JP2000167288A - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] A user easily recognizes a state in a washing tub. SOLUTION: By operating a key operation unit of an operation panel,
The stirring intensity and the water level in the washing and rinsing steps, and the spin-drying rotation speed of the washing tub 5 in the spin-drying and spinning steps can be changed. A lamp 42 for illuminating the inside of the washing tub 5 is provided on an inner peripheral wall portion of the top cover 21 provided at an upper end of the outer box 2 and constituting a laundry entrance.
The front lid part 22a of the two-fold lid 22 is made of a transparent material. The controller 28 normally turns off the lamp 42, and turns on the lamp 42 for a certain period of time when the key operation unit is operated to change the stirring intensity, the water level, and the spin-drying speed during the washing operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with an illuminating device for illuminating the inside of a washing tub.

[0002]

Conventionally, in a so-called fully automatic washing machine for home use, a stirring intensity and a water level at the time of washing, and a spin-drying speed of the washing tub at the time of spin-drying are conventionally determined based on a detection result of a laundry amount. Etc. were set automatically. On the other hand, in recent years, for example, in the middle of a washing process, a device that can adjust the intensity of the stirring intensity with respect to the automatically set stirring intensity by operating the operation panel by a user has been considered.

[0003] According to this, it is possible to meet the demands of users who want to wash the laundry strongly, because heavily soiled, or to wash it lightly to prevent damage to the cloth because it is light, and to improve the convenience. You can do it. It is also considered that the water level at the time of washing and the spinning speed of the washing tub at the time of spinning can be similarly changed by a user's operation.

[0004] As described above, when the stirring intensity or the water level during washing is changed by the user's operation, the user may want to visually check the changed state. In this case, if the lid on the upper surface of the washing machine is opened, the inside of the washing tub can be visually recognized. However, a washing machine is often installed in a relatively dark place in a room such as a washroom, so that the inside of the washing tub is not always excellent in visibility.

[0005] In addition, in the dehydration process, the rotation of the washing tub is stopped when the lid is opened, so that the user cannot open the lid to check the rotation of the washing tub. In this case, it is conceivable to provide a transparent viewing window in a part of the lid. However, it is still impossible to obtain sufficient visibility depending on the brightness of the room. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine that allows a user to easily visually recognize a state in a washing tub.

[0006]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine comprising: a washing tub provided in a main body; an operation unit for performing settings relating to a washing operation; It is characterized in that it comprises an operation control means for executing a washing operation, a lighting device for illuminating the inside of the washing tub, and a lighting control means for turning on the lighting device in accordance with the operation of the operation unit.

[0007] According to this, by illuminating the inside of the washing tub with the lighting device, the visibility inside the washing tub can be improved even when the installation place of the main body is relatively dark. In this case, the lighting device is turned on in response to the operation of the operation unit by the lighting control means, so that the lighting device can be turned on when the user wants to check the inside state with the operation. it can. In addition, when the illumination is not required, the illumination device is turned off, so that unnecessary power is not consumed.

At this time, in the case where the stirring intensity can be changed during the washing or rinsing process by operating the operation unit, the illumination control means is turned on when the stirring intensity is changed. In the case where the washing water level can be changed during the washing process by operating the operation section, the lighting control means is changed to change the washing water level. The lighting device can be configured to be turned on when it is turned on (the invention of claim 3).

[0009] According to these, when the user performs an operation of changing the stirring intensity or the washing water level, the lighting device is turned on, so that the user can easily see the state after the change. To be able to confirm.

In the case where the rotation speed of the spin-drying device can be changed during the spin-drying process by operating the operation unit, the lid for opening and closing the upper opening of the main body has a light-transmitting property, and the lighting device has an illumination. The control means may be configured to turn on the lighting device when the spinning speed is changed (the invention of claim 4). According to this, when the user performs an operation of changing the spin-drying rotation speed, the lighting device is turned on, and furthermore, since the lid has translucency, the user has closed the lid. Even in the state, the state after the change can be confirmed by looking through the lid.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine having a washing tub provided in a main body, a light-transmitting lid for opening and closing an upper opening of the main body, and a lighting device for illuminating the inside of the washing tub. When,
It is characterized in that it comprises an abnormality detection means for detecting an abnormality in the washing operation, and an illumination control means for turning on the illumination device when the abnormality detection means detects an abnormality. According to this, the illuminating device can also be used for anomaly notification. At this time, the illumination by the illuminating device leaks to the outside through the translucent lid, and is visually abnormal to the user. Can be notified.

