 5A is an explanatory view of a state before adjustment, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory view of a state after adjustment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of the second adjustment step of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of when a stack of papers is stapled using a conventional configuration, FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the tip of the convex part of the stapleless binding part comes into contact with the surface of the stack of papers, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the binding material is pushed in from the state shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of when a stack of papers is stapled using the configuration of Example 1. FIG. 8A is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the tip of the convex portion in the center of the stapleless binding portion comes into contact with the surface of the stack of papers. FIG. 8B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the binding material has been pushed in from the state shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8C is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the binding material has been pushed further in from the state shown in FIG. 8B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Next, examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. In order to make the following explanation easier to understand, in the drawings, the front-to-back direction is the X-axis direction, the left-to-right direction is the Y-axis direction, and the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and the directions or sides indicated by arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, Z, and -Z are respectively the front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, or the front side, rear side, right side, left side, upper side, and lower side. In addition, in the figures, a "·" inside a "○" means an arrow going from the back to the front of the page, and an "×" inside a "○" means an arrow going from the front to the back of the page. In the following description using the drawings, illustrations of components other than those necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate to facilitate understanding. EXAMPLES

[0023] (Explanation of Overall Configuration of Printer U in First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, a printer U as an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention has a printer main body U1, a feeder unit U2 as an example of a supply device that supplies media to the printer main body U1, an operation unit UI operated by a user, and a finisher U3 as an example of a post-processing device that performs post-processing of media discharged from the printer main body U1.

[0024] (Description of Marking Configuration in Example 1) 1, the main body U1 of the printer includes a control unit (an example of a control means) C that controls the printer U, a communication unit (not shown) that receives image information transmitted from a print image server COM (an example of an information transmitting device) connected to the outside of the printer U via a dedicated cable (not shown), and a marking unit U1a (an example of a recording means) that records an image on a medium. A personal computer PC (an example of an image transmitting device) is connected to the print image server COM via a line such as a cable or a LAN (Local Area Network) and transmits information of an image to be printed by the printer U. The marking unit U1a has photoconductors Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk for each color, Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, and K: black, as an example of an image holding means, and a photoconductor Po for making an image glossy when printing a photographic image, etc. The photoconductors Py to Po have surfaces made of a photosensitive dielectric material.

[0025] In FIG. 1, around the black photoconductor Pk, arranged in the direction of rotation of the photoconductor Pk are a charger CCk as an example of a charging means, an exposure device ROSk as an example of a latent image forming means, a developer Gk as an example of a developing means, a primary transfer roll T1k as an example of a primary transfer means, and a photoconductor cleaner CLk as an example of a cleaning means for an image holding means. Similarly, around the other photoconductors Py, Pm, Pc, Po, there are arranged chargers CCy, CCm, CCc, CCo, exposure devices ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, ROSo, developers Gy, Gm, Gc, Go, primary transfer rolls T1y, T1m, T1c, T1o, and photoconductor cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, CLo. Toner cartridges Ky, Km, Kc, Kk, and Ko, which are an example of a developer storage means, are detachably supported on the upper portion of the marking portion U1a. The toner cartridges Ky to Ko store developers to be replenished to the developing units Gy to Go.

[0026] An intermediate transfer belt B, which is an example of intermediate transfer means and an example of image holding means, is disposed below each of the photoconductors Py-Po. The intermediate transfer belt B is sandwiched between the photoconductors Py-Po and the primary transfer rolls T1y-T1o. The back surface of the intermediate transfer belt B is supported by a drive roll Rd, which is an example of drive means, a tension roll Rt, which is an example of tension applying means, a walking roll Rw, which is an example of meandering prevention means, a plurality of idler rolls Rf, which are an example of driven means, a backup roll T2a, which is an example of opposing means for secondary transfer, a plurality of retract rolls R1, which are an example of movable means, and the primary transfer rolls T1y-T1o. On the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B, a belt cleaner CLB as an example of a cleaning means for the intermediate transfer means is disposed near the drive roll Rd.

[0027] A secondary transfer roll T2b, which is an example of a secondary transfer member, is disposed opposite the backup roll T2a with the intermediate transfer belt B sandwiched therebetween. A contact roll T2c, which is an example of a contact means, is in contact with the backup roll T2a in order to apply a voltage of a polarity opposite to the charging polarity of the developer to the backup roll T2a. The backup roll T2a, the secondary transfer roll T2b, and the contact roll T2c constitute a secondary transfer device T2 as an example of a secondary transfer means of Example 1, and the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1o, the intermediate transfer belt B, the secondary transfer device T2, etc. constitute transfer devices T1, B, and T2 as an example of a transfer means of Example 1.

