JP2000157781A - Drum type washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To readily visually recognize the state of a drum. SOLUTION: A water tank 12 is provided in an outer box 11 and a drum 28 in which materials to be washed are housed is rotatably provided in the water tank 12. A motor 32 for driving the drum 28 is provided in the rear surface of the water tank 12. In the front surface of the outer box 11, an entrance 16 for the materials to be washed and a door 18 for opening it are provided. A lamp 44 for lighting the drum 28 is provided in the upper part of a bellows 17 for connecting the entrance 16 to the connecting port 12a of the water tank 12. In the door 18, a transparent part 18a composed of transparent glass is provided. Thus, the visual recognition in the drum 28 can be improved. A user can easily visually recognize the state of the materials to be washed in the drum 28 or the rotating state of the drum 28. Therefore, the materials to be washed can be prevented from forgetting to be taken out.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a drum type washing machine having a drum which is rotated about a substantially horizontal axis in a water tank.

[0002]

As a drum-type washing machine of this type, one having the structure shown in FIG. 12 has been considered. That is, a cylindrical water tank 2 having a connection port 2a on the front surface (left side in the figure) is supported via a vibration damping mechanism in an outer box 1 having a rectangular box shape. A cylindrical drum 3 having an opening 3a on the front surface and a large number of holes 3b on the peripheral wall has a drum shaft 4 projecting rearward from the back surface.
Is provided so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis. The drum shaft 4 is connected to a motor 5 of a direct drive system, and the motor 4 drives the drum 3 to rotate.

On the other hand, a laundry entrance 6 is provided on the front of the outer box 1.
The entrance 6 and the connection port 2a of the water tank 2 are sealed by a bellows 7, and the opening 3a of the drum 3 faces the inner side of the entrance 6. The entrance 6 is opened and closed by a door 8 having a transparent glass 8b mounted inside a frame 8a. During the washing operation, the door 8 is locked in a closed state to prevent water leakage.

By the way, in the above-mentioned drum type washing machine, the user can see the inside through the transparent glass 8b of the door 8. However, depending on an installation place (for example, a washroom), in practice, light (illumination light or sunlight) does not sufficiently reach the inside of the drum 3 or light is reflected on the transparent glass 8b. ,
There is a case where the inside of the drum 3 cannot be seen well.

For this reason, it is difficult for the user to understand the state of the inside of the drum 3 (the state of the laundry and the state of operation) during the washing operation, and the user takes out the laundry after the washing is completed. At this time, the inside of the drum 3 may not be clearly seen, and for example, small laundry may be forgotten to be taken out. still,
In Japan, the above-mentioned drum-type washing machine is still not well known to consumers, its operation is not well known, and it has not yet reached the point where users can fully understand and use it with confidence That is the fact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a drum type washing machine which allows a user to easily visually recognize the inside of a drum and to prevent forgetting to take out laundry. To offer.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drum type washing machine comprising: a water tub supported in an outer box; and a washing tub provided in the water tub so as to be rotatable about a substantially horizontal axis. A drum that is housed, a drive mechanism that rotationally drives the drum, a laundry door provided in the outer box and communicating with a front opening of the drum, and a door that opens and closes the laundry door. There is a characteristic in that an illumination device for illuminating the inside of the drum is provided. According to this, since the inside of the drum can be illuminated by the lighting device, the visibility inside the drum can be improved, and the user can check the state of the laundry in the drum, the state of rotation of the drum, and the like. , Can be easily visually recognized.

At this time, it is desirable that the lighting device is provided so as to illuminate the inside of the drum from above the inside of the laundry entrance (the invention of claim 2), whereby the visibility inside the drum is further improved. Can be done. Further, the door may be provided with a transparent portion that allows the inside of the drum to be seen through (the invention of claim 3), whereby the user can
Even when the door is closed, the inside of the drum can be easily visually recognized.

