Rotary switch actuator for detecting the presence of a sheet or the like with a hub member having inclined surface segments

摘要

An improved sheet detecting rotary switch activator is disclosed. The switch is modified by mounting the switch for rotation at a hub member which pivots about a fixed point. The hub member has teeth with a helical surface which mate with fixed surfaces having helical top surfaces. When the switch is rotated from a first position by passage of a paper sheet, energy is stored in the spring connected to the hub member. Upon release of the spring, energy by movement of the paper path switch contact arm moves the hub member from a position where the mating helical surfaces overlying are in contact to the output contact position. The return is a "soft" stop due to the dissipation of the release force of the spring in a direction generally normal to the helical surfaces of the mating teeth.