[0028] Below the secondary transfer device T2, a paper feed tray TR1 as an example of a storage means is provided. Recording sheets S as an example of a medium are stored in the paper feed tray TR1. A pickup roll Rp as an example of a take-out means and a handling roll Rs as an example of a handling means are arranged diagonally above the right of the paper feed tray TR1. A transport path SH along which the recording sheets S are transported extends from the handling roll Rs. A plurality of transport rolls Ra as an example of a transport means for transporting the recording sheets S downstream are arranged along the transport path SH. A deburring device Bt is disposed downstream of the separation roll Rs as an example of a means for removing unnecessary parts. The deburring device Bt pinches the recording sheet S with a preset pressure and conveys it downstream to remove unnecessary parts from the edge of the recording sheet S, i.e., removes burrs.

[0029] A double feed detector Jk is disposed downstream of the deburring device Bt. The double feed detector Jk measures the thickness of the recording sheets S passing through and detects a state in which multiple recording sheets S are stacked on top of each other, i.e., a double feed. A correction roll Rc, which is an example of a position correction means, is disposed downstream of the double feed detection device Jk. The correction roll Rc corrects the inclination of the recording sheet S with respect to the transport direction, that is, the skew. A registration roll Rr is disposed downstream of the correction roll Rc as an example of an adjustment unit that adjusts the timing of conveying the recording sheet S to the secondary transfer device T2. Also, a sheet guide SG1 is disposed downstream of the registration roll Rr as an example of a medium guiding unit. The feeder unit U2 also has paper feed trays TR2 and TR3 configured similarly to the paper feed tray TR1, pickup roll Rp, handling roll Rs, and transport roll Ra, and the transport path SH from the paper feed trays TR2 and TR3 merges with the transport path SH of the printer main body U1 upstream of the double feed detection device Jk.

[0030] A plurality of conveyor belts HB, which are an example of a medium conveying means, are disposed downstream of the secondary transfer roll T2b in the conveying direction of the recording sheet S. A fixing device F, which is an example of a fixing means, is disposed downstream of the conveyor belt HB in the conveying direction of the recording sheet S. A compile tray U3a as an example of a stacking unit is disposed in the finisher U3 downstream of the fixing device F. A stapler U3b as an example of a binding unit and an example of a binding device is disposed in the compile tray U3a. A stacker tray U3c, which is an example of a second stacking means, is disposed outside the compile tray U3a.

[0031] A reversing path SH2, which is an example of a transport path branching off from the transport path SH, is formed downstream of the fixing device F. A first gate GT1, which is an example of a transport direction switching means, is disposed at the branch point between the transport path SH and the reversing path SH2. A plurality of switchback rolls Rb, which are an example of a forward and reverse rotatable conveying means, are arranged on the reverse path SH2. A connection path SH3, which is an example of a conveying path, is formed on the upstream side of the switchback rolls Rb, branching off from the upstream part of the reverse path SH2 and joining the conveying path SH downstream of the branching point with the reverse path SH2. A second gate GT2, which is an example of a conveying direction switching means, is arranged at the branching point between the reverse path SH2 and the connection path SH3.

[0032] A turn-back path SH4 for reversing, or switching back, the conveying direction of the recording sheet S is disposed downstream of the reversing path SH2 and below the fixing device F. A switch-back roll Rb, which is an example of a conveying means capable of rotating forward and backward, is disposed on the turn-back path SH4. A third gate GT3, which is an example of a conveying direction switching means, is disposed at the entrance of the turn-back path SH4. The transport path SH downstream of the return path SH4 merges with the transport path SH for the paper feed tray TR1.

[0033] (Marking action) When the printer U receives image information transmitted from the personal computer PC via the print image server COM, a job, which is an image forming operation, is started. When the job is started, the photoconductors Py-Po, the intermediate transfer belt B, etc. rotate. The photoconductors Py to Po are rotated by a driving source (not shown). A preset voltage is applied to the chargers CCy to CCo, which charge the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po. In response to a control signal from the control unit C, the exposure machines ROSy to ROSo output laser light Ly, Lm, Lc, Lk, and Lo as an example of light for writing a latent image, and write an electrostatic latent image on the charged surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po. The developing units Gy to Go develop the electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po into visible images. The toner cartridges Ky-Ko replenish the developer consumed in the development in the developing units Gy-Go.

[0034] A primary transfer voltage having a polarity opposite to the charge polarity of the developer is applied to the primary transfer rolls T1y to T1o, and the primary transfer rolls transfer the visible images on the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B. The photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLo remove and clean the developer remaining on the surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Po after the primary transfer. When passing through the primary transfer area facing the photoconductors Py to Po, the intermediate transfer belt B has images transferred and stacked in the order of O, Y, M, C, and K, and passes through the secondary transfer area Q4 facing the secondary transfer device T2. In the case of a monochrome image, an image of only one color is transferred and sent to the secondary transfer area Q4.

