Washing machine with operation panel including display device and operation switches

A full automatic washing machine includes in an operation panel a display device together with power ON and OFF switches and a light-emitting diode serving as a pilot lamp. The display device is formed into the shape of a rectangular flat plate and has elasticity. The display device is constituted by a nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) liquid crystal panel and a reflecting plate. The display device includes a plurality of display sections for displaying a plurality of pieces of information about the washing operation. A membrane switch is disposed on the back of the display device. The membrane switch is turned on when the display device is depressed. The membrane switch has a plurality of key switches positioned so as to correspond to the display sections of the display device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a display 
device for displaying information about a washing operation. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
Full automatic washing machines sequentially execute steps of wash, rinse, 
and dehydration, thereby performing a washing operation, for example. 
Furthermore, one of a plurality of washing courses including a standard 
course is selected and automatically executed in such washing machines. In 
such full automatic washing machines, an operation panel is mounted on the 
front top of an outer cabinet, and a display device is provided in the 
operation panel for displaying a plurality of washing courses, a step 
being currently executed, and so on. The display device comprises a 
combination of light-emitting diodes, a combination of fluorescent 
character display tubes, or a liquid crystal display panel. Operation 
switches for switching the washing course, for selecting a wash water 
level, and for other purposes are disposed in the operation panel so as to 
be adjacent to the display device. 
The thickness of the display device is increased when the display device 
comprises the light-emitting diodes or the fluorescent character display 
tubes. Accordingly, a large mounting space for the display device needs to 
be ensured in the operation panel. This reduces the degree of freedom in 
the design of the washing machine. Furthermore, since the light-emitting 
diodes or the fluorescent character display tubes consume a relatively 
large amount of electric power, the display device disadvantageously 
consumes a large amount of electric power. On the other hand, in the 
display device comprising an ordinary liquid crystal display panel, an 
angle of visibility is narrow. Furthermore, since the liquid crystal 
display panel has no light source, it is inferior in the visibility. The 
visibility of the liquid crystal display panel can be improved partially 
by the provision of a back light. However, the thickness of the display 
device is again increased, whereupon the degree of freedom in the design 
of the washing machine is reduced and an amount of electric power consumed 
in the operation panel is increased as described above. 
Since some limitation to the size of the operation panel is unavoidable, 
operated portions of the display device and of the operation switches are 
accordingly limited to some extent in the prior art construction in which 
the display panel and the operation switches are disposed in the operation 
panel to be adjacent to each other. Consequently, it is difficult to 
increase an area occupied by the display device in the operation panel and 
to thereby improve the visibility. Furthermore, the operability of the 
operation switches is reduced. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a washing 
machine wherein the display device displaying information about the 
washing operation can be thinned to thereby improve the degree of freedom 
in the design thereof, improvements in the visibility and the power 
consumption of the display device can be achieved, and the visibility of 
the display device and the operability of switch means can be improved 
even when the switch means is disposed so as to correspond to the display 
device. 
The present invention provides a washing machine including a display device 
provided for displaying information about a washing operation and 
including an NCAP liquid crystal panel permitting light to pass 
therethrough when a voltage is applied thereto and having elasticity, and 
light-reflecting means disposed in the rear of the NCAP liquid crystal 
panel. 
The display device has a plurality of unit display areas for displaying 
various types of information about the washing operation. The 
light-reflecting means has various portions each corresponding to one of 
the unit display areas and colored by a plurality of colors. A switch 
means is disposed in the rear of the display device so as to be operated 
in response to depressing the display device. The switch means includes a 
plurality of key switches corresponding to respective unit display areas 
of the display device. A control means is provided for controlling the 
display device so that one or more of the unit display areas display 
information when the corresponding key switches are operated. 
The nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) liquid crystal causes either 
the scattering or the absorption of incident light to take place when no 
voltage is applied thereto, thereby restraining light from passing 
therethrough. On the other hand, the NCAP liquid crystal permits the light 
to pass therethrough when a voltage is applied thereto. The NCAP liquid 
crystal panel comprising the above-described NCAP liquid crystal has a 
wide angle of visibility and smaller power consumption than the 
light-emitting diode and the fluorescent character display tube. 
Furthermore, the NCAP liquid crystal panel requires no back lights. 
Consequently, the visibility of the display device comprising the NCAP 
liquid crystal panel can be improved, and a reduction in the power 
consumption can be achieved. Furthermore, the display device can be 
thinned to a large extent, whereupon the degree of freedom in the design 
of the washing machine can be improved. 
Furthermore, since the light-reflecting means is disposed in the rear of 
the NCAP liquid crystal panel, the light-reflecting means can be viewed 
when voltage is applied to the NCAP liquid crystal panel. Consequently, 
the displaying function of the display device can be improved by use of 
the light-reflecting means. 
The display device has elasticity, and switch means is disposed in the rear 
of the display device so as to be operated in response to a depressing 
operation to the display device. Since the switch means need not be 
adjacent to the display device as in the prior art, the limitation of the 
size of the operating part of each of the display device and the switch 
means can be reduced. Consequently, the visibility of the display device 
and the operability of the switch means can be improved. The optical 
characteristics of the NCAP liquid crystal are not adversely affected even 
when pressure is applied thereto. Accordingly, the displaying function of 
the display device cannot be deteriorated even when the display device is 
depressed. 
The display device has a plurality of unit display areas displaying a 
plurality of pieces of information about the washing operation 
respectively. The switch means includes a plurality of key switches 
corresponding to the unit display areas of the display device 
respectively. One or more of the unit display areas display the 
information when the corresponding key switches are in an operable state. 
Consequently, the displayed contents can be diversified, and the 
operability of the display device can be improved. Furthermore, occurrence 
of error in operation of the switch means can be prevented. 
The light-reflecting means of the display device has portions corresponding 
to the unit display areas respectively and colored by different colors 
from one another. Consequently, the visibility of the display device can 
be further improved with diversification of the displayed contents. 
The plurality of unit display areas may include another plurality of unit 
display areas for displaying progress of steps of the washing operation, 
and the control means may control the display device so that only one of 
said another plurality of unit display areas corresponding to the step 
being currently executed performs the displaying operation. Consequently, 
the displaying function as performed in the washing machine can be 
improved. Furthermore, the control means may control the display device so 
that said another plurality of unit display area are switched to a 
displaying state during the washing operation and so that an intermittent 
displaying operation is performed only by one of said another plurality of 
unit display areas corresponding to the step being currently executed. 
An overlay may cover a surface of the NCAP liquid crystal panel and may be 
printed with the contents displayed by the NCAP liquid crystal panel. 
Consequently, the contents to be displayed by the display device can be 
readily confirmed. Furthermore, the light-reflecting means may be printed 
with the contents displayed by the NCAP liquid crystal panel. 
Consequently, the contents displayed by the display device can be 
diversified.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with 
reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. Referring to FIG. 2, an automatic washing 
machine of the first embodiment in accordance with the present invention 
is shown. The washing machine comprises an outer cabinet 1 and a folding 
lid 2 mounted on the top of the outer cabinet 1 for opening and closing an 
access opening (not shown) through which laundry is put into and taken out 
of the washing machine. An operation panel 3 is mounted in front of the 
folding lid 2. The operation panel 3 includes a generally rectangular 
display device 4 which is approximately planar with the panel 3. Adjacent 
to the display device 4 are an ON switch 5 for power supply, an OFF switch 
6 for power cut-off, and a light-emitting diode 7 serving as a pilot lamp. 
