Top=loading washing machine

摘要

A switch arrangement or unit, having contact failure detection, for controlling power to a current sink comprises: (a) an actuator (72) which moves between a first and a second position; (b) a contact pair (112) for the load which only lets current flow, when the actuator is in its second position to the current sink during normal operation and when in the first position if the contacts fail, an auxiliary contact pair (110) shunting the current sink whenever the actuator is in first position; (c) a fuse device (114) in series with the auxiliary contacts; and (d) a break contact pair (123) in series with the load contact pair which are held closed by the fuse device only when it is intact. A failure of the load contacts causes current to flow through the fuse if the actuator is in its first position, bursts the fuse and opens the break contacts. Also claimed are: (1) the unit applied to a top-loading washing machine or similar unit with a lid pivoting about an axis between a shut position where the lid is set in contact with the machine's top surface and a switch-off position where the lid edge opposite the pivot is raised, i.e. the lid opens and shuts; and (2) the applied unit with compressible connector piece (90) with first and second ends which move together after the switch actuating point has been reached, the first end connecting with the lid so it moves when the lid opens and shuts, and the second with the switch actuator to move in a first direction to close the load contacts if the lid is shut and in a second to switch them off when the lid is opened, where a first closing of the lid causes the connector piece to compress when the actuator has reached the switch actuating point and, after this first closing, opening the lid causes the piece to move in the second direction through the switch-off point before the lid has opened a pre-determined amount.