[0035] The pickup roller Rp feeds out the recording sheet S from the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 from which the recording sheet S is supplied, according to the size of the received image information, the designation of the recording sheet S, and the size and type of the stored recording sheet S. The separation roll Rs separates and separates the recording sheets S sent out from the pickup roll Rp one by one. The deburring device Bt applies a preset pressure to the recording sheet S passing therethrough to remove burrs. The double feed detection device Jk detects double feeding of the recording sheets S by detecting the thickness of the recording sheets S passing through. The correction roll Rc corrects the skew of the passing recording sheet S by bringing it into contact with a wall surface (not shown).

[0036] The registration roll Rr feeds the recording sheet S in time with the image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B being sent to the secondary transfer area Q4. The sheet guide SG1 guides the recording sheet S sent out by the registration roll Rr to the secondary transfer area Q4. In the secondary transfer device T2, a secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity of the developer that has been preset is applied to the backup roll T2a via the contact roll T2c, and the image of the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred onto the recording sheet S. The belt cleaner CLB removes and cleans the developer remaining on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B after the image has been transferred in the secondary transfer area Q4. The conveyor belt HB conveys the recording sheet S, onto which an image has been transferred by the secondary transfer device T2, downstream while holding the recording sheet S on its surface.

[0037] The fixing device F has a heating roll Fh as an example of a heating means and a pressure roll Fp as an example of a pressure means. A heater h as an example of a heat source is housed inside the heating roll Fh. The fixing device F heats and presses the recording sheet S passing through a fixing area Q5 where the heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp come into contact with each other, thereby fixing an unfixed image on the surface of the recording sheet S. The heating roll Fh and the pressure roll Fp constitute the fixing means Fp, Fh of the first embodiment.

[0038] When double-sided printing is to be performed on the recording sheet S that has passed through the fixing device F, a first gate GT1 is actuated and the recording sheet S is transported to a reversing path SH2. The recording sheet S that has been sent to the reversing path SH2 is switched back, that is, the transport direction is reversed at a return path SH4. The switched back recording sheet S is sent again to the registration roll Rr through the transport path SH, and the second side is printed. When the recording sheet S is discharged onto the stacker tray U3c with the side on which the image is recorded facing up, i.e. face-up discharge, the recording sheet S is transported along the transport path SH and discharged onto the stacker tray U3c via the compile tray U3a.

[0039] On the other hand, when the recording sheet S is discharged with the side on which the image is recorded facing down, that is, in the case of face-down discharge, the recording sheet S is once conveyed from the conveying path SH to the reversing path SH2. Then, after the trailing end of the recording sheet S in the conveying direction passes through the second gate GT2, the forward rotation of the switchback roll Rb is stopped. Then, the second gate GT2 switches, the switchback roll Rb rotates in the reverse direction, and the recording sheet S is conveyed along the connecting path SH3 toward the stacker tray U3c. When a stack of recording sheets S is to be stapled, the recording sheets S are stacked on the compile tray U3a and aligned by an alignment means (not shown). The aligned recording sheets S are stapled by a stapler U3b. The stapled stack of recording sheets S is discharged to a stacker tray U3c.

[0040] (Explanation of stapleless stapler) FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory diagram of the stapleless binding portion of the first embodiment. 2, the stapler U3b of the first embodiment is configured as a binding section that binds without using staples, a so-called stapleless stapler. The stapleless stapler U3b has an upper binding member 1 as an example of a first binding section, and a lower binding member 2 as an example of a second binding section. The upper binding member 1 and the lower binding member 2 are supported by a drive device including a motor, gears, etc. (not shown) so as to be movable in directions approaching and separating from each other.

[0041] FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the teeth portion of the stapleless binding portion of Example 1, FIG. 3A is an overall explanatory diagram, and FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of the protruding portion. 2 and 3, an upper tooth portion 11 is formed on the lower surface of the upper binding member 1. The upper tooth portion 11 has a plurality of protrusions 12, and the protrusions 12 are arranged in a line along an arrangement direction 13. Therefore, the upper tooth portion 11 has a configuration having a plurality of projections and recesses. In FIG. 3, the top surface 12a of the tip portion of the convex portion 12 of the first embodiment is formed in a curved shape. The top surface 12a is connected to both ends of the top surface 12b, which is an example of a first slope and an example of a tip portion. The base end slope 12c, which is an example of a second slope and an example of a base end portion, is connected to the base side of the top surface 12b. The base end slope 12c is connected to the base side of the base end slope 12c, which is an example of a second slope and an example of a base end portion. In the first embodiment, the angle θ2 of the base end slope 12c with respect to the direction of gravity is smaller than the angle θ1 of the top end slope 12b with respect to the direction (gravity direction) in which the binding members 1 and 2 approach and move away from each other. That is, the base end slope 12c is formed as a steeper slope than the top end slope 12b. As an example, in the embodiment, θ1 is set to 35° and θ2 is set to 27°. Further, ten teeth (protruding portions 12) are arranged in an arrangement direction 13 (ten teeth).