[0009] Here, in the apparatus for automatically executing the washing operation including a plurality of steps, it is possible to configure so that the lighting method by the lighting device is changed for each of the steps. invention). According to this, the user can determine the current stroke based on the difference in the illumination method in the drum. Further, when the number of rotations of the drum is changed within one stroke, the lighting method by the lighting device may be changed (the invention of claim 5), whereby the change of the number of rotations of the drum is changed by the user. Can be easily understood.

A mode for illuminating the inside of the drum during the washing operation and a mode for not illuminating may be provided, and the mode may be switched by operating a selection switch for selecting the mode. invention). By setting the illumination mode only when the user wants to know the state of the inside of the drum, the process, and the like, the illumination is not wastefully performed, which is rational.

Further, a means for detecting an abnormality in the washing operation is provided, and when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, illumination different from a normal state is performed by the illumination device. ), The lighting device can also be used for abnormality notification, and the user can visually be notified of the occurrence of abnormality.

After the washing operation, the inside of the drum may be illuminated, and the illumination may be stopped when the door is opened or closed or after a predetermined time has elapsed (the invention of claim 8). This allows the inside of the drum to be illuminated while the user is opening the door and taking out the laundry after washing is completed, so that when the take-out is completed and the door is closed, or After the elapse of a predetermined time sufficient for removal,
It can be turned off automatically.

The lighting device may be turned on and off in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door (the ninth aspect of the present invention), whereby the user opens the door to take out the laundry. In this case, the inside of the drum can be automatically illuminated. Alternatively, the lighting device may be configured to be turned on and off based on a switch operation (the invention of claim 10), whereby lighting can be performed when desired by the user.

[0014] The illumination device described above may irradiate the drum with light including ultraviolet rays.
Invention). According to this, since the ultraviolet light has a sterilizing action, the effect of sterilizing the laundry in the drum can also be obtained.

When light including ultraviolet rays is used as described above,
It is desirable to provide a locking means for locking the door in a closed state when illuminated by the illumination device (the invention of claim 12), whereby a problem in which the user is irradiated with ultraviolet rays can be prevented beforehand. Further, when the door is provided with a transparent portion through which the inside of the drum can be seen, it is preferable that the transparent portion has a function of blocking ultraviolet rays (the invention of claim 13). It is possible to prevent ultraviolet rays from leaking outside through the transparent portion.

Further, in the apparatus provided with a tank cleaning course for automatically cleaning the inside of the drum and the water tank, it is effective if the lighting device is illuminated at the time of cleaning the tank. invention). Thereby, a sterilizing effect of the drum and the water tank can be obtained.

[0017]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Some embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. (1) First Embodiment First, a first embodiment (corresponding to claims 1 to 8) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show the configuration of a drum type washing machine according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 3 schematically shows the electrical configuration thereof. Here, the outer case 11 of the drum type washing machine has a rectangular box shape as a whole, and as shown in FIG. 1, a cylindrical water tub 12 whose axial direction is directed in the front-rear direction is provided inside the outer case 11. Can be The water tank 12 is supported by a support plate 13 and is provided with, for example, four sets (only two sets are shown) of suspensions 14 constituting a vibration damping mechanism.
It is elastically supported on a base plate 15 constituting the bottom of the outer box 11.

At this time, a circular laundry entrance 16 is formed at the center of the front surface of the outer box 11, and a connection port 12a corresponding to the laundry entrance 16 is formed at the front portion of the water tub 12. Is formed. The laundry entrance 16 and the connection port 12a are connected and sealed by a bellows 17.

As shown in FIG. 2, a door 18 for opening and closing the laundry entrance 16 is provided on the front of the outer box 11.
Is provided. The door 18 has a transparent portion 18 made of transparent glass inside a plastic ring-shaped frame 18a.
The transparent portion 18b allows the inside to be seen through. The door 18 is rotatably supported on the front side of the outer box 11 by a hinge (not shown) on the left side, and has a handle 19 on the right side.