In this case, the illuminating device is configured to be capable of illuminating with a plurality of colors, and the illumination control means is configured to set the illumination color of the illuminating device to a color different from that during normal operation when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. (The invention of claim 6). This allows the user to be notified of the occurrence of the abnormality more easily.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a washing machine provided with a washing tub provided in the main body, a light-transmitting lid for opening and closing the upper opening of the main body, and illuminating the inside of the washing tub with a plurality of colors. A lighting device capable of performing a washing operation including a plurality of processes, and a lighting control device for controlling the lighting device so as to change an illumination color in accordance with the progress of each process. Has features. According to this, in addition to being able to improve the visibility in the washing tub, it is possible to easily notify the user of the currently executed process by a difference in illumination color.

A washing machine according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes a washing tub provided in the main body, and an illuminating device for illuminating the inside of the washing tub, wherein the illuminating device includes ultraviolet light having a sterilizing effect. A feature is that light irradiation is employed. According to this, since ultraviolet rays having a sterilizing effect are irradiated into the washing tub, an effect of sterilizing the laundry in the washing tub and the washing tub itself can be obtained.

At this time, it is desirable that the lid for opening and closing the upper opening of the main body is configured to block ultraviolet rays and transmit most of visible light (the invention of claim 9). UV light can be prevented from leaking into
In addition, visibility in the washing tub through the lid can be secured. Further, in the case of the apparatus provided with a tub washing course for automatically washing the washing tub, it is effective if the lighting device is turned on at the time of washing the tub (the invention of claim 10). Thereby, a sterilizing effect in the washing tub at the time of washing the tub can be obtained.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Some embodiments in which the present invention is applied to a home-use so-called fully automatic washing machine will be described below with reference to the drawings. (1) First Embodiment First, a first embodiment (corresponding to claims 1 to 4) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a main body 1 of a washing machine according to the present embodiment. Here, a rectangular box-shaped outer box 2
Inside, an outer tub 3 is provided via an elastic suspension mechanism 4. In the outer tub 3, a washing tub 5 serving as a washing tub and a dehydrating tub in which laundry is stored is rotatably provided. (Pulsator) 6 is provided.

A driving mechanism 7 is provided at the outer bottom of the outer tub 3. In this case, the drive mechanism 7 includes an inverter-driven outer rotor type motor 8, and a shaft 9 of a rotor of the motor 8 is directly connected to the stirring body 6, and a clutch (not shown) is connected to the shaft 9. The hollow shaft 10 inserted through the washing tub 5 is directly connected to the washing tub 5. Thus, the agitator 6 is rotated forward and reverse by the drive mechanism 7 in the washing and rinsing steps to generate an agitated water flow in the washing tub 5. The tank 5 is rotated at a high speed integrally with the stirring body 6.

A drain 11 for draining from the washing tub 5 is provided at the bottom of the outer tub 3, and a drain hose 13 is connected to the drain 11 via a drain valve 12. ing. Further, a drain port 14 for draining water from the outer tank 3 is provided at the bottom of the outer tank 3. The drain port 14 is connected to the drain hose 13, although not shown in detail. The drainage channel 11 is provided with an air trap 15, and the pressure in the air trap 15 is guided to a water level sensor 17 (shown only in FIG. 3) via an air tube 16.

On the other hand, a balance ring 18 is mounted on the upper end of the washing tub 5 and a dewatering hole 19 for draining water from the washing tub 5 at the time of dehydration through the space between the balance ring 18. Is provided. At the upper end of the outer tub 3, a trough cover 20 having a substantially ring shape is provided, as shown only partially, and its opening communicates with the upper opening of the washing tub 5. .

A plastic top cover 21 is provided at the upper end of the outer box 2. Although not shown in detail, the top cover 21 has a rectangular frame shape having a substantially circular laundry doorway at the center and a thin hollow box shape. On the upper surface of the top cover 21, a two-fold type lid 22 for opening and closing the laundry entrance is provided.

