JP7562396B2 - Shredder - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a shredder.

Shredders that shred paper sheets have been known for some time (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a communication-type shredder that can accurately grasp the status of shredding processing by the shredding mechanism over time, enabling efficient maintenance and repair, and a shredder management system that uses the same.

JP 2014-178923 A

However, with such shredders, it is necessary to accurately read the usage conditions, such as frequency of use, from the data obtained.

This disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a shredder that can improve the reliability of data regarding usage.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a shredder includes:
A housing having an input port through which paper sheets are inserted;
a cutting mechanism provided in the housing and configured to cut the paper sheets inserted through the insertion opening;
A first sensor that detects the paper sheet inserted through the insertion port;
The shredder further comprises a control unit that records a load on the cutting mechanism based on a timing when the first sensor no longer detects the paper sheet after the first sensor detects the paper sheet.

In a shredder according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may determine the operating state of the shredding mechanism according to the recorded load, and may count the number of times the paper sheets are inserted for each operating state.

In a shredder according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may measure the total operating time of the cutting mechanism for each of the operating states.

In the shredder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the first sensor detects the paper sheet and then the first sensor no longer detects the paper sheet, the control unit causes the cutting mechanism to enter a standby state in which the cutting mechanism can cut the paper sheet,
the control unit, when the first sensor does not detect the paper sheet for a predetermined period of time after the standby state, causes the cutting mechanism to enter a sleep state in which the cutting mechanism cannot cut the paper sheet;
a switch for waking the control unit from the sleep state is provided on the housing;
The control unit may measure a time period during which the device is in the standby state, and may count the number of times the device is released from the sleep state.

In a shredder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the housing has an opening/closing cover that is provided to be freely opened and closed and that defines at least a part of an entrance path through which the paper sheets inserted from the insertion opening pass,
The control unit may count the number of times the opening/closing cover is opened.

In a shredder according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may stop the cutting mechanism when the load on the cutting mechanism reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and may count the number of times the cutting mechanism has stopped.

In a shredder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the shredder includes a storage unit that is housed in the housing and that stores shredded paper sheets shredded by the shredding mechanism;
and a second sensor that detects the cutting waste when the amount of the cutting waste stored in the storage unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
When the second sensor detects the cutting waste, the control unit may stop the cutting mechanism and count the number of times the cutting mechanism has stopped.

In a shredder according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit may be capable of measuring the current flowing through the cutting mechanism.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to improve the reliability of data regarding shredder usage.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a shredder according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the shredder according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a graph illustrating the load on the cutting mechanism of the shredder according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a shredder according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of using a shredder according to one embodiment.

First, one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figures 1 to 5 are diagrams illustrating this embodiment.

The figures shown below are schematic. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are appropriately exaggerated to make it easier to understand. In addition, appropriate changes can be made without departing from the technical concept. In each of the figures shown below, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and some detailed explanations may be omitted. In addition, the numerical values such as dimensions of each member and the names of materials described in this specification are examples of embodiments, and are not limited to these, and can be selected and used as appropriate. In this specification, terms that specify shapes and geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and perpendicular, are intended to include substantially the same state in addition to their strict meanings.

[Shredder Configuration]
The configuration of a shredder 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

1 and 2, the shredder 10 according to the present embodiment includes a housing 20 having an inlet 21 through which paper sheets P are inserted. As shown in FIG. 2, the shredder 10 includes a cutting mechanism 30 that is provided in the housing 20 and cuts the paper sheets P inserted through the inlet 21, a first sensor 40 that detects the paper sheets P inserted through the inlet 21, and a control unit 50 connected to the first sensor 40. The shredder 10 according to the present embodiment further includes a storage unit 60 that is housed in the housing 20 and stores cutting waste W of the paper sheets P cut by the cutting mechanism 30, and a second sensor 70 that detects the cutting waste W when the amount of cutting waste W stored in the storage unit 60 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

(Housing)
The housing 20 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 20 is provided with a switch S for canceling a sleep state of the cutting mechanism 30, which will be described later. The switch S may be provided on an operation unit 23 provided on an upper surface 22 of the housing 20. The operation unit 23 may be configured to perform operations such as switching the shredder 10 on and off. In addition, a plurality of rollers 24 are attached to the lower part of the housing 20 in order to facilitate the movement of the shredder 10. Furthermore, the housing 20 is provided with a door 25 for inserting and removing the storage unit 60 housed in the housing 20.

