摘要 |
A shredding machine comprises a housing, a shredding mechanism, a motor for operation of the shredding mechanism, a slot through which documentary material is fed for shredding by the mechanism, and an operating member movable from an operative position in which it extends across the slot, to an inoperative position retracted from the slot, in consequence of the feeding of the material into the slot, and returning, in the absence of the material in the slot, to its operative position under the action of a spring. A motor controller includes a microswitch having a plunger which is spring-urged into a projecting position, in which it is open circuit. The spring urges the operating member into its operative position. Thus, when material enters the slot, moving the operating member to its inoperative position, the plunger is depressed to start or permit operation of the shredding mechanism. A damper is interposed between the operating member and the resilient device, and includes a shallow cylindrical chamber within which a cylindrical drive member is mounted for rotary movement, such a movement being retarded by viscous material within the chamber. The drive member is connected to a drive arm, one end of which engages the operating member, the other end of which engages the plunger of the microswitch. Thus, on completion of passage of the material through the slot, releasing the operating member for movement to its operative position, the movement of the operating member to its operative position is retarded, allowing completion of passage of the sheet. |