FIG. 4 shows the structure of the right side portion of the door 18. The handle portion 19 is pivotally supported by a shaft 20 on a frame 18a of the door 18 so as to be swingable. At the same time, the base end of the hook 21 is pivotally supported on the shaft 20 so as to be swingable. The hook 21 protrudes rearward at the tip end, and when the door 18 is closed, the claw 21 a at the tip is locked in a locking hole 22 provided on the front surface of the outer box 11. At this time, the hook 21 is constantly urged in the clockwise direction in the figure (the direction in which the claw portion 21a is locked in the locking hole 22) by the hook pressing spring 23, and the grip portion 19 is pulled forward. At this time, the pressing portion 19a provided on the handle portion 19 is pressed in the counterclockwise direction in the figure, and the locking of the claw portion 21a to the locking hole 22 is released.

A door switch 24, for example, a limit switch, for detecting the opening and closing of the door 18 is provided in the locking hole 22 of the outer box 11. At this time, a movable member 25 that is pressed and displaced by the claw portion 21a of the hook 21 is provided on the back surface side of the locking hole 22 in a state where the movable member 25 is urged rightward by a spring 26 with a weak force, The door switch 24 is turned on and off by the displacement of the movable member 25 to detect opening and closing of the door 18 (whether the hook 21 is locked).

Further, a door lock mechanism 27 is provided in the locking hole 22 as locking means for locking the door 18 in a closed state during the washing operation. The door lock mechanism 27 is made of a solenoid and is separated from the hook 21 with the plunger 27a retracted when the power is cut off. It is designed to lock on. In this locked state, the handle portion 19 cannot be operated.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, a drum 28 for storing laundry (not shown) is provided in the water tub 12. The drum 28 has a cylindrical shape that is slightly smaller than the water tub 12, and the laundry entrance 16
, And has a plurality of holes 28b in the peripheral wall. A drum shaft 29 is provided at the center of the back of the drum 28 so as to protrude rearward. The drum shaft 29 penetrates the back wall of the water tank 12 and is supported via a bearing 31 on a bearing housing 30 provided on the back side of the water tank 12.
Thus, the drum 28 is supported rotatably about a horizontal axis extending in the front-rear direction.

An outer rotor type motor 32 which constitutes a driving mechanism for rotatingly driving the drum 28 is provided on the back surface of the water tank 12. The motor 32 includes a stator 33 attached to an outer peripheral portion of the bearing housing 30 and having a winding 33a, and a rotor 34 having a thin cylindrical container shape with an open front side and having a magnet 34a facing the outer periphery of the stator 33. The center of the rotor 34 is connected to the rear end of the drum shaft 29. As a result, the motor 32 directly drives the drum 28 via the drum shaft 29.

Although not shown in detail, the outer box 1
A water supply passage and a water supply valve 35 (shown only in FIG. 3) for supplying water into the water tank 12 (in the drum 28) are provided in the tank 1, and drainage for draining water from the water tank 12 is performed. A passage 36 and a drain valve 37 are provided. further,
As shown in FIG. 2, a detergent input case 38 and an operation panel 39 are provided on the upper front surface of the outer box 11. The operation panel 39 includes a washing course selection key 40a, a lighting mode selection switch 40b,
A key operation unit 40 having a plurality of keys such as a start key 40c and a pause key 40d is provided.
A display unit 41 is provided.

On the back side of the operation panel 39, a control circuit 42 mainly composed of a microcomputer is provided. As shown in FIG. 3, an operation signal from the key operation unit 40 and a detection signal of the door switch 24 are input to the control circuit 42.
1 is controlled, and the motor 32, the door lock mechanism 27, the water supply valve 35 and the drainage valve 37 are controlled via the load drive circuit 43.

The control circuit 42 controls each load based on the various input signals according to an operation program stored in advance, and performs a washing operation including steps such as washing, rinsing, and dehydration as shown in FIG. Is automatically executed. At this time, the motor 32 is driven at a variable speed by an inverter drive circuit. Also,
The control circuit 42 has a timer function 42a.

