CN111405944B

CN111405944B - Shredder case full apparatus

Info

Publication number: CN111405944B
Application number: CN201880062849.8A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 左永康; 刘秀敏
Original assignee: Aurora Office Equipment Co Ltd Shanghai
Current assignee: Aurora Office Equipment Co Ltd Shanghai
Priority date: 2017-09-27
Filing date: 2018-09-27
Publication date: 2022-04-19
Anticipated expiration: 2038-09-27
Also published as: WO2019083678A1; EP3687695A4; EP3687695A1; WO2019083678A8; JP2020537593A; JP6987258B2; CN111405944A

Abstract

A bin full sensor of a paper shredder, comprising: a push rod; a conductive element coupled to the push rod; a sensing contact assembly arranged to be normally open with the conductive element; and a signal contact coupled to the sense contact assembly. The sensor includes a push rod wiper between the conductive element and the push rod, and a biasing element coupled to the push rod wiper, the biasing element resiliently resisting the shredded material force. A predetermined shredded material force presses the push rod, thereby coupling the conductive element to the sensing contact assembly, which in turn causes a waste bin full signal to be issued. The push rod may be articulated or non-articulated. The articulated push rod comprises an upper push rod and a lower push rod, and respective tensioning elements connecting the respective upper push rod and lower push rod. The lower push rod extends from the upper push rod. The paper shredder may have either an articulated push rod or a non-articulated push rod.

Description

Shredder case full apparatus

Cross reference to related patent

This application is a PCT application based on U.S. application serial number 15/717,576 entitled "SHREDDER BIN-FULL DEVICE" filed on 27.9.2017, 15/717,576 is a partial continuation application of U.S. application serial number 14/553,899 entitled "safety SHREDDER with mechanical BIN FULL DEVICE (SAFETY SHREDDER WITH MECHANICAL BIN-FULL DEVICE)" filed on 25.11.25.2014, 14/553,899 is a partial continuation application of U.S. application serial number 13/850,993 entitled "safety SHREDDER with BIN FULL DEVICE and time delay (SAFETY SHREDDER WITH BIN-FULL DEVICE AND TIME DELAY)" filed on 26.3.26.2013 (U.S. patent 9,643,190 published on 9.5.2017), 13/850,993 claims priority to CN201310014059.1, CN201310014035.6 and CN201310014063.8 (all filed on the same day 15.1.15.2013), each of the foregoing is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to paper shredders and, in particular, to a bin full apparatus for a paper shredder.

Background

Shredders are machines that are commonly used to destroy confidential or personal documents. Typically, a shredder includes a shredder apparatus and a waste bin. A fully filled waste bin will have difficulty continuing to shred paper and the high build up of debris can easily damage current bin full detection equipment. The existing paper full detection apparatus mainly includes three types: mechanical type, electronic type, and optical type. Electronic box full detection equipment is quite expensive and unstable. The existing mechanical box fullness detection equipment has the defects of complex structure and inflexible use. Primary mechanical bin full detection senses the paper fill status of the paper shredder by combining a paper fill plate as long as the paper exit and a micro switch. Since the paper filling plate is long and needs to be lower than the middle portion of the paper exit, the touch stroke of the micro switch is limited, the touch efficiency is low, and the sensitivity is low. The optical box full detection device is also quite expensive and is prone to malfunction if the optical sensor becomes clogged or dirty. There is a need for a bin full apparatus that eliminates the aforementioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments herein provide a simple, inexpensive and robust solution by implementing an electromechanical box full detector.

Embodiments of a shredder sensor for a paper shredder are provided, which may have a push rod with a front side and a back side; a conductive element mechanically coupled to an opposite side of the push rod; a sensing contact assembly adjacent to the conductive element and disposed normally open to the conductive element; and a signal contact electrically coupled to the sense contact assembly. Selected embodiments further include a pushrod sweep coupled between an opposite side of the pushrod and the conductive element, the pushrod sweep having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is coupled to the opposite side of the pushrod; and a biasing element coupled to the distal end of the push rod sweeper, wherein the biasing element resiliently resists the shredded material force. The shredded material force presses against the front face of the push rod, thereby electrically coupling the conductive element to the sensing contact assembly, which in turn causes a bin full signal to be emitted from the signal contact.