These parts are also approximately planar with the operation panel 3. The 
operation panel 3 further includes switch means or a membrane switch 8 
constituting key switches and located at the underside of the display 
device 4. 
Curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) liquid crystal and is formed into the 
shape of a flat plate. The display device 4 has elasticity. FIG. 3 shows a 
diagrammatic sectional structure of the display device 4. More 
specifically, the display device 4 comprises an NCAP liquid crystal panel 
9 having elasticity and light reflecting means or a reflector 10 which is 
made of an elastic material and disposed on the back of the panel 9. The 
membrane switch 8 is attached to the back of the reflector 10. The NCAP 
liquid crystal panel 9 includes a transparent electrode membrane 9a 
constituting individual electrodes, a transparent electrode membrane 9b 
constituting a common electrode, and an NCAP liquid crystal material 9c 
sandwiched between the membranes 9a and 9b. An ultraviolet barrier film 9d 
and a protecting sheet 9e are laminated on the transparent electrode 
membrane 9b. The barrier film 9d and the protecting sheet 9e are each made 
of a transparent material. 
In the NCAP liquid crystal panel 9 constituted as described above, liquid 
crystal cells LCC in the NCAP liquid crystal material 9c are relatively 
free in a steady state in which no voltage is applied across the 
transparent electrode membranes 9a and 9b, as typically shown in FIG. 4A. 
Consequently, an incident light is scattered or absorbed such that the 
liquid crystal cells LCC function to restrain the incident light from 
passing through the NCAP liquid crystal panel 9. A quantity of light 
reflected on the reflector 10 is decreased according to the restraint of 
the incident light, whereupon the reflector 10 is dimmed. On the other 
hand, when an AC voltage is applied across the transparent electrode 
membranes 9a and 9b, the liquid crystal cells LCC are aligned as typically 
shown in FIG. 4B. Consequently, a quantity of light scattered or absorbed 
is decreased such that the liquid crystal cells LCC permit light to pass 
through the NCAP liquid crystal panel 9. A quantity of light reflected on 
the reflector 10 is accordingly increased, whereupon the reflector 10 is 
brightened. 
A surface of the reflector 10 adjacent to the transparent electrode 
membrane 9a is colored. A transparent portion having a desired 
configuration is formed in the protecting sheet 9e so as to correspond to 
a colored portion of the reflector 10. A shielding layer is applied to the 
portion of the sheet 9e other than the transparent portion. Then, a 
desired figure or character hemmed by the shielding layer can serve as a 
display section with a desired color. Furthermore, a plurality of such 
display sections can be provided and each selectively operated when a 
plurality of the above-described transparent electrode membranes 9a are 
disposed so that voltage is applied separately to them. More specifically, 
the display device 4 in the embodiment is provided with a plurality of 
unit display areas or a plurality of display sections 11 to 19 for 
displaying a plurality of pieces of information about the washing 
operation respectively. 
The arrangements and functions of the display sections 11 to 19 will be 
described. The colors set on the reflector 10 located at the backside of 
the panel 9 appear on the surfaces of the display sections 11 to 19 when 
the voltage is applied across the transparent electrode membranes 9a and 
9b. The displaying operations of the display sections 11 to 19 are stopped 
with stop of the voltage application across the membranes 9a and 9b, so 
that the display sections 11 to 19 are dimmed. 
(a) A mode display section 11 has a blue set on the reflector 10, for 
example. The mode display section 11 is provided for displaying either an 
AUTOMATIC mode in which the washing operation is automatically executed or 
a MANUAL mode in which operating conditions of the washing machine are 
manually set. An automatic operation key switch 8a and a manual operation 
key switch 8b are provided on portions of the membrane switch 8 
corresponding to indications of AUTOMATIC and MANUAL respectively. 
(b) An operation display section 12 has a green on the reflector 10, for 
example. The operation display section 12 is provided for displaying the 
location of a START key switch for starting and interrupting the washing 
operation. A START key switch 8c is provided on a portion of the membrane 
switch 8 corresponding to an indication of START/INTERRUPT. 
(c) A course selecting display section 13 has a yellow on the reflector 10, 
for example. The course selecting display section 13 is provided for 
displaying one of a plurality of washing courses, STANDARD, POWERFUL, 
SPLIT WASH, BLANKET, SOFT, and TUB CLEANING. Six course selecting switches 
8d are provided on portions of the membrane switch 8 corresponding to 
indications of STANDARD, POWERFUL, SPLIT, BLANKET, SOFT, and TUB CLEANING 
respectively. 
(d) A step display section 14 has an orange on the reflector 10, for 
example. The step display section 14 is provided for displaying a step 
being currently executed among WASH, RINSE, and DEHYDRATION which are 
sequentially executed. The step display section 14 is also provided for 
displaying the location of a step selecting key switch for selecting the 
state in which these steps are individually executed. A WASH selecting key 
switch 8e, a RINSE selecting key switch 8f, and a DEHYDRATION selecting 
key switch 8g are provided on portions of the membrane switch 8 
corresponding to indications of WASH, RINSE, and DEHYDRATION. The WASH 
selecting key switch 8e has a function of manually setting a wash period. 
The RINSE selecting key switch 8f has a function of manually setting the 
number of times of a rinsing operation. The DEHYDRATION key switch 8g has 
a function of manually setting a dehydrating period. 
(e) A time display section 15 has an orange on the reflector 10, for 
example. The time display section 15 is paired with the step display 
section 14 and is provided for displaying a remaining period or a set 
period of the wash step, a remaining number of times or set number of 
times of the rinsing operation, and a remaining period or set period of 
the dehydration step. The time display section 15 further has a function 
of displaying a set period by means of a reserve timer for setting a 
washing start time or a period between the current time and the washing 
start time. 
(f) A setting change switch display section 16 has a yellow on the 
reflector 10, for example. The setting change switch display section 16 is 
provided for displaying the location of a setting change key switch for 
changing the standard mode of each of the wash, rinse, and dehydration 
steps under the condition that the above-described MANUAL mode has been 
selected. Wash water stream mode changing key switches 8h and 8i are 
provided on portions of the membrane switch 8 corresponding to indications 
of INTENSE and WEAK which are disposed in proximity to the wash selecting 
key switch 8e. Rinse mode changing key switches 8j and 8k are provided on 
portions of the membrane switch 8 corresponding to indications of MORE and 
CAREFUL which are disposed in proximity to the rinse selecting key switch 
8f. Dehydrating speed changing key switches 8m and 8n are provided on 
portions of the membrane switch 8 corresponding to indications of HIGH and 
LOW which are disposed in proximity to the dehydration selecting key 
switch 8g. 
(g) A timer setting display section 17 has a yellow on the reflector 10, 
for example. The timer setting display section 17 includes an indication 
of RESERVE/START AFTER which indicates that a remaining period of the 
reserve timer in the unit of hour is displayed on the portion 
corresponding to WASH in the time display section 15. The timer setting 
display section 17 further includes an indication of REMAINING PERIOD IN 
MINUTE which indicates that a remaining period of the wash step in the 
unit of minute is displayed on the above-described portion. A reserve 
timer key switch 8o for starting up the function of the reserve timer and 
setting a timer period is provided on a portion of the membrane switch 8 
corresponding to the indication of REMAINING PERIOD IN MINUTE. 
(h) A water-level selecting display section 18 has a blue on the reflector 
10, for example. The water-level selecting display section 18 is provided 
for displaying the location of a water-level setting key switch for 
setting the level of water supplied into the tub under the condition that 
the MANUAL mode is selected. Four water-level setting key switches 8p are 
provided on portions of the membrane switch 8 corresponding to indications 
of water-levels respectively. 