Now, as shown in FIG.
7, a lamp 44 is provided as an illumination device for illuminating the inside of the drum 28. This lamp 44
Is mounted diagonally downward with the tip inserted into the mounting hole formed in the bellows 17 from the back side (upper side). It is provided to illuminate the inside of the drum 28 from above. Although not shown in detail, the lamp 4
4 has a waterproof structure.

The control circuit 42 functions as illumination control means for controlling illumination by the lamp 44 (in this case, turning on and off the lamp 44). In this embodiment, the user operates the selection switch 40b to select one of a mode in which the lamp 44 illuminates the inside of the drum 28 (illumination mode) and a mode in which illumination is not performed (non-illumination mode). It has become so.

At this time, as will be described later, when the illumination mode is selected, the control circuit 42 uses the software configuration to execute the washing operation process when performing the illumination during the washing operation. Each time, the lighting method by the lamp 44 (in this case, the blinking interval) is changed. Further, in the washing process, swashing and squeezing with different rotation speeds of the drum 28 are alternately repeated. However, even when the rotation speed of the drum 28 is changed, the lamp 44 is used. Illumination is provided by different illumination methods.

Further, in the present embodiment, the control circuit 42
Various abnormalities during washing operation (poor water supply and drainage and drum 2
8 is detected, the buzzer sounds and the display unit 41 detects such abnormalities.
In addition to the error display described above, illumination different from the normal state by the lamp 44 (blinking at a very short cycle) is performed. The control circuit 42 illuminates the inside of the drum 28 even after the washing operation is completed, and controls the door 1 by the door switch 24.
8 is detected (open and closed)
Alternatively, the illumination is stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed after the end of the washing operation.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 5 shows a schematic procedure of control on the lamp 44 executed by the control circuit 42 during the washing operation. Here, as described above,
When the user starts the washing operation, the user operates the selection switch 40b to operate the drum 28 by the lamp 44.
The lighting mode in which the lighting is performed in the inside or the non-lighting mode in which the lighting is not performed is selected. The user sets the lighting mode only when the user wants to know, for example, the inside of the drum 28 or the stroke.

When the washing operation is started, it is first determined which mode the selection switch 40b is in (step S1). If the mode is the non-lighting mode (No), the lamp 44 is turned on. And the washing operation is executed (step S2). Thus, when the user considers that the illumination is unnecessary, the mode is set to the no-light mode, so that the useless illumination is not performed, which is rational and economical.

On the other hand, when the illumination mode is set (Yes in step S1), first, for example, a washing process including water injection, washing, drainage, and short-time dehydration shown in FIG. 6 is executed. At this time, in the washing process, drum 2
8 is rotated at a rotation speed of 50 rpm (step S4), and squeezing and washing the drum 28 at a rotation speed of 100 rpm (step S6) is alternately repeated.
This washing process is performed until a predetermined washing time has elapsed (step S7).

In this washing process, the lamp 44 is continuously turned on to continuously illuminate the inside of the drum 28 (steps S4 and S6). When switching to washing, the lamp 44 blinks for 1 second on and 0.5 second off.
(Step S3), and also when the mode is switched from tapping to squeezing, blinking of the lamp 44 for one second and off for 0.5 seconds is repeated three times (step S3).
5).

Thus, during the washing process, the lamp 44
The inside of the drum 28 is illuminated by the
By looking into the inside from the transparent glass 18b of No. 8, it is possible to easily visually recognize the state of the laundry in the drum 28, the state of rotation of the drum 28, and the like. In addition, the transparent glass 18b of the door 18 can be used without particularly looking through the door 18.
From the light leaking from the outside, it can be easily known that the washing process is being performed. In addition, the lamp 28 blinks when the rotation speed of the drum 28 is changed,
It is possible to inform the user of the change in the number of rotations in an easily understandable manner.