Embodiments also include a shredder lower shield, and an opening in the shredder lower shield formed to receive the push rod, wherein a front face of the push rod is at least partially disposed within the opening of the shredder lower shield. In an embodiment, a predetermined shredded material force presses the front face of the push rod, thereby electrically coupling the conductive element to the sensing contact assembly, which in turn causes a bin full signal to be issued from the signal contact. In certain embodiments, the pushrod and pushrod sweep are electrically non-conductive. A waste bin configured to receive a portion of the shredder lower shield may also be included, the waste bin receiving shredded materials, wherein a predetermined level of shredded materials in the waste bin corresponds to a predetermined shredded materials force and the predetermined shredded materials force causes a bin full signal to be emitted, wherein the bin full signal causes the motor of the paper shredder to stop operating. In an embodiment, the push rod has a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion includes a pivot portion, wherein a predetermined shredded material force pivots the push rod about the pivot portion.

Also provided is a shredder sensor for a paper shredder, the shredder sensor comprising an articulated push rod having a front side and a back side; a conductive element mechanically coupled to an opposite side of the push rod; a sensing contact assembly adjacent to the conductive element and disposed normally open to the conductive element; and a signal contact electrically coupled to the sense contact assembly. Embodiments may also include a push rod sweeper coupled between the opposing surface of the articulation push rod and the conductive element, the push rod sweeper having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is coupled to the opposing surface of the articulation push rod and the proximal end is coupled to the conductive element; and a resilient biasing element coupled to the distal end of the push rod sweep, wherein the resilient biasing element resiliently resists a predetermined shredded material force, wherein the predetermined shredded material force presses the front face of the hinged push rod, thereby electrically coupling the conductive element to the sensing contact assembly, which in turn causes a bin full signal to be emitted from the signal contact. In some embodiments, the articulating push rod includes an upper push rod with a guide slot; a lower push rod mechanically coupled to the upper push rod using a guide slot; and an adjustable tensioning element disposed in the lower push rod, wherein the lower push rod is extended or retracted from the upper push rod to the upper push rod by adjusting the adjustable tensioning element. In an embodiment, the lower push rod further comprises a lower pivot portion disposed within the guide slot, and wherein the lower push rod can extend, retract, or pivot. In an alternative embodiment, the articulated push rod comprises an upper push rod with a guide hole; a lower push rod mechanically coupled to the upper push rod using a guide hole; and an adjustable tensioning element positioned at least partially through the guide aperture into the lower push rod, wherein the lower push rod is angled relative to the upper push rod by adjusting the adjustable tensioning element. An alternative embodiment may include a lower pivot portion coupled to the adjustable tensioning element, wherein the lower push rod may be adjustably pivoted relative to the upper push rod and releasably positioned to a selected angle.

Additionally, a paper shredder is provided, the paper shredder having a motor; a cutting block mechanically coupled to the motor; a shredder controller electrically coupled to the motor and configured to stop the motor when the bin full signal is received; and a shredder sensor having: a push rod having a front side and a back side; a conductive element mechanically coupled to an opposite side of the push rod; a sensing contact assembly adjacent to the conductive element and disposed normally open with the conductive element; a signal contact electrically coupled to the sensing contact assembly; a push-rod sweeper coupled between the opposite surface of the push-rod and the conductive element, the push-rod sweeper having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is coupled to the opposite surface of the push-rod, and a biasing element coupled to the distal end of the push-rod sweeper. The biasing element resiliently resists the shredded material force and the shredded material force corresponds to a predetermined waste bin level. The shredded material force presses against the front face of the push rod, thereby electrically coupling the conductive element to the sensing contact assembly, which in turn causes a bin full signal to be emitted from the signal contact and received by the controller. Embodiments also include a lower shroud mechanically coupled to the motor, the cutting block, and the controller; an opening in the lower shroud formed to receive the pushrod; and a waste bin removably coupled to the lower shroud, wherein the push rod extends at least partially from the opening in the lower shroud, and wherein the push rod is positioned to cause a bin-full signal to be emitted from the signal contact when shredded materials reach a predetermined level in the waste bin. In some embodiments, the push rod is an articulating push rod. The hinged push rod comprises an upper push rod with a guide slot; a lower push rod mechanically coupled to the upper push rod using a guide slot; and an adjustable tensioning element disposed in the lower push rod, wherein the lower push rod is extended or retracted from the upper push rod to the upper push rod by adjusting the adjustable tensioning element. In other embodiments, the push rod is an articulating push rod. The hinged push rod comprises an upper push rod with a guide hole; a lower push rod mechanically coupled to the upper push rod using a guide hole; and an adjustable tensioning element positioned at least partially through the guide aperture into the lower push rod, wherein the lower push rod is angled relative to the upper push rod by adjusting the adjustable tensioning element.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicate similar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a cross section of a paper shredder according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an inverted shredder lower shield in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a partial view of FIG. 2 showing a bin full sensor in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an electromechanical sensor in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the front of the shredder lower shield of FIG. 2 showing the location of an embodiment of the bin full sensor in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a hinged bin full sensor according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is another perspective view of the sensor of FIG. 6A with an extended sensor portion in accordance with the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a hinge box full sensor having an angled extension in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and