(i) A detergent quantity display section 19 has a white on the reflector 
10, for example. The detergent quantity display section 19 is provided for 
displaying a quantity of detergent to be supplied to the tub under the 
condition that the AUTOMATIC mode is selected and a quantity of detergent 
in four stages in the case where a desired water-level has been selected 
by one of the water-level setting key switches 8p. 
Referring now to FIG. 5, an electrical arrangement for control of the 
washing machine is shown. An electric motor 20 for the washing operation, 
a drain valve 21, and a water-supply valve 22 are energized via a relay 
switch 24 and a drive circuit 25 by an AC power supply 23. A DC power 
supply circuit 26 is energized via a step-down transformer 27 by the AC 
power supply 23 such that the stabilized power-supply output is supplied 
to a control device 28 and the light-emitting diode 7. The display device 
4 is driven by a liquid crystal driver 4a comprising a power supply 
circuit generating a predetermined AC voltage, for example, rectangular 
waves of about 38 volts. 
The control device 28 comprises a microcomputer and stores therein a 
program for controlling the washing operation. The control device 28 is 
supplied with signals from the ON switch 5, the OFF switch 6, and the 
membrane switch 8. The control device 28 is further supplied with signals 
from a lid switch 29 responsive to the opening of the lid 2, a water-level 
sensor 30 for detecting the water level in the tub, a power-supply 
detecting circuit 31, and various signal generators (not shown). The 
power-supply detecting circuit 31 generates a power input detection signal 
when the relay switch 24 is turned on or when the motor 20, the drain 
valve 21, and the water-supply valve 22 can be energized via the drive 
circuit 25, thereby supplying the signal to the control device 28. Based 
on the above-described input signals and the previously stored program, 
the control device 28 controls the relay switch 24 and the drive circuit 
20 for controlling the motor 20, the drain valve 21, and the water-supply 
valve 22, the liquid crystal driver 4a for controlling the display device 
4, and controls the light-emitting diode 7. 
A part of the control of the display device 4 by the control device 28 will 
be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 6D. FIGS. 6A-6D each show the 
same state as in FIG. 1 regarding the portions in the display sections 
11-19 where the continuous displaying operation is being performed. A 
portion where the intermittent displaying operation is being performed is 
checkered. A strip of slanting lines indicates a portion where the 
displaying operation is stopped. 
(1) The relay switch 24 is turned on upon turn-on of the ON switch 5, so 
that the display device 4 is changed to an active state. Several display 
sections of the display device 4 are switched to a continuous displaying 
state as shown in FIG. 6A when the power input detection signal is 
supplied from the power-supply detecting circuit 31 to the control device 
28 with the change of the display device 4 to the active state. More 
specifically, the whole mode display section 11 corresponding to the key 
switches 8a, 8b and 8o, and the indication of RESERVE/START AFTER in the 
timer setting display section 17 are switched to the continuous displaying 
state. These switches are rendered operable upon power input to the 
washing machine. 
(2) Subsequently, when the manual operation key switch 8b corresponding to 
the indication of MANUAL is depressed, for example, several display 
sections are switched to a display mode as shown in FIG. 6B. More 
specifically, the display sections switched to the continuous displaying 
state upon depression of the key switch 8a include the indication of 
AUTOMATIC of the mode display section 11, the operation display section 
12, the course selecting display section 13, the step display section 14, 
the time display section 15, the setting change switch display section 16, 
the timer setting display section 17, and the water-level selecting 
display section 18. These display sections correspond to the key switches 
8a, 8c to 8k, and 8m to 8p respectively. Furthermore, the indication of 
MANUAL of the mode display section 11 is switched to an intermittent 
displaying mode. 
(3) One of the water-level setting key switches 8p of the water-level 
selecting display 18 is depressed under the condition that the MANUAL mode 
has been selected, for example. Then, one of the indications of the 
water-level selecting display section 18 corresponding to the depressed 
key switch 8p is switched to the intermittent displaying mode, as shown in 
FIG. 6C. Furthermore, the detergent quantity display section 19 is 
switched to the continuous displaying state to display a quantity of 
detergent suitable for the selected water-level. 
(4) When one of the key switches 8d to 8k and 8m to 8o corresponding to the 
respective display sections 13, 14 16, and 17 is depressed under the 
condition that the MANUAL mode has been selected, the indication 
corresponding to the depressed key switch is switched to the intermittent 
displaying mode. Accordingly, the above-described intermittent displaying 
operation permits easy understanding of various settings under the 
condition that the MANUAL mode has been selected. 
(5) The START/INTERRUPT key switch 8c of the operation display section 12 
is depressed under the condition that the settings in the MANUAL mode have 
been performed. Then, the display sections which are in the intermittent 
displaying state are switched to the continuous displaying state, whereas 
the operation display section 12 is switched to the intermittent 
displaying state, as shown in FIG. 6D. Furthermore, the indication of the 
step display section 14 indicative of the currently executed operation 
step is switched to the intermittent displaying state. 
The control device 28 turns off the relay switch 24 when the OFF switch 6 
is turned on or when a sequence of control for the washing operation has 
been completed. The control device 28 terminates the displaying operation 
of the display device 4 when input of the power input detection signal 
from the power-supply detecting circuit 31 to the control device 28 is 
interrupted. 
FIG. 7 illustrates the control manner of the control device 28 and more 
specifically, the control of the light-emitting diode 7 functioning as a 
pilot lamp. The control device 28 executes a predetermined initialization 
step A1 when power is applied thereto and subsequently, turns off the 
light-emitting diode 7 (step A2). The light-emitting diode 7 is maintained 
in the off state until the power input detection signal is input from the 
power-supply detecting circuit 31 to the control device 28 (step A3). The 
light-emitting diode 7 is switched to the on state when the power input 
detection signal is input to the control device 28 (step A4). 
The control device 28 then determines whether or not a command for the 
start of the washing operation is supplied thereto (step A5). The control 
device 28 returns to step A3 when determining that the start command is 
not supplied thereto. The light-emitting diode 7 is switched to a flashing 
state when the control device 28 determines that the start command has 
been supplied thereto (step A6). Subsequently, the control device 28 
executes a washing operation control routine A7 for the control of the 
display device 4 as described above and for the control of the washing 
operation. Execution of the washing operation control routine A7 is 
continued at step A8 until the control device 28 determines that the 
washing operation has been completed or that the OFF switch 6 has been 
operated. The control device 28 returns to step A3 when determining at 
step A8 that the washing operation has been completed or terminated. 
According to the above-described embodiment, the display device 4 for 
displaying the operation modes of the washing operation comprises the NCAP 
liquid crystal panel 9 having elasticity and the reflector 10 having 
elasticity and disposed on the back of the NCAP liquid crystal panel 9. 
Furthermore, the membrane switch 8 is attached to the back of the 
reflector 10 and includes a number of key switches 8a to 8k and 8m to 8o 
attached to the back of the reflector 10. The NCAP liquid crystal panel 9 
has a wide angle of visibility and has a small power consumption as 
compared with the light-emitting diodes or the fluorescent character 
display tubes employed in the display device of the conventional washing 
machines. Additionally, no back light is required. Consequently, the 
visibility of the display device 4 can be improved, and the power 
consumption thereof can be reduced. Furthermore, since the NCAP liquid 
crystal panel 9 can be thinned to a large extent, the display device 4 can 
also be thinned accordingly. Additionally, since the thin membrane switch 
8 is employed as the switch means, the thickness of the switch means can 
be reduced. Consequently, the freedom in the design of the washing machine 
can be improved. More specifically, when the display device 4 is disposed 
on the front top of the outer cabinet 1 as described above, the washing 
machine can be designed so that the height at the front side of the outer 
cabinet 1 is reduced for an operator easily taking the laundry out of the 
tub. 