[0042] In FIG. 3, in the upper tooth portion 11 of the embodiment 1, among the plurality of protrusions 12, the protrusions 12 (12A) of the two central teeth, which are the teeth in the center in the arrangement direction 13 of the protrusions 12 in this embodiment, protrude at the tip compared to the protrusions 12 (12B) arranged at a position different from the center. Specifically, each of the protrusions 12 in the embodiment 1 is formed to have the same size, but the base end of each of the protrusions 12, the protrusion 12 (12A) in the center in the arrangement direction 13, protrudes toward the tip side compared to the protrusions 12 (12B) at both ends in the arrangement direction 13. In other words, the protrusion amounts of the plurality of protrusions 12 are different between the protrusion 12A in the center in the arrangement direction 13, the protrusion 12B at the end, and the protrusion 12C in the middle between the center and the end, and the plurality of protrusions 12 protrude in the convex direction as they move from the end to the center in the arrangement direction 13. In the first embodiment, as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 3, the straight line 16 connecting the base ends is formed in an arch shape that protrudes toward the center. That is, the position of the base end of each protrusion 12 protrudes in the convex direction from the end in the arrangement direction 13 toward the center. In this embodiment, the teeth in the center are two teeth in the center, but one tooth in the center may be sufficient, or conversely, about six teeth may be provided in the center. In the case of multiple teeth such as six teeth, the average height of the teeth may be used.

[0043] The lower binding member 2 is formed in a shape that is vertically symmetrical to the upper binding member 1, and has lower teeth 21 and protrusions 22 that are configured similarly to the upper teeth 11 and protrusions 12. The upper teeth 11 and the lower teeth 21 are disposed at positions shifted from each other in the arrangement direction 13 so that the top surface 12a of the protrusion 12 of the upper teeth 11 faces the bottom surface 12d of the protrusion 22 of the lower teeth 21, and when the upper binding member 1 and the lower binding member 2 approach each other, the upper teeth 11 and the lower teeth 21 are brought into meshing engagement with each other.

[0044] (Description of manufacturing method) FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the manufacturing method of the binding member of Example 1, where FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram of the forming process, FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram of the warping process, FIG. 4C is an explanatory diagram of the cutting process, FIG. 4D is an explanatory diagram of the first adjustment process, FIG. 4E is an explanatory diagram of the second adjustment process, and FIG. 4F is an explanatory diagram of the interlocking process. Next, a manufacturing method for each of the binding members 1 and 2 of the first embodiment will be described. (Formation process) In FIG. 4A, in the forming process, each binding member 1, 2 is formed using a molding die. A die in which the arrangement of the convex portions 12 is in a straight line along the arrangement direction 13 is used. Each binding member 1, 2 in the first embodiment is made of metal as an example, and can be formed by a metal injection method as an example of a baking method. Note that the method is not limited to metal injection, and any method such as precision casting, die casting, cutting processing, pressing processing, or a combination of these can be used to form the binding members.

[0045] (Warping process) In Fig. 4B, in the warping process, the binding members 1 and 2 created in the forming process are warped. In the warping process of Example 1, in a state where both ends of the binding members 1 and 2 in the arrangement direction 13 are supported by a jig 31, the center of the arrangement direction 13 and the surface (back surface 17) opposite to the tooth portions 11 and 21 are pressed by a press machine 32, thereby warping the center of the binding members 1 and 2. Therefore, the tooth portions 11 and 21 of the binding members 1 and 2 are processed into a bow shape so that the center of the base end in the arrangement direction 13 protrudes.

[0046] (cutting process) 4C, in the cutting process, the back surface 17 of the binding members 1 and 2 that have been through the warping process is cut so as to be flat. That is, the back surface 17 is cut so as to be flat in response to the back surface 17 becoming bowed after the warping process or the back surface 17 becoming wavy due to variations during molding. This makes it easier to apply pressure to the back surface 17 when pressing the back surface 17 to apply pressure to bind the medium when the binding device is incorporated.

[0047] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a first adjustment step in the first embodiment, where FIG. 5A is an explanatory view of a state before adjustment, and FIG. 5B is an explanatory view of a state after adjustment. (Sizing 1: First adjustment process) In FIG. 4D, in the first adjustment step, the central positions of the convex portions 12 and 22 are adjusted. In FIG. 5A, when the binding members 1 and 2 are pressed by the press machine 32 in the warping step, the tips and central positions 41 of the convex portions 12 and 22 tend to be misaligned as they open outward toward the outside in the arrangement direction 13. In the first adjustment step of the first embodiment, the first die 42 is pressed against each of the convex portions 12 and 22 to adjust the central positions 41 of each of the convex portions 12 and 22 to a predetermined position as shown in FIG. 5B. That is, the convex portions 12 and 22 are pressed to adjust the positions so that the central positions 41 are arranged at a predetermined interval. In the first embodiment, the central positions 41 are set to the positions of the apexes (tip ends) of each of the convex portions 12 and 22. The first die 42 in the first embodiment contacts the tip slope 12b and the base slope 12c to push the convex parts 12, 22 and adjust the center position 41. In other words, the adjustment is performed by pushing the entire convex parts 12, 22. When pushing the first die 42, it is necessary to hold down the back surface 17 side, but in the first embodiment, the back surface 17 is flattened in the cutting process, making it easy to push the first die 42 and make the adjustment.