FIG. 7B is another view of the sensor of FIG. 7A with a straight extension in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, like numbers correspond to like elements.

Detailed Description

Generally, as shown in FIG. 1, the shredder 100 includes shredder elements 20, a bin full sensor 40 and a waste bin 60. The shredder elements 20 generally include a shredder inlet 10, a cutting block 25, a shredder outlet 30, and a controller 70. The blades of the cutting block 25 are driven by an electric motor 45. Shredder input 10 receives a shredded material, shredder 15. When the electric motor 45 is operating, the shredder output 30 discharges shredded materials, the shredder 50. The waste bin 60 is in mechanical communication with the shredder outlet 30 and receives the shredded objects 50. When the cutting block 25 is operated, the shredder 50 drops from the outlet 30 into the waste bin 60. When the shredder 50 reaches a predetermined full bin level in the waste bin 60, the bin full sensor 40 may detect the full bin level and send a bin full signal to the controller 70. The controller 70 may deactivate the electric motor 45 until the waste bin 60 is emptied and the emptied waste bin is returned to a selected position below the outlet 30. The bin full sensor 40 may be an electromechanical sensor disposed on the shredder outlet 30. Typically, the predetermined bin full level of the shredder is a selected level of shredded matter in the waste bin 60, which is below the location of the cutting block 25. For clarity, in fig. 1, the bin full sensor 40 is shown rotated 90 ° about the longitudinal axis of the shredder 100.

FIG. 2 shows the shredder 100 configuration without the waste bin 60. Further, a cover (not shown) for the bin full sensor 200 has been removed for clarity. In fig. 2, the shredder elements 20 are shown inverted and disposed in the shredder lower shroud 210. The full tank sensor 200 may be functionally similar to the full tank sensor 40 of fig. 1. The bin full sensor 200 may be disposed in the shredder lower shroud 210 and may be adjacent the shredder outlet 30. The electric motor 220 may be coupled to the cutting block 25 such that the cutting block 25 rotates to shred when the motor 220 is operating, causing the shreddable matter 15 to be shredded into shredded materials (shreds) 50. The controller 250 may be disposed proximal to the electric motor 220 and the lower shield 210.