The housing 20 also has an opening/closing lid 27 that can be opened and closed and defines at least a portion of the feed path 26 through which the paper sheets P inserted from the insertion port 21 pass. By opening this opening/closing lid 27, the paper sheets P stuck in the feed path 26 can be removed.

(Cutting mechanism)
The cutting mechanism 30 cuts the paper sheets P that are inserted from the input port 21 and pass through the feed path 26. The cutting mechanism 30 has a pair of roller cutters 31 and a motor 32 that drives the roller cutter 31. The roller cutter 31 is connected to the motor 32 via a connecting member such as a belt (not shown). The driving force of the motor 32 is transmitted to the roller cutter 31 via the connecting member, so that the roller cutter 31 rotates. The motor 32 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 and is driven by a signal from the control unit 50. The shape of the blade of the roller cutter 31 is arbitrary, and the roller cutter 31 may have blades of various shapes. For example, the roller cutter 31 may have a blade that cuts the paper sheets P linearly along the traveling direction of the paper sheets P when cutting. Alternatively, the roller cutter 31 may have a blade shaped to cut the paper sheet P along the traveling direction of the paper sheet P when cut, and to cut the paper sheet P along a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction.

(First sensor)
The first sensor 40 is provided near the carry-in path 26 through which the paper sheets P pass, and is configured to detect the paper sheets P passing through the carry-in path 26. The first sensor 40 is also electrically connected to the control unit 50, and is configured to transmit a signal upon detecting the paper sheets P to the control unit 50. The first sensor 40 may be a mechanical sensor or an optical sensor as long as it is configured to detect that the paper sheets P have passed through the carry-in path 26.

(Control Unit)
The control unit 50 is configured to be able to record various information. The control unit 50 may be, for example, a microcomputer system including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and input/output ports.

(Storage section)
The storage section 60 has a generally quadrangular pyramid shape and has an opening 61 that opens upward. The cutting waste W is stored in the storage section 60 through the opening 61.

(Second sensor)
The second sensor 70 is provided near the storage section 60 and serves to detect whether the storage section 60 in which the cutting scraps W are stored is full or not. The second sensor 70 is configured to detect the cutting scraps W when the height of the cutting scraps W reaches a predetermined height. The second sensor 70 is also electrically connected to the control section 50 and transmits a signal indicating the detection of the cutting scraps W to the control section 50. The second sensor 70 may be a mechanical sensor or an optical sensor as long as it is configured to detect the cutting scraps W when the height of the cutting scraps W reaches a predetermined height.

As described above, the control unit 50 is configured to be able to record various types of information. Examples of information that the control unit 50 records include the following:

(1) Number of times that paper sheets P are inserted The control unit 50 counts and records the number of times that paper sheets P are inserted. In this case, the control unit 50 is configured to count the number of times that paper sheets P are inserted based on the time that the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheets P and the time that the first sensor 40 does not detect the paper sheets P. This allows the control unit 50 to grasp the accurate number of times that paper sheets P are inserted, compared to the case where the number of times that paper sheets P are inserted is counted by, for example, the rotation and stopping of the motor 32 of the cutting mechanism 30. For example, in this case, the control unit 50 may count that the paper sheets P have been inserted once when the first sensor 40 has not detected the paper sheets P for a predetermined time after the first sensor 40 has detected the paper sheets P for a predetermined time. As an example, the control unit 50 may count that the paper sheets P have been inserted once when the first sensor 40 has not detected the paper sheets P for 0.1 seconds or more after the first sensor 40 has detected the paper sheets P for 1 second or more.

(2) Load on the cutting mechanism 30 The control unit 50 measures and records the load on the cutting mechanism 30. In this case, the control unit 50 may constantly measure the load on the cutting mechanism 30 while the cutting mechanism 30 is operating. The control unit 50 is configured to record the load on the cutting mechanism 30 based on the timing at which the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P after the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P. In this case, the control unit may record the load on the cutting mechanism 30 at the time when the first sensor 40 no longer detects the paper sheet P. Also, for example, the control unit 50 may determine the operating state of the cutting mechanism 30 according to the recorded load and count the number of times the paper sheet P is inserted for each operating state.