When the washing step is completed (Yes in step S7), for example, a rinsing step shown in FIG. 6, which includes water injection, rinsing, drainage, short time dehydration, water injection, rinsing, and drainage, is executed. In this rinsing process, the lamp 28 is changed from continuous lighting (on) in the washing process to another lighting method, that is, the lamp 44 blinks at a slow cycle of 5 seconds on and 2 seconds off ( Step S8).

When the rinsing step is completed, a dehydration step (final dehydration step in FIG. 6) is executed. In the dehydration process, the lamp 44 is turned on for 3 seconds, and the lamp 44 is turned on for 3 seconds, and the lamp is turned on and off for 2 seconds in the rinsing process. The flashing is changed to a slightly slower off cycle (step S9).

Thus, even during the rinsing step and the dewatering step, the user can look into the inside of the transparent glass 18b of the door 18 to check the state of the laundry in the drum 28 and the drum 2
The state of rotation of 8, etc. can be easily visually recognized. The lighting method is different for each of the washing, rinsing, and dehydrating steps described above.
The transparent glass 18 of the door 18 does not need to be looked through.
From the light leaking from b, it is possible to easily know which step is currently being executed.

In this embodiment, the control circuit 42
Monitors the presence or absence of an abnormality during the washing operation, and when the occurrence of an abnormality is detected, as described above, stops the load and notifies the user of the abnormality. When the occurrence of an abnormality is detected (Yes in step S10),
The lamp 44 is turned on and off in a very short cycle of 0.5 seconds on and 0.5 seconds off (step S11).
As a result, the illumination by the lamp 44 can be used for anomaly notification, and the user can be notified visually of the occurrence of the anomaly so that the user can visually recognize the anomaly.

When the above-mentioned washing operation is completed,
The lamp 44 is switched on continuously, and the inside of the drum 28 is illuminated even after the end of the washing operation (step S12). Thereafter, when a predetermined time (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed (Yes in step S13), or when the door switch 24
When opening / closing (closed after being opened) of the door 18 is detected (Yes in step S14), the lamp 44
Is turned off and the illumination is stopped (step S15).

Thus, while the user is opening the door 18 and taking out the laundry from the drum 28, the inside of the drum 28 is illuminated, so that the user is prevented from forgetting to take out the laundry. When the laundry is taken out and the door 18 is closed, the light is automatically turned off. Also,
Even when the door 18 is left open after taking out the laundry, the light is automatically turned off after a predetermined time has elapsed.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lamp 44
Can illuminate the inside of the drum 28, so that the inside of the drum 28 can be improved in visibility, unlike the conventional one in which the inside of the drum 3 is not clearly seen, and the user can wash the inside of the drum 28. It is possible to easily visually recognize the state of the goods, the state of rotation of the drum 28, and the like, thereby preventing forgetting to take out the laundry.

At this time, in this embodiment, the lamp 44 is
Since the inside of the drum 28 is provided so as to illuminate the inside of the drum 28 from the upper inside portion of the laundry entrance 16, the visibility inside the drum 28 can be further improved, and the transparent glass 18 b is provided on the door 18. The inside of the drum 28 can be easily visually recognized even when the door 18 is closed. Further, in the present embodiment, the illumination mode in which the inside of the drum 28 is illuminated during the washing operation and the non-illumination mode in which the illumination is not performed can be selected. By setting the lighting mode only in the lighting mode, the lighting is not wastefully performed, which is rational.

In the present embodiment, particularly, in the illumination mode, the illumination method by the lamp 44 is changed for each step of the washing operation. The difference between the methods makes it possible to determine the current travel. Moreover, even when the number of revolutions of the drum 28 is changed within one stroke, the lamp 44 can inform the user of the fact in a manner easily understood. For this reason,
Even in the case of a drum-type washing machine that is still low in consumer recognition in Japan, the user can easily understand the operation content and the like, and can use the machine with peace of mind.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in particular, the illumination device lamp 44 is also used for anomaly notification, so that the user can be notified of the anomaly in a manner that is easily visually recognized. Further, after the washing operation is completed, the inside of the drum 28 is illuminated, and the illumination is stopped when the door 18 is opened or closed or after a predetermined time has elapsed, so that the user takes out the laundry. During the interval, the illumination in the drum 28 is automatically performed, and the effect of preventing the laundry from being forgotten to be taken out is improved.