[0048] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a main part of the second adjustment step of the first embodiment. (Sizing 2: Second adjustment process) In FIG. 4E, in the second adjustment step, the outer shape of the convex parts 12, 22 is adjusted. In the first adjustment step, the convex parts 12, 22 are pressed against the first die 42 to be processed, and the outer shape of the convex parts 12, 22 may be disturbed. In particular, in an adjustment such as adjusting the center position, a large load is applied to each tooth, and the outer shape is likely to be disturbed. In addition, corrections that have a large area of ​​contact with the die also tend to apply a load to the teeth. In FIG. 6, in the second adjustment step of the first embodiment, the second die 51 is pressed against each of the convex parts 12, 22 to adjust the outer shape of each of the convex parts 12, 22 to the outer shape shown in FIG. 3. The second die 51 of the first embodiment contacts the tip slopes 12b, 22b to press the convex parts 12, 22 to adjust the outer shape. In other words, the adjustment is performed by pressing a part of the convex parts 12, 22. Therefore, in the second adjustment step, the portions of the protrusions 12 and 22 that are pressed are smaller than in the first adjustment step.

[0049] (Pairing: the process of fitting together) In FIG. 4F, in the interlocking step, the binding members 1 and 2 that have undergone the second adjustment step are interlocked with each other to check whether they interlock so as to bind a stack of papers.

[0050] (Function of Example 1) In the printer U of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, a stack of recording sheets S loaded on a compile tray U3a is sandwiched and stapled between an upper binding member 1 and a lower binding member 2 of a staple-less stapler U3b.

[0051] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of when a stack of papers is stapled using a conventional configuration, FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the tip of the convex part of the stapleless binding part comes into contact with the surface of the stack of papers, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram of the state in which the binding material is pushed in from the state shown in FIG. 7A. In Fig. 7A, in the conventional structure where the teeth are made uniform in height, the height of the teeth changes slightly in the actual product. This is because the cost of each tooth mold is high when it is made by cutting, so it is generally manufactured by applying heat such as sintering or metal injection. In that case, the area of ​​the tooth mold is larger than that of the back side, so it cools first, and a phenomenon called sink occurs. Therefore, when it is made by baking, the tooth mold is finished with an overall concave shape, with the center being more or less concave than the shape of the mold and both ends protruding. This tendency is more pronounced as the size of the teeth increases, because the difference in surface area increases. In other words, if the tooth tip is designed to be straight and it is simply molded with a straight mold shape, the finished product will not be straight, and as a result, it will have an overall concave shape.

[0052] In the conventional configuration, when the recording sheets 01 are bound, it is assumed that the top surfaces 02a, 03a, which are the tips of the convex parts 02, 03 in the center of the arrangement direction, come into contact with the recording sheets 01 first. However, if the binding members 04, 05 are generally concave, the both ends may come into contact first, rather than the center of the arrangement direction, resulting in a problem that the recording sheets 01 do not come into contact with the top surfaces 02a, 03a as expected. When the binding members 04 and 05 move in the direction of approaching each other when the recording sheet 01 is bound, as shown in Fig. 7B, the recording sheet 01 is pushed and deformed according to the shapes of the convex portions 02 and 03. In the state of Fig. 7A, with respect to the length L1 of the recording sheet 01 between the top surface 02a of the upper convex portion 02 and the top surface 03a of the adjacent lower convex portion 03, in the state of Fig. 7B, the length L2 of the recording sheet 01 in the same portion satisfies L1 < L2. Therefore, if the recording sheet 01 does not extend due to stretching between the fibers of the recording sheet 01, etc., the recording sheet 01 cannot be bound and breaks.

[0053] Here, when the top surfaces 02a and 03a of the tooth portions 02B and 03B at both ends in the arrangement direction 06 contact the recording sheet 01 earlier than the tooth portions 02A and 03A at the central portion, the both ends of the recording sheet 01 are constrained by the top surfaces 02a and 03a of the tooth portions 02B and 03B at both ends. Thus, the recording sheet 01 inside the top surfaces 02a and 03a of the tooth portions 02B and 03B at both ends needs to have its length changed from L1 to L2 by the elongation of the recording sheet 01 itself. Therefore, there is a problem that the recording sheet 01 is likely to break depending on the type of the recording sheet 01. Also, the binding force when binding the recording sheet 01 is largely determined by the shapes of the teeth (convex portions 02 and 03) and the binding area (the width in the arrangement direction 13 of the binding members 1 and 2). Since the binding area needs to be kept at a certain size, within the limited binding area, each tooth needs to contribute to the binding force. As in the prior arts described in Patent Documents 2 and 3, if the teeth at both ends are made small, there will be teeth that cannot contribute to the binding force, and there is also a problem that unevenness and variation occur in binding.