Fig. 3 shows a full tank sensor 300, which may be similar to the full tank sensor 200 depicted in fig. 2. Also, for clarity, a cover (not shown) of the bin full sensor 300 has been removed. The bin full sensor 300 is an embodiment depicted having a push bar 302, the push bar 302 being disposed in intermittent contact with shredder matter (not shown) that may accumulate in a waste bin (not shown) during shredder operation. The pusher 302 may have a front side and a back side. The pusher 302 may be rectangular or square, or generally rectilinear in shape, although other shapes may be used. The push rod 302 may be arranged to be pivotally moved using a pivot portion 316. The push rod 302 may be coupled to the conductive element 304 using a push rod sweep 308. The pusher sweeper 308 may be biased to facilitate operation, for example, using the biasing mechanism 306, the biasing mechanism 306 may be a spring or other resilient element, and may be at least partially captured by the pusher sweeper 308. The push rod broom may have a proximal end and a distal end coupled to attach to the opposite surface of the push rod 302. The proximal end of the push rod broom 308 may be coupled to the conductive element 304. In the example shown in fig. 3, the conductive element 304 at least partially encapsulates a surface of the pushrod sweep 308. The sensing contact assembly 310 may be disposed in electrical contact with the conductive element 304, for example, when the pushrod 302 and pushrod sweep 308 are forced toward the sensing contact assembly 310. The signal contact 312 may supply power to the sensing contact assembly 310 such that contact with the conductive element 304 completes a circuit with the shredder controller 250 indicating a bin full condition of a waste bin (not shown). A push rod pressing screw, such as shown by screw 314, may bias push rod 302 toward lower shroud 318, applying pressure to pivot portion 316.

Fig. 4 provides a perspective view of the embodiment of the bin full sensor 300 shown in fig. 3, but removed from the lower shroud 318 and sensor cover (not shown) and not in contact with the support structure. The components of the bin full sensor 300 include a push rod 302, a conductive element 304, a biasing mechanism 306, a push rod wiper 308, a sensing contact assembly 310, a signal contact 312, and a pivot portion 316. Also shown is a reversing portion 402 of the pushrod 302, with the biasing mechanism 306 and pushrod sweep 308 coupled to the reversing portion 402. Additionally, when a biasing spring is used for the biasing mechanism 306, a catch lever 407 may be used. The capture bar 407 may add stability and guidance to the extended type of biasing mechanism 306. The pusher-bar sweep 308 may be configured as a double wishbone with a capture bar 407 disposed therebetween. Pusher-bar sweep 308 may include

dual prongs

417, 418, each having an expanded portion 420 on a proximal end distal to the reverse face 402 of pusher-bar 302. The extension 420 of each prong may be at least partially covered by the conductive element 304. The biasing mechanism 306 may be disposed between the

prongs

417, 418 and the catch bar 407. In an alternative embodiment, the

prongs

417, 418 may be composed of a substance that is sufficiently conductive so that the conductive element 304 may be removed.

In operation, as shredded debris (not shown) accumulates in the waste bin (not shown), the debris may generate a force 412 against the push rod 302. The force 412 may cause the pivot portion 316 to rotate, thereby urging the conductive element 304 toward the conductive sensing contact assembly 310. When the conductive element 304 contacts the sensing contact assembly 310, a circuit may be completed, sending a "bin full" signal to the shredder controller (not shown). Unlike current bin full sensors, this operation is insensitive to dust and dirt contaminating the bin full sensor and exhibits high sensitivity, repeatability and reliability in the bin full condition.

Fig. 5 illustrates a shredder body 500 having a cutting block 508 that may include a bin full sensor such as, but not limited to, bin

full sensors

200, 300, and 400. Fig. 5 is shown from a perspective looking up below the lower shroud 502. The shredder body 500 may include a lower shield 502 with an opening 504 in the lower shield 502. The cutting block 508 includes a plurality of cutting blades. The push rod 506 may be within the opening 504. The pushrod 506 may be functionally similar to the pushrod 302, although other functionally similar implementations of the

pushrods

302, 506 are contemplated. Note that the opening 504 of the pushrod 506 may be disposed generally "below" the "shredder" cutting block 508 so that the sensor pushrod 506 may detect a full waste bin before the shredded matter reaches the blades of the cutting block 508. In this case, a "full" waste bin is considered to be a waste bin having a predetermined level of shredded matter that is lower than the level of the blades of the cutting block 508. When waste builds up in the bin, the shredded material may exert a shredded material force corresponding to the level in the waste bin. When the waste bin (not shown) is "full," the shredder may press against the push rod 506 with a predetermined shredded material force corresponding to a predetermined level of shredder, thereby retracting the push rod 506 into the opening 504 and causing a bin full signal to be issued through the extension.