Here, the load on the cutting mechanism 30 varies depending on, for example, the amount of paper sheets P inserted and the deterioration state of the roller cutter 31. For example, as shown in FIG. 3(a), when the amount of paper sheets P inserted is appropriate, the load on the cutting mechanism 30 is small, and the current consumption of the motor 32 of the cutting mechanism 30 is less than a predetermined threshold (high load threshold). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when the amount of paper sheets P inserted is large, the load on the cutting mechanism 30 is large, and the current consumption of the motor 32 of the cutting mechanism 30 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (high load threshold). Also, as shown in FIG. 3(c), when the amount of paper sheets P inserted is further increased, the load on the cutting mechanism 30 is large, and the current consumption of the motor 32 of the cutting mechanism 30 is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold (overload threshold). In these cases, the control unit 50 may determine the operating state of the cutting mechanism 30 to be an appropriate state in which the current consumption of the motor 32 is less than the high load threshold (appropriate region), a high load state in which the current consumption of the motor 32 is equal to or greater than the high load threshold and less than the overload threshold (high load region), or an overload state in which the current consumption of the motor 32 is equal to or greater than the overload threshold (overload region). Note that FIG. 3(a) shows an example in which paper sheets P are inserted through the input port 21 four times and cut by the cutting mechanism 30 four times. FIGS. 3(b)-(c) each show an example in which paper sheets P are inserted through the input port 21 five times and cut by the cutting mechanism 30 five times.

The load on the cutting mechanism 30 also changes over time. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3A, if the amount of paper sheets P inserted is appropriate, the power consumption at the beginning and end of cutting the paper sheets P may be smaller than the maximum power consumption measured in the middle of cutting. In contrast, in this embodiment, the control unit 50 is configured to measure the load on the cutting mechanism 30 when the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheets P after it has detected them and when the first sensor 40 no longer detects the paper sheets P, so that the control unit 50 can measure the power consumption in the middle of cutting. This allows the control unit 50 to measure a value close to the maximum value of the power actually consumed. This improves the reliability of data regarding the usage status of the shredder 10. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3(b)-(c), when a large amount of paper sheets P is inserted, for example, a large force is required when the blade of the roller cutter 31 cuts into the paper sheets P in the early and later stages of cutting the paper sheets P, and the power consumption in the early and later stages of cutting the paper sheets P may become unstable. In contrast, in this embodiment, the control unit 50 can measure the power consumption in the middle stage of cutting, so the control unit 50 can measure the power consumption in the middle stage of cutting when the power consumption is stable. This improves the reliability of data related to the usage status of the shredder 10.

As described above, the control unit 50 determines the operating state of the shredding mechanism 30 according to the recorded load, and counts the number of times paper sheets P are inserted for each operating state. This allows the usage status of the shredder 10 to be grasped more accurately. For example, if there are many insertions under high load or overload conditions, the load on the shredding mechanism 30 can be reduced by suggesting to the user to reduce the amount of paper sheets P inserted into the insertion port 21. This prevents breakdowns of the shredder 10 and extends the life of the shredder 10. In addition, if there are many insertions under high load or overload conditions, the roller cutter 31 of the shredding mechanism 30 may be degraded, and deterioration of the roller cutter 31 can be detected early.

(3) Operation Time of the Cutting Mechanism 30 The control unit 50 measures and records the operation time of the cutting mechanism 30. In this case, the control unit 50 may measure the operation time of the cutting mechanism 30 and, when the cutting mechanism 30 operates for a longer time than a predetermined time, may add the operation time to the total operation time of the cutting mechanism 30. This allows the total operation time of the cutting mechanism 30 to be grasped more accurately. That is, when the cutting mechanism 30 operates for a longer time than a predetermined time, the control unit 50 adds the operation time to the total operation time of the cutting mechanism 30, so that even when a small number of paper sheets P (for example, only one sheet of paper) are cut, the operation time can be added to the total operation time of the cutting mechanism 30. This improves the reliability of data regarding the usage status of the shredder 10. For example, when the cutting mechanism 30 operates for a longer time than three seconds, the control unit 50 may add the operation time to the total operation time of the cutting mechanism 30.