In this embodiment, the lid 22 rotatably connects a front lid 22a made of transparent plastic and a rear lid 22b made of colored plastic, and connects the rear edge of the rear lid 22b. It is configured to be rotatably attached to the top cover 21. With this, the lid 22 is
a is configured to have a light-transmitting property (transparency in this case).

Although a detailed description is omitted, a bath water pump 24 for pumping bath water through a water supply valve 23 and a bath water hose for supplying water into the washing tub 5 is provided on the rear side of the top cover 21. (Both are shown only in FIG. 3), and a detergent / auxiliary supply device for automatically feeding a detergent and other auxiliaries (bleaching agent, softening agent, paste, etc.) into the washing tub 5. 25 are provided. This detergent / assistant supply device 2
5 has a plurality of storage chambers partitioned for each type of detergent and auxiliary agent, and a plurality of opening / closing mechanisms for opening the outlets of the respective storage chambers to flow the detergent and auxiliary agent into the water supply passage ( (Solenoid). Further, on the rear side of the top cover 21, a lid switch 26 (shown only in FIG. 3) for detecting the opening and closing of the lid 22 is provided.

On the front side of the top cover 21, an operation panel 27 shown in FIG. 4 is provided on the upper surface, and a control device 28 mainly composed of a microcomputer is provided inside the operation panel 27. Is provided. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation panel 27 has a key operation unit 29 as an operation unit for performing settings related to the washing operation,
It has a display unit 30 for performing necessary display.

A power key 31,
Start / pause key 32, bath water pump key 33,
"Quiet standard", "Rinse well", "Easy",
A course selection key 34 for selecting an automatic operation course such as “Zabzab”, “Dry”, or “Washing”, and “Strong” and “Weak” for changing the stirring intensity during washing and the spinning speed during spinning. Power switch key 35, wash, rinse,
Manual setting key 36 for manually setting the time (number of times in the case of rinsing) for each dehydration process, timer reservation key 37, water level setting key 38 for setting the water level
Etc. are provided.

As shown in FIG. 3, signals from the water level sensor 17, the lid switch 26, and the key operation section 29 are input to the control device 28. Also,
A signal from a rotation sensor 39 for detecting the rotation position and rotation speed of the motor 8 is also input. On the other hand, the control device 28 controls the motor 8, the drain valve 12, the water supply valve 23, the bath water pump 24, the detergent / aid supply device 25 (each solenoid) via the drive circuit 40, and 30 is controlled. Further, the control device 28 sounds the buzzer 41 when an error (abnormality) occurs.

The controller 28 controls each load based on the various input signals according to an operation control program stored in advance, and performs a washing process (water supply, washing, drainage) and a rinsing process (dehydration rinse, water supply, etc.). A washing operation including a plurality of steps such as a cycle of rinsing and draining a plurality of times) and a dewatering step is automatically executed. Therefore, the control device 28 functions as operation control means. Although not described in detail, the control device 28 also has a function as abnormality detecting means for detecting an abnormality such as an abnormality of the motor 8, an abnormality of water supply and drainage, and an imbalance rotation of the washing tub 5.

At this time, in the present embodiment, when each of the above-mentioned automatic driving courses is selected, the control device 28 detects the amount of laundry (and cloth) using the detection signal of the rotation sensor 39 before supplying water. To automatically set the water level and agitation intensity (water flow intensity based on the on / off time of the motor 8) in the washing and rinsing steps according to the detected laundry amount (cloth) and course, and also dewatering. In addition, the spin-drying speed of the washing tub 5 during the spin-drying rinsing process is automatically set.

When the power switch key 35 of the key operation section 29 is operated in the washing and rinsing steps, the control device 28 controls the operation (strong, weak) with respect to the automatically set stirring intensity. The number of operations and the number of operations) change the stirring intensity (the ON / OFF period of the motor 8).

The water level setting key 38 of the key operation unit 29
Is operated, the water level is changed according to the operation with respect to the automatically set water level. Further, when the power switch key 35 of the key operation unit 29 is operated in the spinning and dehydration rinsing steps, the control device 28 changes the spinning deceleration rotation speed in response to the automatically set spinning deceleration rotation speed. It is supposed to change. The stirring intensity, the water level, and the spinning speed can be changed in a plurality of stages.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lamp 42, which is an illumination device, is provided on the left rear portion of the inner peripheral wall of the top cover 21 which constitutes the laundry entrance. The lamp 42 is mounted so as to point diagonally downward, and illuminates the inside of the washing tub 5 within a predetermined irradiation range indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the lamp 42 is also controlled by the control device 28. The lamp 42 is, of course, provided with a waterproof structure.