(2) Second Embodiment FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment (corresponding to claim 5) of the present invention. In the embodiment described below, the basic structure of the drum type washing machine is substantially the same as that of the first type.
Therefore, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, new illustration and detailed description are omitted, and different points will be mainly described.

In the first embodiment, when the washing operation is switched between tapping and squeezing, the lamp 4
In this embodiment, the lamp 4 is turned on and off at the time of tapping and washing in the washing process.
4 is turned on continuously (step S21), and at the time of squeezing and washing, the lamp 44 is repeatedly turned on for 1 second, on for 1 second, off for 1 second, and on for 10 seconds. Other processes are the same as those in the first embodiment.

According to this embodiment, the change in the number of revolutions of the drum 28 during the washing process can be easily informed to the user by changing the illumination method using the lamp 44. In addition, since the illumination method is different from the rinsing and dehydration processes, the user does not misunderstand.

(3) Third Embodiment FIG. 8 shows a third embodiment (corresponding to claim 9) of the present invention. In the first embodiment, the selection switch 40b
In the present embodiment, the lamp 44 is turned on and off in conjunction with the opening and closing of the door 18 irrespective of the lighting mode and the washing operation. It is configured.

Here, as described in the first embodiment, the opening / closing of the door 18 is detected by the door switch 24. Then, the control circuit 42 that has received the detection signal of the door switch 24 controls the lamp 44 according to the flowchart of FIG. That is, when executing the washing operation,
The user opens the door 18 and puts in the laundry,
When the opening of the door 18 is detected (Yes in step S31)
s) The lamp 44 is turned on (step S32). When the door 18 is closed after the laundry has been charged (No in step S31), the lamp 44 is turned off (step S33).

Thereafter, when the start key 40c is turned on (Yes in step S34), the washing operation is performed (step S35). During this washing operation, the door 18
Is locked in the closed state by the door lock mechanism 27. During this washing operation, for example, a part of the laundry is
When the user wants to take out the laundry or add laundry, the user turns on the pause key 40d (Yes in step S36), and the rotation of the drum 28 is stopped (step S37).

In this state, the lock of the door 18 by the door lock mechanism 27 is released, and when the user opens the door 18, the lamp 44 is turned on, and after additional or partial removal of laundry, the door 18 is closed. When the start key 40c is again turned on with the door 18 closed (step S38), the washing operation is continued from the time when the washing operation is temporarily stopped. At this time, of course, the door 18 is locked in the closed state.

When the washing operation is completed (Yes in step S39), the lock of the door 18 is released. After the washing operation is completed, when the door 18 is opened to take out the laundry (Yes in step S40), the lamp 44 is turned on (step S41), and at the same time, the timer starts counting. Thereafter, when a predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S42), or when the door switch 24 detects opening / closing (closed after being opened) of the door 18 (Yes in step S43), The lamp 44 is turned off (step S4).
4).

According to this embodiment, when the user opens the door 18 to load or unload laundry, the lamp 44 is automatically turned on to illuminate the inside of the drum 28. As a result, the user can easily perform the work of loading and unloading the laundry, and can also prevent forgetting to remove the laundry. At this time, the door 18 does not necessarily have to include the transparent portion 18b.

(4) Fourth Embodiment FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment (corresponding to claim 10) of the present invention. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment and the like in that an on / off switch 51 for turning on / off the lamp 44 is provided in the key operation section 40 of the operation panel 39. That is, in this embodiment, the lamp 44
Is not automatically turned on and off based on the lighting mode, the washing operation process, the opening and closing of the door 18, and so on, but is turned on only when the user turns on the on / off switch 51. Has become.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user
Only when it is desired to check the state of the laundry in the drum 28, the state of rotation of the drum 28, and the like, the inside of the drum 28 is illuminated by the lamp 44, and the visibility inside the drum 28 can be improved. It becomes.