The size of an operating part of each of the display device and the switch 
means is limited when the display device and the switch means are adjacent 
to each other as in the prior art arrangement. However, since the display 
device 4 is laid over the membrane switch 8 in the above-described 
embodiment, such a limitation of the size of the operating part of each of 
the display device and the switch means can be eliminated. Consequently, 
the visibility of the display device 4 and the operability of the membrane 
switch 8 can be improved. Additionally, the optical characteristics of the 
NCAP liquid crystal panel 9 are not adversely affected even when pressure 
is applied thereto. Consequently, the displaying function of the NCAP 
liquid crystal panel 9 is not deteriorated even when pressure is applied 
thereto upon depression of the membrane switch 8. 
The display device 4 includes a plurality of display sections 11 to 19 for 
displaying a plurality of pieces of information about the washing 
operation respectively. A plurality of key switches 8a to 8k and 8m to 8o 
are provided on the membrane switch 8 so as to correspond to the display 
sections 11 to 19. Consequently, the displayed contents can be 
diversified, and the operability of the display device can be improved. 
Furthermore, one or more of the display sections 11-19 corresponding to 
the key switches 8a-8k and 8m-8o the operation of which is effective 
perform the displaying operation. Consequently, occurrence of error in 
operation can be advantageously prevented. 
Even in the provision of the plurality of display sections 11-19 as 
described above, the colors displayed by the respective display sections 
11-19 can be optionally set by selection of the colors on the reflector 
10. Consequently, the contents displayed by the display device 4 can be 
further diversified and the visibility thereof can be further improved. 
The indications of WASH, RINSE, and DEHYDRATION of the step display section 
14 provided for displaying the progress of the steps of the washing 
operation are switched to the displaying state during the washing 
operation. The indication corresponding to the currently executed step is 
switched to the intermittent displaying state. Thus, the displaying 
function as performed in the washing machine can be improved. The same 
effect can be achieved when only one of the indications that corresponds 
to the currently executed step may be switched to the displaying state. 
In the foregoing embodiment, the control device 28 controls the 
light-emitting diode 7 so that the same is selectively lighted or flashed. 
Alternatively, the light-emitting diode 7 may be continuously lighted 
under the condition that power is applied to the washing machine or that 
the relay switch 24 is turned on. For this purpose, a switch circuit is 
provided which is turned on when the power input detection signal is 
delivered by the power-supply detecting circuit 31. Connection is provided 
so that an energizing path for the light-emitting diode 7 is formed 
through the switch circuit. 
FIG. 8 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. 
Differences between the first and second embodiments will be described. A 
unit of the display device 4 and the membrane switch (not shown) 
associated therewith is disposed in the front divided portion of the 
folding lid 2'. 
In the second embodiment, the visibility of the display device 4 can be 
improved, and the freedom in the configuration and structure of the outer 
cabinet 1 can be improved. Thus, the arrangement of the second embodiment 
contributes to the designing of the outer cabinet 1 so that the height at 
the front side of the outer cabinet 1 is reduced. Furthermore, since each 
of the display device 4 and the membrane switch can be thinned to a large 
extent, provision of the display device 4 and the membrane switch does not 
prevent the functions of the lid 2'. 
FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a third embodiment of the present invention. 
Differences between the first and third embodiments will be described. 
Referring to FIG. 9, the operation panel 32 provided on the front top of 
the outer cabinet 1 is formed so as to be inclined forward. The operation 
panel 32 has in the inclined portion thereof a rectangular concavity 32a 
in which the display device 4 is to be horizontally disposed. A surface 
light-emitting diode 33 serving as light-emitting means is disposed on a 
portion of an inner wall of the concavity 32a, the portion being exposed 
when the display device 4 has been disposed in the concavity 32a as 
described above. The surface light-emitting diode 33 illuminates the 
display device 4 obliquely downward. An operation switch 34 is provided in 
the operation panel 32 for manually turning the surface light-emitting 
diode 33 on and off. 
Referring to FIG. 10, power applied to the surface light-emitting diode 33 
is obtained from the DC power supply circuit 26. The surface 
light-emitting diode 33 is controlled by the control device 28. An 
operation signal is supplied from the operation switch 34 to the control 
device 28. The control device 28 switches the surface light-emitting diode 
33 between the on and off states alternately repeatedly every time the 
same receives the operation signal. 
According to the third embodiment, the display device 4 can be illuminated 
by the surface light-emitting diode 33 upon manual operation of the 
operation switch 34. Consequently, the contents displayed on the display 
device 4 can be easily confirmed even when it is dark around the washing 
machine. The illuminating function is selectively effected only when it is 
required, which provides convenience in the practical use of the washing 
machine. 
The operation for illuminating the display device 4 can be eliminated when 
the surface light-emitting diode 33 is automatically turned on upon 
application of power to the washing machine. For this purpose, the control 
device 28 may be provided with a function of turning on the surface 
light-emitting diode 33 upon receipt of the power input detection signal 
from the power-supply detecting circuit 31. Alternatively, a switch 
circuit may be provided which is turned on when the power input detection 
signal is delivered by the power-supply detection circuit 31. Connection 
is provided so that an energizing path for the surface light-emitting 
diode 33 is formed through the switch circuit. 
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. 
Differences between the third and fourth embodiments will be described. 
Referring to FIG. 11, a cadmium sulfide (CdS) cell 35 serving as 
illuminance measuring means is disposed on the top of the outer cabinet 1 
for measuring the illuminance around the washing machine. The CdS cell 35 
is connected to the control device 28 to supply to the same a voltage 
signal the level of which is in accordance with the measured illuminance. 
FIG. 12 illustrates a control manner of the control device 28 mainly in 
relation to the control of the surface light-emitting diode 33. The 
control device 28 executes a predetermined initialization step B1 when 
power is applied thereto and subsequently, turns off the surface 
light-emitting diode 33 (step B2). The surface light-emitting diode 33 is 
maintained in the off state until the power input detection signal is 
input from the power-supply detecting circuit 31 to the control device 28 
(step B3). Upon input of the power input detection signal, the control 
device 28 determines whether or not the illuminance measured by the CdS 
cell 35 is at or below a predetermined value (step B4). 
The surface light-emitting diode 33 is turned on when the measured 
illuminance is at or below the predetermined value (step B5). 
Subsequently, the control device 28 advances to the washing operation 
control routine B7 including a step at which the control device 28 
determines as to input of the start command for the washing operation. 
When the measured illuminance is above the predetermined value, the 
control device 28 turns off the surface light-emitting diode 33 (step B6), 
then advancing to the washing operation control routine B7. The control at 
and after step B3 is continuously executed until the control device 28 
determines at step B8 that the washing operation has been completed or 
that the OFF switch 6 has been operated. The control device 28 returns to 
step B2 when determining at step B8 that the washing operation has been 
completed or terminated. 
According to the fourth embodiment, the surface light-emitting diode 33 is 
turned on only when the illuminance in the atmosphere around the outer 
cabinet 1 is at or below the predetermined level. Consequently, the 
surface light-emitting diode 33 can be turned on economically. 
FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the invention. Differences 
between the third and fifth embodiments will be described. Referring to 
FIG. 13, an occupancy sensor 36 is mounted on the front of the outer 
cabinet 1 for detecting presence of a human being in the vicinity of the 
outer cabinet 1. The occupancy sensor 36 comprises a pyroelectric infrared 
ray sensor, for example. The occupancy sensor 36 is connected to the 
control device 28 so as to deliver an occupancy signal to the control 
device 28 when a human being occupies an area within a predetermined 
distance from the outer cabinet 1. 
FIG. 14 illustrates a control manner of the control device 28 mainly in 
relation to the control of the surface light-emitting diode 33. The 
control device 28 executes a predetermined initialization step C1 when 
power is applied thereto and subsequently, turns off the surface 
light-emitting diode 33 (step C2). The surface light-emitting diode 33 is 
maintained in the off state until the power input detection signal is 
input from the power-supply detecting circuit 31 to the control device 28 
(step C3). Upon input of the power input detection signal, the control 
device 28 determines whether or not the occupancy signal has been input 
thereto (step C4). 
The surface light-emitting diode 33 is turned on when the occupancy signal 
has been input to the control device 28, that is, when a human being is 
present in the area within the predetermined distance from the outer 
cabinet 1 (step C5). Subsequently, the control device 28 advances to the 
washing operation control routine C7 including a step at which the control 
device 28 determines as to input of the start command for the washing 
operation. When no occupancy signal has been input, the control device 28 
turns off the surface light-emitting diode 33 (step C6), then advancing to 
the washing operation control routine C7. The control at and after step C3 
is continuously executed until the control device 28 determines at step C8 
that the washing operation has been completed or that the OFF switch 6 has 
been operated. The control device 28 returns to step C2 when determining 
at step C8 that the washing operation has been completed or terminated. 
According to the fifth embodiment, the surface light-emitting diode 33 is 
automatically turned on only when a human being is in the area within the 
predetermined distance from the outer cabinet 1, that is, only when 
illumination of the display device 4 is necessitated. Consequently, the 
surface light-emitting diode 33 can be prevented from being uselessly 
turned on. 
FIG. 15 illustrates a sixth embodiment of the invention. The control device 
28 determines whether a predetermined delay time has expired or not (step 
C9) when determining in the negative at step C4. The control device 28 
advances to the washing operation control routine C7 when the 
predetermined delay time has not expired. When the delay time has expired, 
the control device 28 turns off the surface light-emitting diode 28 at 
step C6, thereafter advancing to the washing operation control routine C7. 
According to the sixth embodiment, the surface light-emitting diode 33 is 
turned off only when the delay time has expired after the switching of the 
occupancy sensor 36 from the detecting state to the non-detecting state. 
Consequently, the surface light-emitting diode 36 can be prevented from 
being turned off unnecessarily early. 
The surface light-emitting diode 33 serving as the light-emitting means is 
provided for illuminating the display device 4 obliquely downwardly, in 
the above-described third to sixth embodiments. Alternatively, a 
light-emitting diode may be provided for emitting light toward a 
transparent portion of the NCAP liquid crystal panel 9 constituting the 
display device 4 and more specifically, toward the barrier film 9d and the 
protecting sheet 9e directly from the sides thereof. 
FIGS. 16 to 33 illustrate a seventh embodiment of the present invention. 
Referring to FIG. 23, an outer cabinet 101 of a washing machine in 
accordance with the present invention is shown. A top cover 102 made of 
plastic is attached to the top of the outer cabinet 101. A folding lid 103 
is mounted on the top cover 102 for opening and closing an access opening 
(not shown) through which laundry is put into and taken out of a tub. An 
operation panel 104 made of plastic is mounted on the top cover 102 so as 
to be disposed in front of the lid 103. The operation panel 104 includes a 
generally rectangular display device 105 which is approximately planar 
with the panel 104. Adjacent to the display device 105 are an ON switch 
106 for power supply, an OFF switch 107 for power cut-off, and a 
light-emitting diode 108 serving as a pilot lamp. These parts are also 
approximately planar with the operation panel 104. The operation panel 104 
further includes switch means or a membrane switch 109 (see FIG. 21) 
constituting a number of key switches and located at the underside of the 
display device 105. 
Components of the display device 105 and the mounting thereof on the 
operation panel 104 will be described. The display device 105 comprises a 
nematic curvilinear aligned phase (NCAP) liquid crystal and is formed into 
the shape of a flat plate. The display device 105 has elasticity. FIG. 21 
shows a diagrammatic sectional structure of the display device 105. More 
specifically, the display device 105 comprises an NCAP liquid crystal 
panel 110 having elasticity and light reflecting means or a reflector 111 
which is made of an elastic material and disposed on the back of the panel 
110, as shown in FIG. 21. The membrane switches 109 are attached to the 
back of the reflector 111. The membrane switch 109 is operable by 
depression of the NCAP liquid crystal panel 110. The NCAP liquid crystal 
panel 110 includes a transparent electrode membrane 110a constituting 
individual electrodes, a transparent electrode membrane 110b constituting 
a common electrode, and an NCAP liquid crystal material 110c sandwiched 
between the membranes 110a and 110b. The reflector 111 is made of a 
translucent material and accordingly permits light to pass therethrough. A 
thin metal plate 112 is attached to the underside of the membrane switch 
109 for reinforcement thereof. 
The operation panel 104 includes a rectangular casing 113 formed integrally 
therewith as shown in FIG. 20. The casing 113 has an upper opening closed 
by an overlay 114 which comprises a transparent sheet and is integrated 
with the top of the operation panel 104 by an insert molding. The upper 
transparent electrode membrane 110a constituting the upper surface of the 
display device 105 is bonded to the overlay 114 by a transparent adhesive 
agent, whereby the display device 105 to which the membrane switch 109 is 
attached is disposed in the casing 113. A supporting plate 115 serving as 
a supporting member and made of plastic is disposed in the casing 113 so 
as to be located at the underside of the display device 105. The 
supporting plate 115 has a downwardly protruding peripheral wall 115a and 
projections 115b formed on the peripheral wall 115a at predetermined 
intervals. The casing 113 has holes 113a formed in the inner peripheral 
wall thereof at predetermined intervals. The projections 115b of the 
supporting plate 115 are inserted in the holes 113a respectively so that 
the supporting plate 115 is fixed in the casing 113, whereby the display 
device 105 is held between the supporting plate 115 and the overlay 114 
with the supporting plate 115 supporting the display device 105 at the 
underside thereof. A circuit board 116 on which electronic components such 
as those for control of the display device 105 are mounted is attached to 
the lower end of the supporting plate 115. The casing 113 is filled with a 
dampproofing material 117 such as urethane resin in the condition that the 
display device 105, the supporting plate 115, and the circuit board 116 
are disposed in the casing 113 as described above. The display device 105 
and the circuit board 116 are enclosed in the dampproofing material 117 so 
as to be shielded from damp. The top cover 102 has a casing 118 formed to 
be located below the operation panel 104. The casing 118 accommodates 
another circuit board 119 on which electronic components for control of 
the washing operation and the like are mounted. The circuit board 119 is 
also enclosed in the dampproofing material 117 filling the casing 118. 