At this time, as will be described later in the description of the operation, the control device 28 turns off the lamp 42 in the normal state by the software configuration, and the power switching key of the key operation unit 29 during the washing operation. The lamp 42 is turned on for a certain period of time only when the agitation strength, the water level, and the spinning speed are changed by operating the water level setting key 38 or the water level setting key 38. Therefore, the control device 28 also functions as illumination control means.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart of FIG.
4 shows a procedure for controlling the lamp 42 during the washing operation, which is executed by the controller. Here, in performing the washing, the user puts the laundry into the washing tub 5 and operates the key operation unit 29 of the operation panel 27 to set a desired washing course (for example, “quiet standard”). After selecting, start the washing operation.

Then, as described above, the control device 28
The amount of laundry is detected to automatically set the water level and stirring intensity in the washing and rinsing steps, the spinning speed of the washing tub 5 in the spinning and spinning steps, and execute the washing operation. At this time, the washing and rinsing steps are performed in the washing tub 5.
In this state, the motor 8 is rotated forward, stop, reverse, and stop in a set on-off time period to generate a water flow having a predetermined stirring strength by the stirring body 6. .

As shown in FIG. 2, during this stirring operation (Yes in step S1), the power switch key 35 is not operated (No in step S2) and the water level setting key 38
Is not performed (No in step S3), the lamp 42 remains off.

However, now, the user sometimes wants to increase the stirring intensity because the laundry is very dirty, or wants to decrease the stirring intensity to prevent the cloth from being damaged because the laundry is light. In addition, in terms of washing strength and the like, sometimes the user does not care about the automatically set washing water level and wants to change the washing water level to a higher or lower level.

In such a case, the stirring intensity can be freely changed by operating the power switch key 35 of the key operation section 29 in either the strong or weak direction, and the water level setting key 38 is operated. By doing so, the water level in the washing tub 5 can be freely changed. When these changes are input, the user may want to visually check the state of the water flow and the water level in the washing tub 5 after the change.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the power switch key 35 of the key operation section 29 is operated (Ye in step S2).
s) or when the water level setting key 38 is operated (Yes in step S3), the lamp 42 is turned on to illuminate the inside of the washing tub 5 (step S4). The lighting of the lamp 42 is performed only for a certain period of time (for example, one minute) (step S5), and after a certain period of time (Yes in step S5), the lamp 42 is turned off (step S6). .

When the user changes the stirring intensity or the water level, the lamp 42 is automatically turned on.
Is turned on, so that even when the installation location of the main body 1 is a relatively dark place such as a washroom, the visibility of the inside of the washing tub 5 is improved when the user checks the inside of the washing tub 5 after the operation. And the user can easily confirm. Further, at this time, the lamp 42 is automatically turned on only when the user should check the inside state in accordance with the operation of changing the stirring intensity and the water level, and the lamp 42 is turned off when the illumination is not required. Without consuming.

On the other hand, even in the dehydration rinsing or dehydration process (Yes in step S7), the user may want to change the dehydration rotation speed of the washing tub 5, and even in such a case, the power switching is performed. By operating the key 35 in either the strong or weak direction, the spinning speed can be freely changed. When the power switch key 35 is not operated (No in step S8), the lamp 42 is still turned off.

When the power switch key 35 is operated (Yes in step S8), the lamp 42 is turned on to illuminate the inside of the washing tub 5 (step S8).
9). The lighting of the lamp 42 is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes).
Seconds) (step S1).
0), after a lapse of a predetermined time (Ye in step S10)
s), the lamp 42 is turned off (step S6).

Thus, when there is a change operation of the spin-drying speed by the user, the lamp 42 is automatically turned on, and when the user checks the rotation of the washing tub 5 after the operation, the washing tub 5 is checked. Visibility can be improved. In this case, when the lid 22 is opened, the lid switch 26 is operated to stop the rotation of the washing tub 5.
2, the front lid 22a is transparent, so that the user can check the inside through the front lid 22a with the lid 22 closed. Also,
At this time, only when the user checks the inside state,
Since the lamp 42 is automatically turned on, no wasteful power is consumed.