The control unit 50 also measures the total operating time of the shredder mechanism for each operating state. Even in this case, the usage status of the shredder 10 can be grasped more accurately. For example, if the total operating time in a high-load or overload state is long, it is possible to suppress breakdowns of the shredder 10 and extend the life of the shredder 10 by suggesting to the user to reduce the amount of paper sheets P inserted into the input port 21. Also, if the total operating time in a high-load or overload state is long, the roller cutter 31 of the shredder mechanism 30 may be degraded, and deterioration of the roller cutter 31 can be detected early.

(4) Average Standby Time The control unit 50 calculates the average standby time by dividing the total time of the standby state, which will be described later, by the number of times the sleep state, which will be described later, is released.

Here, the control unit 50 goes into a standby state when the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P and then no longer detects the paper sheet P. In this standby state, the cutting mechanism 30 is capable of cutting the paper sheet P. In this case, the control unit 50 may go into a standby state, for example, 5 to 15 seconds, for example, 10 seconds, after the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P and then no longer detects the paper sheet P. In this specification, the "standby state" means a state in which the power of the control unit 50 is ON and when the operation unit 23 is operated, the control unit 50 can immediately perform processing associated with the operation.

Furthermore, the control unit 50 goes into a sleep state if the first sensor 40 does not detect any paper sheets P for a predetermined period of time after going into a standby state. In this sleep state, the cutting mechanism 30 is unable to cut any paper sheets P. In this case, the control unit 50 may go into a sleep state if, for example, the first sensor 40 does not detect any paper sheets P for 300 seconds after going into a standby state. In this specification, the "sleep state" refers to a state in which the power supply of the control unit 50 is OFF and power consumption is at its lowest. When the "sleep state" is released, the control unit 50 transitions to a "standby state."

The control unit 50 then measures the time in standby mode and counts the number of times the sleep mode is released. The average standby time can be calculated by dividing the total time in standby mode by the number of times it is released. In this way, by calculating the average standby time, the pace of use by the user can be understood. That is, if the average standby time is shorter than a predetermined time, it is understood that the user turned off the power to the control unit 50 before the control unit 50 went into sleep mode. Also, if the average standby time is longer than a predetermined time, it is understood that there are many users using the shredder 10, or that the amount of paper sheets P is large for the shredder 10. In this case, it is possible to suggest to the user that an additional shredder 10 be installed or that a larger shredder be introduced so that the user can use the shredder comfortably.

(5) Number of times the opening/closing lid 27 is opened The control unit 50 counts the number of times the opening/closing lid 27 is opened. The opening/closing lid 27 is opened, for example, when a paper sheet P is jammed in the roller cutter 31 of the cutting mechanism 30. Therefore, by counting the number of times the opening/closing lid 27 is opened, the number of times paper sheets P have jammed can be known. If the number of times paper sheets P have jammed is high, the jamming of paper sheets P can be reduced by suggesting to the user to reduce the amount of paper sheets P inserted into the insertion slot 21. This can suppress breakdowns of the shredder 10 and extend the life of the shredder 10.

(6) Number of times the cutting mechanism 30 has stopped when the load on the cutting mechanism 30 has reached or exceeded a predetermined value The control unit 50 counts the number of times the cutting mechanism 30 has stopped. In this case, the control unit 50 stops the cutting mechanism 30 when the load on the cutting mechanism 30 has reached or exceeded a predetermined value, and counts the number of times the cutting mechanism 30 has stopped. This makes it possible to grasp the number of times the load on the cutting mechanism 30 has reached or exceeded a predetermined value. If the number of times the load on the cutting mechanism 30 has reached or exceeded a predetermined value is large, the load on the cutting mechanism 30 can be reduced by suggesting to the user to reduce the amount of paper sheets P inserted into the insertion port 21. This makes it possible to suppress breakdowns of the shredder 10 and to extend the life of the shredder 10.