Fig. 6A-6B depict an alternative embodiment of a bin full sensor 600, in which a push rod 602 may be hinged. Similar to the full tank sensor 300, the full tank sensor 600 may include a catch lever 607 coupled to a push rod wiper 608, the push rod wiper 608 being at least partially covered by the conductive element 604. The catch lever 607 may be disposed within the biasing element 606, which may be implemented as a coil spring. When the level of the shredder in the waste bin (not shown) approaches a predetermined level, the pivot portion 616 is rotated, advancing the conductive element 604 toward the conductive sensing contact assembly 610. When the conductive element 604 contacts the sensing contact assembly 610, a circuit may be completed, sending a "bin full" signal to the shredder controller (not shown) via the signal contact 612.

In this alternative embodiment, the push rod 602 may be hinged with a lower push rod 622, the lower push rod 622 also being coupled with and utilizing a lower pivot portion 626. Side panels 634 are provided on opposite ends of the push rod 602 and may be used to form guide slots 624 in which the lower pivot portion 626 is positioned. The tensioning slot 628 may be disposed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the upper push rod 602 and may be formed into the lower push rod 622. The lower push rod 622 may extend from the upper push rod 602 or retract to the upper push rod 602. The tension element 632 may be disposed within the inner tension slot 628 and constrained to move longitudinally by a tension constraint 630. The tension restraint 630 may be provided by a tongue-like protrusion of the push rod 602. As shown in fig. 6A, the tensioning element 632 may be positioned and held in place by the tensioning restraint 630 such that the lower push rod 622 may be in a retracted position relative to the push rod 602.

In fig. 6B, the bin full sensor 600 is shown in the case of an articulated push rod, the conductive element 604, the conductive sensing contact assembly 610, and the signal contact 612 not being shown for clarity. The bin full sensor 600 may be shown in an alternative arrangement, wherein the tensioning element 632 may be extended and held in place by a tensioning restraint 630, such that the lower push rod 622 may be in an extended position relative to the push rod 602. In fig. 6B, the lower push rod 622 is depicted as extending from the upper push rod 602. Here, the lower pivot portion 626 is disposed at a lower section of the guide slot 624. Additionally, the lower biasing element 632 may be compressed by the tension constraint 630 and may be disposed in the slot upper portion 634 of the tension slot 628. The slot upper portion 634 may be concave with a central protrusion that stabilizes the tension element 632. The lower push rod 622 may be restricted from rotating relative to the push rod 602. The configuration shown in figure 6B shows that the stroke of the upper ram 602 can be increased by the lower ram 622, providing greater control over the set point for a predetermined level of shredded matter in the waste bin. The further the lower push rod 622 extends, the lower the predetermined level of shredded objects in the waste bin will be which triggers the "bin full" signal.

Fig. 7A-7B illustrate an articulated push rod, wherein the upper push rod 702 and the lower push rod 722 may be biased by means of a tensioning element 760, which may comprise, for example, a screw and a tensioning spring. In this embodiment, the side panels do not have guide slots, but rather guide holes 750. In fig. 7A, the lower push rod 722 may be held in an angled position relative to the upper push rod 702 by a tensioning element 760. In fig. 7B, the lower push rod 722 may be held in a non-angled position relative to the upper push rod 702. This embodiment may also provide greater control over the set point of a predetermined level of shredded matter in the waste bin. The further the lower push rod 722 extends, the lower the predetermined level of shredded objects in the waste bin will be which triggers the "bin full" signal.

The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it should be noted that like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views of the drawings, although not every figure may repeat every feature and every feature already shown in another figure so as not to obscure certain features or overlap the drawings with repeated notation. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology, devices, apparatuses, materials, applications, etc., described herein as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) for a paper shredder (100) comprising:

a pushrod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722) having a front side and a back side;

a conductive element (304, 604) mechanically coupled to the opposite side of the push rod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722);

a sensing contact assembly (310, 610) adjacent to the conductive element and disposed normally open to the conductive element (304, 604); and

a signal contact (312, 612) electrically coupled to the sense contact assembly (310, 610), wherein the signal contact (312, 612) is configured to issue a tank-full signal.