(5) Fifth Embodiment FIG. 10 shows a fifth embodiment (corresponding to claims 11 to 13) of the present invention. In this embodiment, a lamp 61 for irradiating light including ultraviolet rays is provided as an illuminating device for illuminating the inside of the drum 28 at an upper portion of the bellows 17. At the same time, the door 62 is provided with a transparent portion 62b made of a polarizing glass (UV cut glass) which is transparent and has a function of blocking ultraviolet rays, within the frame 62a.

Further, also in this embodiment, a door lock mechanism 27 for locking the door 62 in the closed state is provided, and while the lamp 61 is turned on, the door 62 is closed by the door lock mechanism 27 as locking means. It is designed to be locked in a state. In other words, when the door 62 is open or unlocked, the lamp 61
Is not turned on.

In the above configuration, the inside of the drum 28 can be illuminated by the lamp 61 as in the case of the first embodiment and the like, so that the visibility inside the drum 28 can be improved and the user can use it. Thus, the state of the laundry in the drum 28, the state of rotation of the drum 28, and the like can be easily visually recognized. Since the lamp 61 emits light including ultraviolet rays having a sterilizing effect, the effect of sterilizing the laundry in the drum 28 can be additionally obtained.

Although the ultraviolet rays may adversely affect the eyes and skin of the human body, the door 62 is locked in the closed state when the lamp 61 is illuminated, and the user opens the door 62 in the present embodiment. And the transparent portion 62a of the door 62 is configured to block ultraviolet rays and transmit only visible light, so that ultraviolet rays do not leak to the outside, and adverse effects on the human body are prevented. Can be prevented.

(6) Sixth Embodiment FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention (corresponding to claim 14).
Is shown. In this embodiment, similarly to the fifth embodiment, a door 6 having a lamp 61 for irradiating light including ultraviolet rays and having a transparent portion 62b having an ultraviolet blocking function is provided.
2 is provided. In this embodiment, the key operation unit 4
A course cleaning key for automatically cleaning the drum 28 and the water tub 12 can be selected separately from the course of the washing operation by the course selection key 40a of 0.

The flowchart of FIG. 11 shows a control procedure executed by the control circuit 42 when the tank cleaning course is executed. That is, in performing the tank cleaning, the user puts a required amount of the tank cleaning cleaner into the drum 28 (step S51), and selects the tank cleaning course with the course selection key 40a of the key operation unit 40. Then, the start key 40c is turned on to start the tank cleaning.

Then, the door 62 is locked in the closed state by the door lock mechanism 27, and the lamp 61 is turned on (step S52).
It is rotationally driven at a low speed of rpm (repetition of normal rotation and reversal) (step S53). When the driving of the drum 28 is performed for a predetermined time (Yes in step S54), a predetermined amount of water is supplied into the water tank 12 (step S5).
5). Then, the drum 28 is again driven to rotate at a low speed of, for example, 50 rpm (repetition of normal rotation and reversal) (step S56).

When the driving of the drum 28 has been performed for a predetermined time (Yes in step S57), the drum 28 is
Is driven at a high speed of, for example, 400 rpm, and when the driving is performed for a predetermined time, drainage is performed (step S5).
8). Further, the drum 28 is continuously driven to rotate at a high speed of 400 rpm, for example, and after a predetermined time has elapsed (Yes in step S59), the lamp 61 is turned off,
The lock of the door 62 is released, and the bath cleaning course ends (step S60).