As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to change the stirring intensity and the water level in the washing and rinsing steps, and the spinning speed in the spinning and spinning steps. Is configured to light the lamp 42 for illuminating the inside of the washing tub 5 based on the changing operation of the washing tub 5, so that the visibility inside the washing tub 5 can be improved, and the user can easily see the state after the change. An excellent effect of being able to confirm by seeing with.

Furthermore, since the lamp 42 is automatically turned on only when necessary, energy can be saved without wasting power. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, since a part of the lid 22 (the front lid portion 22a) is configured to be transparent, the state in the washing tub 5 can be easily checked even when the lid 22 is closed. Can also be obtained.

In the above-described embodiment, the stirring intensity in the washing or the rinsing process, the water level in the washing or the rinsing process, and the spinning speed in the dehydrating rinsing or the spinning process can be changed. If any one of them can be changed, the same effect can be obtained by turning on the lamp 42 when the change operation is performed.

In the case other than the time of dehydration, since the inside can be checked by opening the lid 22, it is not always necessary to make the lid 22 transparent. What does not have translucency at all may be used.
It goes without saying that instead of making the front cover 22a transparent, a partially transparent window may be provided in the cover 22, or the entire cover 22 may be transparent.

Further, in addition to the structure for automatically turning on the lamp 42 as described above, the key operation unit 29 is provided with a lighting-on key, and when the light is turned on, the lamp 42 is turned on for a certain period of time, for example. It is good. Thus, for example, when the user takes out the laundry from the washing tub 5 after the end of the washing operation, if the lighting is performed by the lamp 42, it is easy to take out the laundry, and it is possible to forget to take out the small laundry. It can be prevented.

(2) Second and Third Embodiment Next, a second embodiment (corresponding to claim 7) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the embodiment described below, the basic configuration of the washing machine (parts excluding the portion relating to the lighting device and its control) and the like are the same as those of the first embodiment, and are the same as those of the first embodiment. The parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, new illustrations and detailed description are omitted, and the description will be focused on the features.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the inside of the washing tub 5 is illuminated with a plurality of colors, in this case, three colors of green, yellow and red, on the left inner portion of the inner peripheral wall of the top cover 21. Lighting device 51 is provided. As shown in FIG. 6, the lighting device 51 includes an opaque partition wall 52a on the top cover 21 in the circumferential direction.
A green lamp 53, a yellow lamp 54, and a red lamp 55 are attached diagonally downward to the lamp housing 52, which is formed so as to be divided into chambers and whose inner peripheral surface and lower surface are open. The inner peripheral surface and the lower surface are water-tightly covered with a cover (shade) 56 made of transparent plastic.

The control device 28 functions as an operation control means for executing a washing operation consisting of a plurality of strokes, and the lighting device 51 (lighting of each of the lamps 53 to 55,
(Light-off). At this time, the control device 28 controls the illumination device 51 so as to change the illumination color in accordance with the progress of each of the washing step, the rinsing step, and the dehydration step.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a change in the illumination color controlled by the control device 28 when a “quiet standard” washing course is executed, for example. That is, in the washing process, the lighting of the green lamp 53 illuminates the inside of the washing tub 5 with green light. When the rinsing step is performed after the washing step is completed, the illumination is switched to yellow by turning on the yellow lamp 54.

In this case, in the rinsing step, dehydration rinsing,
The cycle of water supply, rinsing, and draining is repeated, for example, twice. In the first rinsing stroke, the yellow lamp 54 is lit continuously, and in the second rinsing stroke, the yellow lamp 54 is lit. 54 is on for 1 second, 1
It blinks at a cycle of seconds off.

When the rinsing step is completed and the dehydration step is executed, red illumination is performed by turning on the red lamp 55. When the dehydration process is completed and the washing operation is completed, the green, yellow, and red lights are sequentially repeated, for example, every one second. The lighting of the three colors ends when, for example, the opening of the lid 22 is detected by the lid switch 26 or when any key of the key operation unit 29 is operated.