[0054] Fig. 8 is an explanatory diagram when a stack of papers is bound with the configuration of Example 1. Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram of a state where the tip of the convex portion at the center of the stitchless binding portion contacts the surface of the stack of papers, Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram of a state where the binding member is pushed in from the state shown in Fig. 8A, and Fig. 8C is an explanatory diagram of a state where the binding member is further pushed in from the state of Fig. 8B. In FIG. 8, in the first embodiment, the convex portions 12A and 22A at the center of the arrangement direction 13 protrude more than the convex portions 12B and 22B at both ends, and as shown in FIG. 8A, the convex portions 12A and 22A at the center contact the medium before the convex portions 12B and 22B at the other ends. Specifically, when binding, the convex portions 12A and 22A at the center contact the recording sheets S first. Therefore, the recording sheets S are not yet constrained outside the arrangement direction 13 except at the center. Then, when the recording sheets S start to be pushed in at the convex portions 12A and 22A at the center, the recording sheets S can move from the outside of the arrangement direction 13 to the inside as shown in FIG. 8B. Therefore, even if the length of the recording sheets S does not change from L1 to L2 only due to the stretching of the recording sheets S themselves, it is sufficient that the length is L2 including the portion entering from the outside. Therefore, even if the type of the recording sheets S is a type that is not easily stretched, the recording sheets S can be bound without breaking.

[0055] In particular, in the stapler U3b of the first embodiment, the convex parts 12A and 22A in the center are configured to protrude the most, and the protrusion amount decreases toward the outside. Therefore, as the binding members 1 and 2 are pushed in, they tend to flow in order from the outside to the inside in the arrangement direction 13, and are unlikely to break over the entire binding area. Moreover, in the stapler U3b of Example 1, the central convex parts 12A, 22A are protruded in the warping process. Therefore, the binding members 1, 2 themselves can be of a conventional configuration with no central protrusion, and there is no need to change the forming device itself. In addition, the binding members 1, 2 have different material thicknesses at the tip and base ends of the convex parts 12, 22, and when the material solidifies in the forming process, the degree of thermal expansion and thermal contraction may not be uniform, resulting in distortion (so-called sink marks may occur). In the warping process of Example 1, this distortion is corrected and corrected, and the teeth arrangement is finally corrected so that the teeth in the center protrude.

[0056] In the stapler U3b of the first embodiment, the center positions 41 of the protrusions 12, 22 of the binding members 1, 2 are aligned in the first adjustment step. If the center positions 41 of the protrusions 12, 22 are misaligned, when the binding members 1, 2 approach each other and a force is applied to the recording sheets S, the applied force may vary, resulting in incomplete binding or breakage. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the center positions 41 are aligned in the first adjustment step, making it difficult for the recording sheets S to break and easier to reliably bind. In particular, in the first adjustment step of the first embodiment, the first die 42 contacts the tip slopes 12b, 22b and the base slopes 12c, 22c. Therefore, the first die 42 contacts the slopes 12b, 12c, 22b, 22c of the protrusions 12, 22 and adjusts the center position 41 by pressing the entire surface except for the R portion at the tip. In the adjustment by pressing only the tip slope 12b of the protrusions 12, 22, the tip slopes 12b, 22b may be distorted relative to the base slopes 12c, 22c, and the adjustment of the base slopes 12c, 22c may be insufficient. If the adjustment of the base slopes 12c, 22c is insufficient, there is also a problem that the deviation of the center position 41 is likely to be large during the adjustment in the second adjustment step.

[0057] Furthermore, when adjusting by pressing only the base end inclined surfaces 12b of the convex portions 12, 22, the positions of the top surfaces 12a, 22a of the tip end inclined surfaces 12b, 22b may be shifted with respect to the center position 41. If the center position 41 is shifted, the position where the convex portions 12, 22 first contact the surface of the recording sheet S, i.e., the position where the recording sheet S is restrained, will be shifted from the specified position. If the interval between the convex portions 12, 22 varies and the interval between the positions where the top surfaces 12a, 22a of the convex portions 12, 22 contact each other varies, there will be some parts of the recording sheet S between the top surfaces 12a, 22a that are short and some parts that are long. If the length of the recording sheet S is short, there will be little room for the recording sheet S to stretch when it is bound, which will cause a problem that the recording sheet S will be easily broken, etc. In other words, it is desirable for the paper to stretch evenly from the apex of the convex portion to the base end, and for this to happen, it is desirable for the convex pitch to be constant and for the center to be aligned with the mating concave portion. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the first die 42 adjusts the entire convex portions 12 and 22 except for the R portions at the tips, which allows for more precise adjustment than when the entire convex portions are not pressed. Therefore, in the binding members 1 and 2 of the first embodiment, the variation in the interval between the convex portions 12 and 22 is adjusted, and breakage of the recording sheets S is suppressed. Here, since the tips are not in contact, the tips are prevented from being crushed by the load of the die.