(7) Number of times the cutting mechanism 30 has stopped when the second sensor 70 has detected cutting scraps W When the second sensor 70 detects cutting scraps W, the control unit 50 stops the cutting mechanism 30 and counts the number of times the cutting mechanism 30 has stopped. As described above, the second sensor 70 is configured to detect the cutting scraps W when the height of the cutting scraps W reaches a predetermined height. Therefore, by knowing the number of times the second sensor 70 has detected cutting scraps W, it is possible to know the frequency of replacement of the storage unit 60.

Here, after the second sensor 70 detects the cutting waste W, the cutting waste W is pushed into the storage section 60, so that the height of the cutting waste W is lowered, and the signal of the second sensor 70 may be turned OFF. As a result, for example, if the number of times the second sensor 70 detects the cutting waste W is small compared to the number of times the paper sheets P are inserted (see (1) above) or the operating time of the cutting mechanism 30 (see (3) above), the user may immediately replace the storage section 60 without pushing the cutting waste W into the storage section 60 when the second sensor 70 detects the cutting waste W. In this case, even though there is space in the storage section 60 to store more cutting waste W, the storage section 60 may be replaced, which may reduce the user's work efficiency. In response to this, by understanding the replacement frequency of the storage section 60, it is possible to suggest to the user that the replacement frequency of the storage section 60 be reviewed, thereby improving the user's work efficiency.

(8) Current Flowing through Cutting Mechanism 30 The control unit 50 is capable of measuring the current flowing through the cutting mechanism 30 and records the current flowing through the cutting mechanism 30. In this case, the control unit 50 may measure the current flowing through the cutting mechanism 30 based on a measurement signal from an ammeter (not shown) that measures the drive current of the motor 32 of the cutting mechanism 30, for example.

Here, the drive current of the motor 32 that drives the roller cutter 31 of the shredding mechanism 30 tends to gradually increase as the cumulative amount of paper sheets P cut increases. That is, when the shredder 10 that has shredded a certain amount of paper sheets P is operated without load (i.e., when the roller cutter 31 is operated without shredding paper sheets P), the drive current of the motor 32 increases more than when a new (initial state) shredder 10 is operated without load. This is presumably because use of the shredding mechanism 30 causes the roller cutter 31 to become clogged with paper sheet P debris or wear to the blade of the roller cutter 31, which increases the load on the shredding mechanism 30.

In response to this, the control unit 50 measures and records the current flowing through the cutting mechanism 30, making it possible to grasp the degree of deterioration of the roller cutter 31 of the cutting mechanism 30.

The control unit 50 may also record a reference value for the current flowing through the cutting mechanism 30 when cutting a reference sheet P. This allows the deterioration of the roller cutter 31 to be more accurately understood.

[How to use the shredder]
Next, a method of using the shredder 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 4, paper sheets P are inserted through the insertion slot 21 (step S1 in FIG. 4).

Next, the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P (step S2 in Figure 4).

In addition, when the first sensor 40 detects a paper sheet P, the control unit 50 counts the number of times the paper sheet P is inserted based on the time during which the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P and the time during which the first sensor 40 does not detect the paper sheet P.

At this time, the control unit 50 judges whether or not the first sensor 40 has not detected the paper sheet P for a predetermined time after the first sensor 40 has detected the paper sheet P for a predetermined time (step S3 in FIG. 4). In this case, for example, the control unit 50 may judge whether or not the first sensor 40 has not detected the paper sheet P for 0.1 seconds or more after the first sensor 40 has detected the paper sheet P for 1 second or more. Then, when the control unit 50 judges that the first sensor 40 has not detected the paper sheet P for a predetermined time after the first sensor 40 has detected the paper sheet P for a predetermined time (YES in step S3 in FIG. 4), the control unit 50 counts that the paper sheet P has been inserted once (step S4 in FIG. 4).

On the other hand, if it is determined that the first sensor 40 has not detected the paper sheet P for the predetermined time, or if it is determined that the first sensor 40 detected the paper sheet P before the predetermined time has elapsed (NO in step S3 in FIG. 4), the control unit 50 does not count the insertion of the paper sheet P.

In this way, the control unit 50 counts the number of times that paper sheets P are inserted based on the time that the first sensor 40 detects paper sheets P and the time that the first sensor 40 does not detect paper sheets P. This makes it possible to grasp the accurate number of times that paper sheets P have been inserted, compared to, for example, counting the number of times that paper sheets P have been inserted by the rotation and stopping of the motor 32 of the cutting mechanism 30. This makes it possible to improve the reliability of data regarding the usage status of the shredder 10.

