Method and apparatus for estimating a life-span of a cutter

Abstract

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.