According to such a configuration, the interior of the washing tub 5 is illuminated during execution of the washing operation, so that the visibility of the inside of the washing tub 5 can be enhanced, and the user can easily see the inside of the washing tub 5. You can check. Since illumination is performed in different illumination colors for each process, the user leaks out through the front lid portion 22a without having to look inside through the transparent portion (the front lid portion 22a) of the lid 22 in particular. The light makes it easy to know which step is currently being performed. Further, even after the washing operation has been completed, the illumination is performed using a different illumination method, so that the user can be visually notified that the washing operation has been completed.

FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment (corresponding to claims 5, 6 and 7) of the present invention. In this embodiment, an illumination device 51 having the same configuration as that of the second embodiment is provided, but the method of controlling the illumination device 51 by the control device 28 is different. That is, in this embodiment, green illumination is performed during the washing process, yellow illumination is performed during dehydration rinsing during the rinsing process, and green illumination is performed during the pre-rinsing (including water supply) during the rinsing process. During the process, yellow illumination is provided. That is, during normal operation, green illumination is performed when the stirring body 6 is driven, and yellow illumination is performed when the washing tub 5 is rotating.

Then, as described above, the control device 28
It also functions as abnormality detecting means for detecting abnormality of water supply and drainage, abnormality of the motor 8, and the like. When the control device 28 detects the occurrence of abnormality, the red lamp 55 blinks, so that during normal operation, Red illumination (flashing) different from that is made. When an abnormality occurs, the buzzer 41 sounds and an error message is displayed on the display unit 30 at the same time.

According to this, in addition to the same operation and effect as the second embodiment, when an abnormality occurs, the red illumination leaks to the outside through the lid 22 to visually impair the user. Can be notified. In addition, since the illumination is red, which is different from that in the normal operation, the occurrence of the abnormality can be notified more easily. In this case, even if the user has difficulty in hearing the buzzer 41, the occurrence of an abnormality can be effectively notified.

In the second and third embodiments, the illuminating device 51 is configured to illuminate in three colors of green, yellow and red, but it is needless to say that the illuminating device 51 is not limited to these three colors.
It is good also as a structure which can perform illumination of two colors or four or more colors. In addition, it is needless to say that various patterns can be used as the manner of changing the illumination of the plurality of colors by the illumination device. By making it possible to change the intensity of lighting, the cycle of blinking, and the like, it is possible to further increase the types of lighting modes.

(3) Fourth Embodiment Finally, FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention (claims 8, 9 and 9).
10 (corresponding to 10). In this embodiment, light containing ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 253.7 nm is applied as a lighting device to the washing tub 5 on the right side of the inner peripheral wall of the top cover 21.
A germicidal lamp (ultraviolet fluorescent lamp) 61 for irradiating the inside is provided. The lid 62 that opens and closes the upper surface of the main body 1 is made of a plastic material that blocks ultraviolet rays and transmits most of visible light.

In this embodiment, as a method of controlling the lighting of the germicidal lamp 61, the lighting is performed at the time of changing the stirring intensity as in the first embodiment, the lighting is always performed during the washing operation, Various modes are possible, such as turning on / off the germicidal lamp 61 based on a user's switch operation. In this embodiment, when a well-known tub washing course for automatically washing the washing tub 5 is executed, the germicidal lamp 61 is turned on.

According to this, the germicidal lamp 61 illuminates the inside of the washing tub 5 with visible light,
The visibility inside the washing tub 5 can be improved. Then, since ultraviolet light having a sterilizing effect is irradiated into the washing tub 5, an effect of sterilizing the laundry in the washing tub 5 and the washing tub 5 itself can be obtained. A sterilizing effect in the washing tub 5 during tub washing can also be obtained.

At this time, the ultraviolet rays may adversely affect the eyes and skin of the human body. However, since the lid 62 blocks ultraviolet rays and transmits most of visible light, the lid 62
Thus, the visibility of the inside of the washing tub 5 can be ensured, and ultraviolet rays do not leak to the outside, so that adverse effects on the human body can be prevented.

When the lid switch 26 detects that the lid 62 is open, the power supply to the germicidal lamp 61 may be prohibited, and the lid 62 may be locked in a closed state. A lock mechanism can be provided to lock the lid 62 so as not to open when the germicidal lamp 61 is on.