[0058] Furthermore, in the stapler U3b of the first embodiment, the outer shape of the protrusions 12, 22 of the binding members 1, 2 is adjusted in the second adjustment step. If the outer shape of the protrusions 12, 22 is distorted and does not have a specified shape, when the binding members 1, 2 approach each other and force is applied to the recording sheets S, the applied force may vary, resulting in incomplete binding or breakage. In contrast, in the second adjustment step of the first embodiment, the outer shape is adjusted, making the recording sheets S less likely to break and more likely to be bound reliably. In particular, in the second adjustment step of the first embodiment, the second die 51 contacts the leading edge slopes 12b, 22b and presses the convex portions 12, 22. When the binding members 1, 2 approach each other to bind the recording sheets S, it is the leading edge slopes 12b, 22b that first begin to stretch the recording sheets S. Therefore, if there is variation in the outer shape of the leading edge slopes 12b, 22b, there is a risk that the binding will be incomplete or the recording sheets S will break. In particular, if there is variation in the start of stretching, the adverse effects until the final state of binding will be large. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the leading edge slopes 12b, 22b, on which the force acts at the start of binding, are adjusted by the second die 51. Therefore, compared to the case where the leading edge slopes 12b, 22b are not adjusted, the variation in the force applied when the binding of the recording sheets S begins is suppressed, and the breakage of the recording sheets S is suppressed.

[0059] In addition, in the case of the convex portions 12 and 22 in the first embodiment, in which the base end slopes 12c and 22c are steeper than the tip end slopes 12b and 22b, the tip end slopes 12b and 22b, which are gentler at the start of binding, apply a force to the recording sheets S more gradually than the base end slopes 12c and 22c. In other words, the recording sheets S are slowly stretched at the start of binding. Then, after being stretched to a certain extent by the tip end slopes 12b and 22b, the recording sheets S come into contact with the steep base end slopes 12c and 22c, and are deformed to a final state by receiving a force greater than that of the tip end slopes 12b and 22b, and are bound. Therefore, if the recording sheets S are stretched suddenly at the start of binding, there is a problem that the recording sheets S are easily broken, and if there is variation at the start of binding, there is a problem that the recording sheets S are easily broken in the subsequent stretching stage. In the first embodiment, the outer shape of the leading edge slopes 12b and 22b that come into contact with the recording sheets S at the beginning of binding, which is particularly important, is adjusted in the second adjustment process. Therefore, compared to the case where the outer shape adjustment of the leading edge slopes 12b and 22b is not performed, breakage of the recording sheets S is suppressed.

[0060] (Example of change) Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention described in the claims. Modifications (H01) to (H012) of the present invention are illustrated below. (H01) In the above embodiment, the printer U is shown as an example of an image forming apparatus, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured as, for example, a copier, a fax, or a multifunction machine having multiple or all of these functions. Also, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus and may be applied to any image forming apparatus such as an inkjet type or a thermal transfer type.

[0061] (H02) In the above embodiment, the printer U is configured to use five colors of developer, but this is not limited to this and can also be applied to, for example, a monochrome image forming device or a multi-color image forming device having four or less colors or six or more colors. (H03) In the above embodiment, an endless intermediate transfer belt B is exemplified as an example of an image holding means, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a cylindrical intermediate transfer drum, a photosensitive drum, or a photosensitive belt. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration that does not have an intermediate transfer body and records an image directly from a photosensitive body onto a recording sheet S.

[0062] (H04) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to carry out the warping process, but if it is not necessary to protrude the center or if the center is formed in a protruding form in the forming process, it is possible not to carry out the warping process. In this case, the distortion (sink mark) in the forming process can be adjusted in the first adjustment process or the second adjustment process. (H05) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to carry out the cutting step, but if a jig for pressing the back surface 17 can be prepared in each adjustment step, it is possible not to carry out the cutting step. (H06) In the above embodiment, the convex parts 12 and 22 are exemplified as having the same shape, but this is not limited thereto. For example, convex parts 12 and 22 having different shapes and sizes may be used. If the convex parts 12 and 22 have different shapes, it is necessary to prepare corresponding dies 42 and 51. In addition, it is preferable that the central convex part protrudes, but this is not limited thereto. For example, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the central part and both ends protrude more and the intermediate part protrudes less than the central part and both ends, that is, a W-shaped arrangement.