The NCAP liquid crystal panel 110 constituted as described above scatters 
or absorbs incident light in the steady state in which no voltage is 
applied across the transparent electrode membranes 110a and 110b, thereby 
restraining the light from passing therethrough. In this state, a quantity 
of light reflected on the reflector 111 is decreased such that the NCAP 
liquid crystal panel 110 is dimmed. This state will be referred to as 
"dimmed state." On the other hand, when a voltage is applied across the 
transparent electrode membranes 110a and 110b, the quantity of light 
scattered or absorbed is decreased such that the NCAP liquid crystal panel 
110 permits the incident light to pass therethrough. Consequently, the 
quantity of light reflected on the reflector 111 is increased such that a 
portion of the panel 110 to which the voltage is applied is brightened. 
This state will be referred to as "brightened state." 
A plurality of display sections can be formed in the display device 105 
when a plurality of the individual electrode membranes 110a are provided 
so that the voltage is applied to a plurality of portions of the NCAP 
liquid crystal panel 110. Furthermore, one or more of the display sections 
can be selectively brightened so as to display the information about the 
washing operation. More specifically, the display device 105 includes a 
plurality of display sections 120 to 130 as shown in FIG. 18 so that a 
plurality of pieces of information about the washing operation are 
displayed. 
The display sections 120 to 130 will be described. 
(a) A mode display section 120 is provided for displaying either an 
automatic mode in which the washing operation is automatically executed or 
a manual mode in which operation modes of the wash, rinse, and dehydration 
steps are manually set. The mode display section 120 further indicates the 
locations of key switches for selection of the FULL AUTOMATIC or MANUAL 
mode. The mode display section 120 includes an indication 120a of TODAY'S 
WASHING, an inverted triangular portion 120b, and upper and lower 
pentagonal portions 120c and 120d. A portion of the membrane switch 109 
corresponding to the upper pentagonal portion 120c serves as a MANUAL key 
switch 109a. A portion of the membrane switch 109 corresponding to the 
lower pentagonal portion 120d serves as a FULL AUTOMATIC key switch 109b. 
The overlay 114 has on the surface thereof printed characters and figures. 
More specifically, these printed characters and figures include characters 
114-1 of TODAY'S WASHING positioned over the indication 120a, a triangular 
frame 114-2 encircling the inverted triangular portion 120b, two 
pentagonal frames 114-3 and 114-4 encircling the respective pentagonal 
portions 120c and 120d, characters 114-5 of MANUAL encircled by the frame 
114-3, and characters 114-6 of FULL AUTOMATIC encircled by the frame 
114-4. The mode display section 120 is brightened when the ON switch 106 
is operated so that power is applied to the washing machine. When either 
the MANUAL key switch 109a or the FULL AUTOMATIC key switch 109b is 
selected, one of the pentagonal portions 120c and 120d corresponding to 
the selected key switch is maintained in the brightened state, whereas the 
other pentagonal portion is dimmed. 
(b) A full automatic course display section 121 is provided for selection 
of one of a plurality of wash courses including STANDARD, POWERFUL, SOFT, 
REPEATED SHOWERING RINSE, BLANKET, and TUB CLEANING. The full automatic 
course display section 121 further indicates the locations of the key 
switches for selection of the courses. The full automatic course display 
section 121 is disposed on the right of the mode display section 120 in 
the vicinity thereof. The full automatic course display section 121 
includes upper indications 121a, 121b, 121c of STANDARD, POWERFUL, SOFT, 
lower indications 121d, 121e, 121f of REPEATED SHOWERING RINSE, BLANKET, 
TUB CLEANING, six square portions 121g to 121l on the right of the 
respective indications 121a to 121f, characters 121m of COURSE HAS BEEN 
SELECTED, and two strip portions 121n at both sides of the characters 
121m. Six course selecting key switches 109c to 109h are provided on 
portions of the membrane switch 109 corresponding to the respective square 
portions 121g to 121l for selection of the individual courses. 
The overlay 114 has on the surface thereof printed characters and figures 
corresponding to the above-described indications and figures as shown in 
FIG. 19. These printed characters and figures include a square lattice 
frame 114-7 dividing the display section 121 to the character portions 
121a to 121f and the corresponding square portions 121g to 121l, 
indications 114-8 to 114-14 of STANDARD, POWERFUL, SOFT, REPEATED 
SHOWERING RINSE, BLANKET, TUB CLEANING, and COURSE HAS BEEN SELECTED which 
are positioned over the characters 121a to 121f and 121m respectively, and 
two frames 114-15 for the strip portions 121n. The course display section 
121 is brightened when the FULL AUTOMATIC key switch 109b is depressed so 
that the FULL AUTOMATIC course is selected. One of the square portions 
121g to 121l is then depressed so that one of the key switches 109c to 
109h is operated. Then, the characters and the square portion 
corresponding to the operated switch are maintained in the brightened 
state, whereas the other part is dimmed. 
(c) A manual course display section 122 is provided for the setting of the 
wash, rinse, and dehydration steps, setting of a wash period, the number 
of times of rinsing, and a dehydrating period, and the locations of the 
key switches for the above-described setting. In the embodiment, the key 
switches 109c to 109e for selection of the respective courses of STANDARD, 
POWERFUL, and SOFT also serve as those for selection of the courses, WASH, 
RINSE, and DEHYDRATION and for setting of the wash period, the number of 
times of rinsing, and the dehydrating period respectively. 
The manual course display section 122 includes the characters 122a of 
INDIVIDUAL SETTING located above the lattice frame printed on the overlay 
114, and numeric portions 122b, 122c, and 122d located on the left, 
center, and right for displaying the wash period, the number of times of 
rinsing, and the dehydrating period with units respectively. The manual 
course display section 122 further includes characters 122e, 122f, and 
122g of WASH, RINSE, and DEHYDRATION located over the characters 121a, 
121b, and 121c of STANDARD, POWERFUL, and SOFT respectively, and the 
square portions 121g to 121i indicating the locations of the course 
selecting key switches 109c to 109e respectively. The characters 122a of 
INDIVIDUAL SETTING, the characters 122e to 122g of WASH, RINSE, and 
DEHYDRATION, and the square portions 121g to 121i are turned to the 
brightened state when the MANUAL key switch 109a is operated. As the 
result of operation of the MANUAL key switch 109a, the course selecting 
key switches 109c to 109e serve to set the wash period, the number of 
times of rinsing, and the dehydrating period respectively. The STANDARD 
course selecting key switch 109c is operated for setting the wash course 
and the wash period. A period according to the number of times of 
operation of the key switch 109c is then displayed on the numeric portion 
122b in the brightened state. The POWERFUL course selecting key switch 
109d is operated for setting the rinse and the number of times of rinsing. 
The number of times of rinsing according to the number of times of 
operation of the key switch 109d is then displayed on the numeric portion 
122c in the brightened state. The SOFT course selecting key switch 109e is 
operated for setting the dehydration and the dehydrating period. The 
dehydrating period according to the number of times of operation of the 
key switch 109e is then displayed on the numeric portion 122d in the 
brightened state. 
(d) An operation switch display section 123 is provided for displaying the 
location of a key switch for commanding the start and interrupt of the 
washing operation. The operation switch display section 123 is formed into 
a rectangular shape and located in a right-hand portion of the display 
device 105, as viewed in FIG. 18. A portion of the membrane switch 109 
corresponding to the operation switch display section 123 serves as a 
start key switch 109i. A square frame 114-16 encompassing the operation 
switch display section 123 is printed on the surface of the overlay 114, 
and characters 114-17 of START/INTERRUPT is printed within the frame 
114-16, as shown in FIG. 19. The operation switch display section 123 is 
brightened when the ON switch 106 is operated so that the power is 
supplied to the washing machine, whereas it is dimmed upon completion of 
the washing operation. 