According to such an embodiment, the illumination by the lamp 61 is performed even during the execution of the tank cleaning course.
The visibility inside the drum 28 can be improved, and the user can easily visually recognize the state of rotation of the drum 28 and the like. At the same time, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the lamp 61 toward the inside of the drum 28 and the water tank 12 at the time of cleaning the tank, so that a sterilizing effect of the drum 28 and the water tank 12 can be obtained.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the manner of changing the lighting method by the lighting device is not limited to changing the ON / OFF time period, but may be a method of changing a lighting method of a plurality of colors. It is also possible to change the color of the lighting or to change the intensity (brightness) of the lighting as a possible configuration, and the present invention can also be applied to a drum type washing machine having a drying function. For example, it can be carried out with appropriate changes within the scope not departing from the gist, for example.

[0069]

As is clear from the above description, according to the drum type washing machine of the present invention, since the illumination device for illuminating the inside of the drum is provided, the user can easily see the inside of the drum. The present invention has an excellent practical effect that it is possible to prevent forgetting to take out laundry and the like.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a front view of a drum type washing machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the drum type washing machine.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a configuration of a hook portion of a door.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a lamp control procedure when a washing operation is performed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a process of a washing operation.

FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view corresponding to FIG. 5, showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view corresponding to FIG. 2, showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 1, showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and is a flowchart showing a control procedure when a bath cleaning course is executed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 1 showing a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawing, 11 is an outer box, 12 is a water tank, 12a is a connection port, 1
6 is a laundry doorway, 17 is a bellows, 18 and 62 are doors,
18b and 62b are transparent parts, 24 is a door switch, 27 is a door lock mechanism (lock means), 28 is a drum, 28a is an opening, 32 is a motor (drive mechanism), 40 is a key operation unit,
40b is a selection switch, 42 is a control circuit, 44 and 61 are lamps (illumination devices), and 51 is an on / off switch.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Takayuki Hirano 991 Anada-cho, Seto-shi, Aichi F-term in the Ashi Plant, Toshiba 3B155 AA10 BB02 BB19 CA02 DC21 JB23 JC12 KA31 KA34 KA40 MA01 MA02 MA06 MA08

Claims (14)

[Claims] 1. A water tub supported in an outer box, a drum provided rotatably about a substantially horizontal axis in the water tub and containing laundry, a driving mechanism for driving the drum to rotate, and A laundry door provided in an outer box and communicating with a front opening of the drum; and a door for opening and closing the laundry door, wherein a lighting device for illuminating the inside of the drum is provided. Drum type washing machine. 2. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device is provided so as to illuminate the inside of the drum from an upper portion inside the laundry entrance. 3. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the door is provided with a transparent portion through which the inside of the drum can be seen. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein a washing operation including a plurality of steps is automatically executed, and a lighting method by a lighting device is changed for each of the steps.
A drum type washing machine according to any one of the above. 5. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the illumination method by the illumination device is changed when the number of rotations of the drum is changed within one stroke. 6. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising a selection switch for selecting a mode for illuminating the inside of the drum during the washing operation and a mode for not illuminating the drum. Machine. 7. A washing machine according to claim 1, further comprising means for detecting an abnormality in the washing operation, and when the abnormality is detected by the abnormality detecting means, illumination different from a normal state is performed by a lighting device. A drum-type washing machine as described in Crab. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the inside of the drum is illuminated after the washing operation is completed, and the illumination is stopped when the door is opened or closed or after a predetermined time has elapsed. Drum type washing machine. 9. The lighting device is turned on in conjunction with opening and closing of a door.
The drum type washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drum type washing machine is turned off. 10. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the lighting device is turned on and off based on a switch operation. 11. The drum type washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the illumination device irradiates the drum with light including ultraviolet rays. 12. The drum-type washing machine according to claim 11, further comprising a locking means for locking the door in a closed state when the illumination device illuminates. 13. The drum according to claim 11, wherein the door is provided with a transparent portion through which the inside of the drum can be seen, and the transparent portion has a function of blocking ultraviolet rays. Type washing machine. 14. The drum type according to claim 11, further comprising a tank washing course for automatically washing the inside of the drum and the water tank, wherein illumination by an illuminating device is performed at the time of washing the tank. Washing machine.