Washing machine lid switch assembly
US5728985A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 20, 1996 |
| Grant date | Mar 17, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 20, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S292/69
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A lid switch for disabling a top loading washing machine when the lid is raised is provided in which an arcuate arm passing downward from the lid near the hinge of the lid curves around the hinge axis into a space behind the lid under the top surface of the washing machine. A switch positioned above this top surface and having a downwardly extending operator may be actuated by this arm, the arm which serves to trap water from the washing machine tub area and by passing through a rim extending downward into the tub resists tampering with the switch. In one embodiment, the arcuate arm strikes a rocker arm permitting further displacement of the switch away from the tub. The rocker arm may be in two halves which pivot with respect to each other held in angular relationship by a detent. The switch assembly may be made self-adjusting by bending this adjustable rocker arm to small angle allowing the detent to release under the force of the arcuate arm after the switch has reached its stop position adjusting the rocker arm to the correct angular configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.