Lid switch assembly for a coin operated appliance

摘要

A lid switch assembly including a lid switch configured to be substantially located within a coin box of a coin operated appliance is described. In one embodiment, the lid switch assembly is configured for use in connection with a coin operated washing machine including a lid rotatably mounted to a washer cover and a coin box mounted to the washer cover adjacent the lid. The lid switch assembly includes a hinge rod secured to the lid and rotatable with the lid. The hinge rod includes an actuating arm configured to be substantially located within the coin box. The lid switch assembly also includes a switch configured to be mounted within the coin box. The switch is electrically connected in series with a power source and the washing machine motor. As the washing machine lid is opened, the hinge rod actuating arm rotates so that the switch actuator moves. Once the washing machine lid has been opened a predetermined distance, the hinge rod actuating arm sufficiently rotates so that the switch is in the non-conducting state. Regardless of whether proper coins have been deposited and whether the operator start button is depressed, when the switch is in the non-conducting state, the switch prevents energy from being be supplied to the motor and washing machine operations stop.