(e) A step display section 124 is provided for displaying operations from 
the wash step to the dehydration step and for displaying the operation of 
the step being currently executed. Thus, the step display section 124 
functions as a progress display section displaying the progress of the 
washing operation. In the embodiment, the step display section 124 further 
functions to display the locations of key switches for manually setting 
the intensity of the wash mode, the degree of rinsing, and the intensity 
of the dehydration mode. The step display section 124 includes first to 
nine portions 124a to 124i starting from below the operation switch 
display section 123 to be arranged clockwise. Portions of the membrane 
switch 109 corresponding to the second, seventh, and ninth portions 124b, 
124g, and 124i serve as a wash mode selecting key switch 109j with a 
function of setting a wash mode, a rinse mode selecting key switch 109k 
with a function of selecting a normal mode or a careful mode, and a 
dehydration mode selecting key switch 109l with a function of selecting an 
high mode or a low mode respectively. Frames 114-18 to 114-26 encompassing 
the first to nine portions 124a to 124i are printed on the surface of the 
overlay 114 as shown in FIG. 19. Furthermore, characters 114-27 to 114-35 
showing the contents displayed on the first to ninth portions 124a to 124i 
are printed within the frames 114-18 to 114-26 respectively. These 
characters 114-27 to 114-35 include WS standing for water-supply, WASH, DR 
standing for draining, DH standing for dehydration, SHOWER, WS, RINSE, DR, 
and DEHYDRATION respectively. The entire progress display section 123 is 
brightened when the ON switch 106 is operated so that the power is 
supplied to the washing machine. Upon start of the washing operation with 
the depressing of the start key switch 109i, one of the portions 124a to 
124i corresponding to the operation being currently executed is maintained 
in the brightened state with the other portions being dimmed. Thereafter, 
the portion displaying the currently executed operation is caused to flash 
by repeating the brightened and dimmed states alternately and is dimmed 
upon completion of the operation. 
(f) A manual adjustment display section 125 is provided for displaying that 
the wash, rinse, and dehydration modes are manually settable. The manual 
adjustment display section 125 further displays the locations of key 
switches with which the modes are set and the contents set with the key 
switches. The manual adjustment display section 125 includes an indication 
125a of MANUAL ADJUSTMENT provided on the upper right-hand portion of the 
display device 105, indications 125b and 125c of INTENSE and WEAK provided 
on the left of the second portion 124b of the progress display section 124 
respectively, an indication 125d of MORE CAREFUL provided over the seventh 
portion 124g of the progress display section 124, and indications 125e and 
125f of HIGH and LOW provided on the right of the ninth portion 124i of 
the progress display section 124. A portion of the membrane switch 109 
corresponding to the characters 125a of MANUAL ADJUSTMENT serves as a 
manual adjustment key switch 109m. The indication 125a of MANUAL 
ADJUSTMENT is brightened when the ON switch 106 is operated so that the 
power is supplied to the washing machine. When the indication 125a is 
depressed in this state so that the manual adjustment key switch 109m is 
operated, the wash mode selecting key switch 109j, the rinse mode 
selecting key switch 109k, and the dehydration mode selecting key switch 
109l are rendered effective. Either one of the indications 125b and 125c 
of INTENSE and WEAK is brightened by operation of the wash mode selecting 
key switch 109j. A normal rinse mode and the careful rinse mode are 
alternately selected when the rinse mode selecting key switch 109k is 
operated. The indication 125d of MORE CAREFUL is brightened when the 
careful rinse mode has been selected. Either one of the indications 125e 
and 125f of HIGH and LOW is turned to the brightened state when the 
dehydration mode selecting key switch 109g is operated. Thereafter, the 
indication 125a of MANUAL ADJUSTMENT is dimmed upon operation of the start 
key switch 109i. 
(g) An operation display section 126 is provided for diagrammatically 
displaying the currently executed operation in the steps of the wash to 
dehydration. The operation display section 126 is surrounded by the step 
display section 124 on the display device 105. The operation display 
section 126 serves as an operation progress display section and more 
particularly as a step display section. The operation display section 126 
includes a rotatable tub portion 126a standing for a wash and dehydration 
tub, a laundry portion 126b inside the rotatable tub portion 126a, a 
detergent spoon portion 126c indicating dispense of detergent into the 
rotatable tub, a faucet portion 126d indicating water supply to the 
rotatable tub, a bubble portion 126e indicating bubbles resulting from 
detergent during the wash step, four water-level lines 126f to 126i 
indicating the water levels in the rotatable tub, an inverted triangular 
valve portion 126j indicating the drain valve, and a water drop portion 
126k indicating water drops splashing out of the rotatable tub during the 
dehydrating operation. 
(h) A water-level setting switch display section 127 is provided for 
displaying that the level of water supplied into the rotatable tub are 
settable. The water-level setting display switch 127 further displays the 
location of a key switch for the water-level setting. The water-level 
setting switch display section 127 includes an indication 127a of 
WATER-LEVEL on the right of the operation display section 126, a 
triangular portion 127b, and an inverted triangular portion 127c. Portions 
of the membrane switch 109 corresponding to the triangular and inverted 
triangular portions 127b and 127c serve as a water-level increasing key 
switch 109n with a water-level setting function and a water-level 
decreasing key switch 109o with a water-level setting function 
respectively. The water-level setting switch display section 127 is 
brightened when the ON switch 106 is operated so that the power is 
supplied to the washing machine. The water-level increasing and decreasing 
key switches 127n and 127o are rendered effective when the manual 
adjustment key switch 109m is operated in the above-described state. The 
water level is increased one step every time the water-level increasing 
key switch 109n is operated, whereas the water level is decreased one step 
every time the water-level decreasing key switch 109o is operated. The 
water level thus set is indicated by any one of the four water-level lines 
126f to 126i that is brightened. 
(i) A remaining period display section 128 is provided for displaying a 
remaining period of the washing operation, thereby displaying the progress 
of the washing operation. Accordingly, the remaining period display 
section 128 serves as the operation progress display section displaying 
the progress of the washing operation. The remaining period display 
section 128 includes a two-digit numeric portion 128a and an indication 
128b of MIN. indicating the unit of a numeral indicated by the numeric 
portion 128a. The remaining period display section 128 further serves to 
indicate in the form of the number of detergent spoons a quantity of 
detergent to be supplied into the tub, which quantity is determined on the 
basis of detection of the weight of laundry performed upon start of a wash 
step. Indication 128c constituted by QUANTITY OF DETERGENT and SPOONS are 
provided on the right of the numeric portion 128a. The indication 128c of 
QUANTITY OF DETERGENT and SPOONS and the numeric portion 128a are 
brightened when the quantity of detergent is displayed on the remaining 
period display section 128, whereas the indication 128b of MIN. and the 
numeric portion 128a are brightened when the remaining period of the 
washing operation is displayed on the remaining period display section 
128. 