In addition, while the control unit 50 counts the number of times paper sheets P are inserted, the cutting mechanism 30 cuts the paper sheets P.

At this time, first, as shown in FIG. 5, paper sheets P are inserted through the insertion port 21 (step S11 in FIG. 5).

Next, the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P (step S12 in Figure 5).

Next, the paper sheets P that have passed through the feed path 26 are cut by the cutting mechanism 30 (step S13 in FIG. 5). At this time, the control unit 50 measures the load on the cutting mechanism 30.

In addition, the control unit 50 records the load on the cutting mechanism 30 based on the timing at which the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P and then stops detecting the paper sheet P (step S14 in FIG. 5).

At this time, the control unit 50 determines the operating state of the cutting mechanism 30 according to the recorded load, and counts the number of times paper sheets P are inserted for each operating state (step S15 in FIG. 5). In this case, for example, the control unit 50 may determine the operating state of the cutting mechanism 30 to be an appropriate state in which the current consumption of the motor 32 is less than the high load threshold (appropriate region), a high load state in which the current consumption of the motor 32 is equal to or greater than the high load threshold and less than the overload threshold (high load region), or an overload state in which the current consumption of the motor 32 is equal to or greater than the overload threshold (overload region).

The control unit 50 also measures the operating time of the cutting mechanism 30, and if the cutting mechanism operates for longer than a predetermined time, adds the operating time to the total operating time of the cutting mechanism 30. At this time, the control unit 50 may measure the total operating time of the cutting mechanism 30 for each operating state.

In this way, the control unit 50 records the load on the cutting mechanism 30 based on the timing when the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P and then stops detecting the paper sheet P. This allows the control unit 50 to measure the power consumption during the middle of cutting, thereby improving the reliability of data regarding the usage status of the shredder 10.

Then, steps S1 to S4 and steps S11 to S15 are repeated in this order until the specified number of sheets P are cut.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the control unit 50 of the shredder 10 records the load on the cutting mechanism 30 based on the timing when the first sensor 40 detects the paper sheet P and then stops detecting the paper sheet P. This allows the control unit 50 to measure the power consumption in the middle of cutting, thereby improving the reliability of data regarding the usage status of the shredder 10. This allows the reliability of data regarding the usage status of the shredder 10 to be improved.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the control unit 50 determines the operating state of the shredding mechanism 30 according to the recorded load, and counts the number of times paper sheets P are inserted for each operating state. This allows the usage status of the shredder 10 to be grasped more accurately. For example, if there are many insertions in a high-load or overload state, the load on the shredding mechanism 30 can be reduced by suggesting to the user to reduce the amount of paper sheets P inserted into the insertion port 21. This prevents breakdowns of the shredder 10 and extends the life of the shredder 10. In addition, if there are many insertions in a high-load or overload state, the roller cutter 31 of the shredding mechanism 30 may be degraded, and deterioration of the roller cutter 31 can be detected early.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 50 measures the total operating time of the shredding mechanism 30 for each operating state. Even in this case, the usage status of the shredder 10 can be grasped more accurately. For example, if the total operating time in a high-load or overload state is long, a suggestion can be made to the user to reduce the amount of paper sheets P inserted into the input port 21, thereby preventing breakdowns in the shredder 10 and extending the life of the shredder 10. Furthermore, if the total operating time in a high-load or overload state is long, the roller cutter 31 of the shredding mechanism 30 may be degraded, and deterioration of the roller cutter 31 can be detected early.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the control unit 50 measures the time in the standby state and counts the number of times the sleep state is released. This makes it possible to calculate the average standby time by dividing the total time in the standby state by the number of times the sleep state is released. This makes it possible to grasp the pace of use by the user. In other words, if the average standby time is shorter than a predetermined time, it is understood that the power of the control unit 50 was turned off by the user before the control unit 50 went into the sleep state. Also, if the average standby time is longer than a predetermined time, it is understood that there are many users using the shredder 10, or that the amount of paper sheets P for the shredder 10 is large. In this case, it is possible to suggest to the user that an additional shredder 10 be installed or to suggest to the user that a larger shredder be introduced so that the user can use the shredder comfortably.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the housing 20 has an opening/closing lid 27 that can be opened and closed and defines at least a portion of the feed path 26 through which the paper sheets P inserted from the input port 21 pass. The control unit 50 also counts the number of times the opening/closing lid 27 has been opened. This makes it possible to know the number of times paper sheets P have jammed. If the number of times paper sheets P have jammed is high, the jamming of paper sheets P can be reduced by suggesting to the user to reduce the amount of paper sheets P inserted into the input port 21. This makes it possible to prevent breakdowns of the shredder 10 and to extend the life of the shredder 10.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the load on the cutting mechanism 30 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 50 stops the cutting mechanism 30 and counts the number of times the cutting mechanism 30 has stopped. This makes it possible to grasp the number of times the load on the cutting mechanism 30 has reached or exceeded the predetermined value. Therefore, when the load on the cutting mechanism 30 reaches or exceeded the predetermined value many times, the load on the cutting mechanism 30 can be reduced by suggesting to the user to reduce the amount of paper sheets P inserted into the insertion port 21. This makes it possible to prevent breakdowns in the shredder 10 and to extend the life of the shredder 10.