[0063] (H07) In the above embodiment, the protrusions 12 and 22 are shaped like an arc with the base end protruding most at the center, that is, the protrusion amount increases continuously, but this is not limited to this. For example, the base end may be shaped so that it increases in a stepwise or staircase manner. In addition, the protrusions 12 and 22 are not limited to a configuration in which the protrusion amount changes one by one. For example, it is possible to configure the protrusion amount of the two central protrusions to be the largest, the two outer protrusions to be the next largest, the two outer protrusions to be the next largest, and so on, such that the protrusion amount of the multiple protrusions is the same but changes in a stepwise manner. (H08) In the above embodiment, the finisher U3 and the printer main body U1 are separate from each other, but they may be integrated into one unit. (H09) In the first embodiment, the entire tooth except for the tip is pressed, but the first type may press the entire tooth including the tip, and the second type may exclude the tip. In this way, especially when the adjustment amount of the center position is large, the contact area is larger and the force is more easily transmitted by including the tip, and the difference between the two tip side slopes continuing from the tip of the tooth is less likely to occur. (H010) In the first embodiment, the first type contacts the slope on the base end side and the slope on the tip end side, but it may be configured to contact only the slope on the base end side. In this way, the slope on the base end side can be adjusted to a large extent.

[0064] (H011) In Example 1, a mold that is linear along the arrangement direction is used, but this is not limited thereto. For example, it is also possible to use a concave mold so that the arrangement of the protrusions 12 is originally arched along the arrangement direction 13. It is possible to set the shape of the concave of the mold so that the protrusions 12 are arched even when considering deformation (sink marks) after being taken out of the concave mold and cooled. Therefore, it is also possible not to perform the warping, cutting, and sizing processes performed in Example 1. Also, even when only sizing is performed without warping, etc., it is possible to perform only sizing because there is less deviation of the center line compared to Example 1 because warping, etc. is not performed. (H012) In the above embodiment, in the first adjustment step, it is desirable to contact both the tip inclined surfaces 12b, 22b and the base inclined surfaces 12c, 22c, but it is also possible to contact and push at least the base inclined surfaces 12c, 22c. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1…first binding section, 2…Second binding part, 12,22...Convex part, 12b, 22b...Tip part, 12c, 22c...base end, 41...center position, 42…First Type 51...Second type, S...medium U3b... Stapleless binding section.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a stapleless binding section, comprising: a first binding section having a plurality of projections and recesses; and a second binding section disposed opposite the first binding section and having projections and recesses that fit with the projections and recesses of the first binding section, wherein the first binding section and the second binding section sandwich a medium in a thickness direction of the medium to bind the medium together, the method comprising the steps of: a forming step of forming the binding portion using a mold; a first adjustment step of adjusting a center position of a convex portion of the binding portion formed by a mold and removed from the mold in an arrangement direction in which the concaves and convexes are arranged side by side; a second adjusting step of adjusting an outer shape of the convex portion whose center position has been adjusted in the arrangement direction; In addition to carrying out the above, A method for manufacturing a stapleless binding section, which includes, after the forming step and before the first adjustment step, a step of pushing an area opposite to the uneven area in the center in the arrangement direction of the unevenness of each binding section to warp the uneven area.

2. a process for processing the opposite side portion so as to be flat, after the warping process and before the first adjustment process; 2. The method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

3. A method for manufacturing a stapleless binding section, comprising: a first binding section having a plurality of projections and recesses; and a second binding section disposed opposite the first binding section and having projections and recesses that fit with the projections and recesses of the first binding section, wherein the first binding section and the second binding section sandwich a medium in a thickness direction of the medium to bind the medium together, the method comprising the steps of: a forming step of forming the binding portion using a mold; a first adjustment step of adjusting a center position of the convex portion of the binding portion formed by the mold and removed from the mold in an arrangement direction in which the concaves and convexes are arranged side by side; a second adjusting step of adjusting an outer shape of the convex portion whose center position has been adjusted in the arrangement direction; In addition to carrying out the above, A method for manufacturing a stapleless binding portion includes a forming process that uses a concave mold so that the convex portion in the center in the arrangement direction of the multiple concaves and convexes is most protruding, and forms each of the binding portions with the concave mold.

4. The convex portion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located on the base end side of the first inclined surface, and the first adjustment step includes adjusting a central position of the convex portion using a first mold that contacts the second inclined surface; 4. The method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

5. The first die also contacts the first inclined surface. The method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to claim 4 .

6. The second adjustment step of adjusting the external shape of the tip of the convex portion using a second mold that contacts a first inclined surface on the tip side of the convex portion; 6. The method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to claim 5, further comprising the steps of:

7. The second inclined surface on the base end side has a steeper inclination of the outer surface than the first inclined surface of the convex portion.

7. The method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to claim 4,

8. The position of the tip of the convex portion is the center position.

8. The method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to claim 4.

9. The convex portion has a first inclined surface and a second inclined surface located on the base end side of the first inclined surface, and a second adjustment step is performed to adjust the outer shape of the convex portion using a second mold that does not contact the second inclined surface but contacts the first inclined surface; 9. The method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to claim 4, further comprising the steps of:

10. In the first and second adjustment steps, the adjustment die comes into contact with the inclined surface of the convex portion.

10. The method for manufacturing a stapleless bound portion according to claim 1.

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