Importance

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Abstract

An interlock switch assembly is disclosed having a unitary baseplate with relatively few moving parts and making use of conventional low cost miniature switches, each positively located and retained with respect to the baseplate. First and second actuators convert, respectively, linear motion of first and second operators into rotary motion to actuate the miniature switches. Switch actuation is prevented unless the properly timed motion of both operators is received by the actuators. A third actuator receives the motion of the first operator and actuates a third switch in response thereto. In one embodiment, the third actuator is prevented from actuating the third switch until after actuation of the first and second switches. In one embodiment, a primary interlock switch is the first switch deactuated and is preferably capable of interrupting power to the microwave energy source when the door is opened before the cooking cycle is completed. In this embodiment, the next switch to be deactuated is a logic monitor switch, followed by release of a secondary interlock switch acting as a backup to the primary interlock switch. Finally, an interlock monitor switch is deactuated preferably placing a short circuit across the load side of a power circuit of the switch assembly in order to blow a fuse in the event of a 'failed-closed' condition of both the primary and secondary interlock switches in the deactuated state.

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First Claim