According to this embodiment, the shredder 10 is further provided with a storage section 60 that is housed in the housing 20 and that stores cutting waste W of paper sheets P cut by the cutting mechanism 30, and a second sensor 70 that detects the cutting waste W when the amount of cutting waste W stored in the storage section 60 reaches a predetermined amount or more. When the second sensor 70 detects cutting waste W, the control section 50 stops the cutting mechanism 30 and counts the number of times the cutting mechanism 30 has stopped. This makes it possible to grasp the frequency of replacement of the storage section 60. This makes it possible to suggest to the user that they review the frequency of replacement of the storage section 60, thereby improving the user's work efficiency.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the control unit 50 can measure the current flowing through the cutting mechanism 30. This makes it possible to grasp the degree of deterioration of the roller cutter 31 of the cutting mechanism 30.

The multiple components disclosed in the above embodiment and modified examples may be combined as necessary. Alternatively, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiment and modified examples.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 shredder 20 housing 21 input port 26 feed path 27 open/close cover 30 shredding mechanism 40 first sensor 50 control unit 60 storage unit 70 second sensor P paper sheets S switch W shredded waste

Claims (8)

A housing having an input port through which paper sheets are inserted;
a cutting mechanism provided in the housing and configured to cut the paper sheets inserted through the insertion opening;
A first sensor that detects the paper sheet inserted through the insertion port;
a control unit that records a load on the cutting mechanism based on a timing when the first sensor detects the paper sheet and then stops detecting the paper sheet. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the operating state of the shredding mechanism according to the recorded load, and counts the number of times the paper sheets are inserted for each operating state. The shredder according to claim 2, wherein the control unit measures the total operating time of the shredding mechanism for each operating state. the control unit, when the first sensor detects the paper sheet and then the first sensor no longer detects the paper sheet, causes the cutting mechanism to enter a standby state in which the cutting mechanism can cut the paper sheet;
the control unit, when the first sensor does not detect the paper sheet for a predetermined period of time after the standby state, causes the cutting mechanism to enter a sleep state in which the cutting mechanism cannot cut the paper sheet;
a switch for waking the control unit from the sleep state is provided on the housing;
4. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein the control unit measures a time period during which the shredder is in the standby state and counts the number of times the sleep state is released. the housing has an opening/closing cover that is provided so as to be freely opened and closed and that defines at least a part of an entrance path through which the paper sheets inserted from the insertion opening pass;
5. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein the control unit counts the number of times the access cover is opened. The shredder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit stops the cutting mechanism when the load on the cutting mechanism reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, and counts the number of times the cutting mechanism has stopped. a storage section that is housed in the housing and that stores cutting waste of the paper sheets cut by the cutting mechanism;
and a second sensor that detects the cutting waste when the amount of the cutting waste stored in the storage unit becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.
7. The shredder according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stops the cutting mechanism when the second sensor detects the shreds, and counts the number of times the cutting mechanism has stopped. The shredder according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit is capable of measuring the current flowing through the cutting mechanism.

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