In addition, the present invention is not limited to each of the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made to the position where the lighting device is provided, and the driving mechanism of the washing machine, the operation panel, etc. Various modifications can be made to the configuration, and the configuration can be appropriately changed and implemented without departing from the gist.

[0065]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the washing machine of the first aspect of the present invention, an illuminating device for illuminating the inside of the washing tub is provided, and the illuminating device according to the operation of the operating unit by the user. Since the lighting device is turned on, the user can easily see the inside of the washing tub.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the illuminating device for illuminating the inside of the washing tub is provided, and the abnormality is notified by the illuminating device when an abnormality is detected. The occurrence of an abnormality can be notified. Also,
According to the washing machine of the seventh aspect, the lighting device capable of illuminating the inside of the washing tub with a plurality of colors is provided, and the lighting color is changed according to the progress of the washing process. Can be visually notified to the user. Further, according to the washing machine of the eighth aspect, since the illuminating device for irradiating the light including the ultraviolet rays is provided, it is possible to obtain a sterilizing effect on the laundry and the like in addition to the illumination in the washing tub.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention, and is a longitudinal sectional side view showing a configuration of a washing machine.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a lamp control procedure during a stirring operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an electric configuration of the washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an operation panel.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a lid of a washing machine is opened.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view showing the lighting device in a cutaway manner.

FIG. 7 is a time chart showing the relationship between changes in illumination colors as the washing process progresses.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 7, showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawings, 1 is a main body, 5 is a washing tub, 6 is a stirring body, 7 is a driving mechanism, 8 is a motor, 17 is a water level sensor, 21 is a top cover, 22 is a lid, 22a is a front lid, and 26 is a lid switch. ,
27 is an operation panel, 28 is a control device (operation control means, illumination control means, abnormality detection means), 29 is a key operation section (operation section), 35 is a power switching key, 38 is a water level setting key,
2 is a lamp (lighting device), 51 is a lighting device, 53, 5
Reference numerals 4 and 55 indicate lamps, 61 indicates a germicidal lamp (lighting device), and 62 indicates a lid.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A washing tub provided in a main body, an operation unit for performing settings relating to a washing operation, an operation control means for executing a washing operation based on an operation of the operation unit, and an inside of the washing tub. A washing machine comprising: a lighting device for lighting; and lighting control means for turning on the lighting device according to an operation of the operation unit. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the intensity of the agitation during the washing or rinsing process can be changed by operating the operation unit, and the illumination control means turns on the illumination device when the intensity of the agitation is changed. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein 3. A washing water level can be changed during a washing process by operating an operation unit, and the lighting control means turns on the lighting device when the washing water level is changed. The washing machine according to claim 1. 4. A dehydration rotation speed during a dehydration process can be changed by an operation of an operation unit. A lid for opening and closing an upper opening of a main body has a light transmitting property, and illumination control is performed. The washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the means turns on the lighting device when the spin-drying rotation speed is changed. 5. A washing tub provided in the main body, a light-transmitting lid for opening and closing an upper opening of the main body, an illuminating device for illuminating the inside of the washing tub, and an abnormality in the washing operation. A washing machine comprising: an abnormality detecting means for detecting; and an illumination control means for turning on the lighting device when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means. 6. The lighting device is configured to be capable of lighting in a plurality of colors, and the lighting control unit sets the lighting color of the lighting device to a color different from that during normal operation when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting unit. The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein: 7. A washing tub provided in the main body, a light-transmitting lid for opening and closing the upper opening of the main body, and a lighting device capable of illuminating the inside of the washing tub with a plurality of colors.
A washing machine comprising: operation control means for executing a washing operation including a plurality of strokes; and illumination control means for controlling the lighting device so as to change an illumination color in accordance with progress of each of the strokes. 8. A washing tub provided in the main body, and an illuminating device for illuminating the inside of the washing tub, wherein the illuminating device irradiates light including ultraviolet light having a sterilizing effect. Washing machine. 9. The washing machine according to claim 8, wherein the lid that opens and closes the upper opening of the main body is configured to block ultraviolet rays and transmit most of visible light. 10. The washing machine according to claim 8, further comprising a tub washing course for automatically washing the washing tub, wherein an illuminating device is turned on during the washing of the tub.