2. The shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) of claim 1, further comprising:

a pushrod sweep (308, 608) coupled between the opposing surface of the pushrod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722) and the conductive element (304, 604), the pushrod sweep (308, 608) having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end is coupled to the opposing surface of the pushrod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722); and

a biasing element (306, 606) coupled to a distal end of the push rod sweep (308, 608), wherein the biasing element (306, 606) resiliently resists a shredded material force (412).

3. The shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) of claim 2, wherein a predetermined shredded material force (412) presses the front face of the push rod causing the conductive element (304, 604) to electrically couple to the sensing contact assembly (310, 610) which in turn causes the bin full signal to be emitted from the signal contact (312, 612), wherein the predetermined shredded material force (412) corresponds to a predetermined bin full level.

4. The shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) of claim 3 further comprising:

a shredder lower housing; and

an opening in the shredder lower shield formed to receive the push rod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722), wherein the front face of the push rod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722) is at least partially disposed within the opening in the shredder lower shield.

5. The shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) of claim 4, wherein a predetermined shredded material force (412) presses the front face of the push rod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722) electrically coupling the conductive element (304, 604) to the sensing contact assembly (310, 610), which in turn causes the bin full signal to be emitted from the signal contact (312, 612).

6. The shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) of claim 5 wherein the push rod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722) and the push rod wiper (308, 608) are electrically non-conductive.

7. The shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) of claim 5 further comprising a waste bin configured to receive a portion of the shredder lower shield, the waste bin receiving shredded materials, wherein the predetermined level of shredded materials in the waste bin corresponds to a predetermined shredded materials force (412) and the predetermined shredded materials force (412) causes the bin full signal to be emitted, wherein the bin full signal causes a motor of the paper shredder (100) to stop.

8. The shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) of claim 5 wherein the push rod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722) has a top portion and a bottom portion, wherein the top portion includes a pivot portion (316, 616), wherein the predetermined shredded material force (412) pivots the push rod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722) about the pivot portion (316, 616).

9. The shredder sensor (200, 300, 400, 500, 600) of any of the preceding claims, wherein the push rod is an articulating push rod (602, 622, 702, 722).

10. The shredder sensor of any of claims 2-8, wherein the push rod is an articulated push rod (602, 622, 702, 722) and a proximal end of the push rod sweep (308, 608) is coupled to the conductive element (604).

11. The shredder sensor (600) of claim 10, wherein the hinged push rod (602, 622) comprises:

an upper ram (602) with a guide slot (624);

a lower push rod (622) mechanically coupled to the upper push rod (602) using the guide slot (624); and

an adjustable tensioning element (632) disposed in the lower push rod (602), wherein the lower push rod (622) is extended or retracted from the upper push rod (602) to the upper push rod by adjusting the adjustable tensioning element (632).

12. The shredder sensor (600) of claim 11, wherein the lower push rod (622) further comprises a lower pivot portion (626) disposed within the guide slot (624), and wherein the lower push rod (622) is extendable, retractable, or pivotable.

13. The shredder sensor of claim 10, wherein the hinged push rod (702, 722) comprises:

an upper push rod (702) with a guide hole (750);

a lower push rod (722) mechanically coupled to the upper push rod (702) using the guide hole (750); and

an adjustable tensioning element (760) positioned at least partially through the guide aperture (750) into the lower push rod (722), wherein the lower push rod (722) is angled relative to the upper push rod (702) by adjusting the adjustable tensioning element (760).

14. The shredder sensor of claim 13, further comprising:

a lower pivot portion coupled to the adjustable tensioning element (750), wherein the lower push rod (722) is adjustably pivotable and releasably positionable to a selected angle relative to the upper push rod (702).

15. A paper shredder (100) comprising:

a motor;

a cutting block mechanically coupled to the motor;

a shredder controller electrically coupled to the motor, the shredder controller configured to receive a bin full signal; and

the shredder sensor according to any of claims 1-13, electrically coupled to the shredder controller, and wherein,

a shredded material force (412) corresponds to a predetermined level of a waste bin and presses the front face of the push rod (302, 506, 602, 622, 702, 722) thereby electrically coupling the conductive element (304, 604) to the sensing contact assembly (310, 610), which in turn causes the bin full signal to be emitted from the signal contact (312, 612) and received by the shredder controller, wherein the motor is deactivated.