Method and apparatus for estimating a life-span of a cutter
An apparatus for estimating a lifetime of a cutter for cutting a sheet comprising: a detector for detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting; a comparator for comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value; and an output element for outputting a result based on the comparison.
1 .- 3 . (canceled)
4 . An apparatus of estimating a lifetime of a cutter for cutting a sheet comprising:
a detector for detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting;
a comparator for comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value; and
an output element for outputting a result based on the comparison;
wherein the parameter is a time that is required from beginning to completion of cutting.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the detector comprises a timer element for measuring said time required.
6 .- 10 . (canceled)
11 . A method of estimating a lifetime of a cutter for cutting a sheet comprising the steps of:
(a) detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting;
(b) comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value; and
(c) outputting a result based on the comparison,
wherein the parameter is a time that is required from beginning to completion of cutting.
12 . (canceled)
13 . A sheet cutter for cutting a sheet piece from a sheet by shearing, the sheet cutter comprising:
a fixed blade;
a movable blade which is movable along the fixed blade; and
a life estimation element for estimating a life span of the movable blade.
14 . The sheet cutter of claim 13 , wherein the life estimation element comprises:
a detector for detecting a value of a parameter representing a cutting resistance during sheet cutting;
a comparator for comparing the detected value of the parameter with a predetermined reference value; and
an output element for outputting a result based on the comparison.
15 . The sheet cutter of claim 14 , further comprising a motor for driving the cutter, wherein the parameter is a value of a current loaded on the motor.
16 . The sheet cutter of claim 14 , wherein the parameter is a time that is required from beginning to completion of cutting.
17 . The sheet cutter of claim 14 , wherein it is determined that the cutter is unfit for use when the value of the parameter exceeds the predetermined reference value.
18 . A sheet cutter for cutting a sheet piece from a sheet by shearing, the sheet cutter comprising:
a fixed blade;
a movable blade which is movable along the fixed blade;
a receiving element which receives the sheet piece that is cut off from the sheet, the receiving element being structured so as to be movable together with the movable blade; and
a life estimation element for estimating a life span of the movable blade.
19 . The sheet cutter of claim 18 , further comprising a support for supporting the movable blade and a support for supporting the receiving element, the supports being substantially integral with each other.
20 . The sheet cutter of claim 18 , wherein the movable blade comprises a disk which is rotatably supported, and the receiving element comprises a roller which is rotatably supported.
21 . The sheet cutter of claim 18 , wherein the receiving element has a groove that receives an edge portion of the piece of sheet which is cut off, which edge portion is in a state in which it hangs down after cutting.