(j) A reserved operation display section 129 is provided for displaying 
that the washing operation can be reserved. The section 129 further 
displays the location of a key switch for the reserving of the washing 
operation. The reserved operation display section 129 includes a generally 
trapezoidal portion 129a provided on the right of the remaining period 
display section 128 and four generally sectorial portions 129b to 129e 
arranged clockwise. A portion of the membrane switch 109 corresponding to 
the triangular portion 129a serves as a reserving key switch 109p. The 
reserved washing operation is completed after expiration of a set period 
of time. The overlay 114 includes on the surface thereof printed frames 
114-36 to 114-40 encompassing the trapezoidal portion 129a and the 
sectorial portions 129b to 129e respectively, an indication 114-41 of 
RESERVATION disposed within the frame 114-36 of the trapezoidal portion 
129a, numerals 114-42 to 114-45 of "12," "9," "6," and "3" disposed within 
the frames 114-37 to 114-40 of the sectorial portions 129b to 129e 
respectively, as shown in FIG. 19. The trapezoidal portion 129a is 
brightened when the ON switch 106 is operated so that the power is 
supplied to the washing machine. When the reserving key switch 109p is 
operated for setting a reserved period of time, any one of the sectorial 
portions 129b to 129e corresponding to the set time period is brightened. 
Thereafter, the sectorial portion turned to the brightened state is 
changed sequentially clockwise every time three hours elapses. 
(k) An instruction display section 130 includes an indication 130a of 
DISPLAY OF PROGRESS indicating that the progress display section 124 is 
displaying the progress of the washing operation, an indication 130b of 
STANDARD indicating that the STANDARD course is unconditionally selected 
without course selection upon operation of the start key switch 109i, and 
a triangular portion 130c below the indication 130b of STANDARD. The 
overlay 114 includes on the surface thereof printed characters 114-46 of 
STANDARD positioned on the indication 130b of STANDARD and a frame 114-47 
encompassing the triangular portion 130c. The indication 130b of STANDARD 
and the triangular portion 130c are brightened with the indication 130a of 
DISPLAY OF PROGRESS being turned to the dimmed state when the ON switch 
106 is operated so that the power is supplied to the washing machine. 
Then, when the start key switch 109c is operated, the indication 130a of 
DISPLAY OF PROGRESS is brightened, whereas the indication 130b of STANDARD 
and the triangular portion 130c are dimmed. An ink containing a luminous 
material is used for printing the indications and frames 114-1 to 114-38 
on the overlay 114. The luminous material is constituted by a luminous 
fluorescent material produced and sold under the trademark of "N-YAKO" by 
Nemoto Special Chemical Co., Ltd., Japan, for example. Each of the 
indications and frames 114-1 to 114-38 has a thickness of 150 microns. 
When light of 500 lux (corresponding to brightness obtained one or one and 
half meters away from a fluorescent lamp of 40 W) is irradiated onto the 
luminous material for twenty minutes, it can be viewed for eight hours. 
Six light-emitting diodes 131 each serving as light-emitting means are 
provided for illuminating the numeric portions 122b to 122d of the manual 
course display section 122, the operation display section 126, and the 
remaining period display section 128 from the back of the display device 
105. The four light-emitting diodes 131 are provided for the numeric 
portions 122b to 122d and the remaining period display section 128 
respectively, and the other two light-emitting diodes 131 are provided for 
the operation display section 126 which has a larger section. 
FIG. 16 illustrates the arrangement of the light-emitting diodes 131 for 
the operation display section 126. The arrangement of the light-emitting 
diodes 131 for the numeric portions 122b to 122d and for the remaining 
period display section 128 is substantially the same as that for the 
operation display section 126 with the difference in the number of the 
light-emitting diodes 131. Accordingly, the arrangement will be 
eliminated. Referring to FIG. 16, a rectangular light-shielding wall 132 
integrally protrudes downward from a portion of the supporting plate 115 
corresponding to the operation display section 126 so as to surround the 
portion. An illumination chamber A having upper and lower openings is 
formed inside the light-shielding wall 132. The upper opening of the 
illumination chamber A is closed by the NCAP liquid crystal panel 110. The 
circuit board 116 serves as a closing member closing the lower opening of 
the illumination chamber A located opposite to the NCAP liquid crystal 
panel 110. The two light-emitting diodes 131 are mounted on the upper 
surface of the circuit board 116 so as to face the interior of the 
illumination chamber A. 
A light guide member 133 made of a transparent acrylic resin, for example, 
is provided in the illumination chamber A. The light guide member 133 
guides light emitted by each light-emitting diode 131 so that the light is 
irradiated uniformly onto the entire operation display section 126. The 
light guide member 133 has two recesses 133a formed in the underside 
thereof. The light-emitting diodes 131 are accommodated in the recesses 
133a respectively. The inner peripheral surface of the light-shielding 
wall 132 is electroplated, for example, so as to be formed into a mirror 
finished surface. Consequently, the light leaking through the peripheral 
side surfaces is reflected on the inner peripheral surface of the 
light-shielding wall 132 toward the operation display section 126. The 
light-shielding wall 132 is inclined toward the interior of the 
illumination chamber A so that the inner peripheral surface thereof is 
directed obliquely upward. Consequently, the light is efficiently 
reflected on the inner peripheral surface of the light-shielding wall 132 
toward the operation display section 126. Preferably, the inclination of 
the light-shielding wall 132 is set so that the wall 132 enters the 
illumination chamber A by one millimeter per lowering by six millimeters. 
The lower end of the light-shielding wall 132 is formed into a flat surface 
as shown in FIG. 17 so that the lower end is abutted against the upper 
surface of the circuit board 116 or a gap, if formed therebetween, has a 
width of 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters or below, whereupon fluid-tightness is 
provided between the lower end of the light-shielding wall 132 and the 
upper surface of the circuit board 116. Consequently, liquid concentrate 
of the dampproofing material 117 can be prevented from entering the 
illumination chamber A through the gap between the lower end of the 
light-shielding wall 132 and the upper surface of the circuit board 116. 
The operation of the washing machine will be described with reference to 
FIGS. 24A to 33. In the following description, a STANDARD course will be 
selected for the washing operation. FIGS. 24A and 24B show the contents of 
operation in the steps executed in each course under the FULL AUTOMATIC 
mode, and timings for energization of the water-supply valve, for 
energization of the motor for driving the agitator and the rotatable tub 
for the forward and reverse rotations thereof, and for energization of the 
drain valve. In FIGS. 24A and 24B, each bar with oblique lines denotes an 
energizing period. The STANDARD course includes a wash step in which 
detection of weight of laundry, supply of water, and washing are 
sequentially executed, a rinse step in which a first rinse including 
drainage, dehydration, and showering rinse and a second rinse including 
stored-water-rinse are sequentially executed, and a dehydration step in 
which drainage and dehydration are executed in turn. In the showering 
rinse, dehydration is executed after water is showered into the rotatable 
tub so that laundry is soaked in clear water, and showering and 
dehydration are repeated alternately twice. In the stored-water-rinse, 
water supply and rinse are executed, and the rinse is executed with water 
being stored in the rotatable tub. 
Operation of various switches and the operation of the washing machine will 
be described in the execution of the STANDARD course. 
(a) Selection of the STANDARD Course: 
The ON switch 106 is operated so that electric power is applied to the 
washing machine. The pentagonal portion 120d having the printed indication 
of FULL AUTOMATIC in the mode display section 120 of the display device 
105 is depressed to operate the FULL AUTOMATIC key switch 109b. Then, the 
pentagonal portion 120c having the printed indication of MANUAL is turned 
from the brightened state to the dimmed state, whereas all the indications 
and characters 121a to 121n of the full automatic course display section 
121 are brightened. The square portion 121g on the right of the indication 
121a of STANDARD is then depressed to operate the STANDARD course 
selecting key switch 109c, whereby the STANDARD course is selected. With 
selection of the STANDARD course, the indication 120a of TODAY'S WASHING, 
the triangular portion 120b, and the pentagonal portion 120d are 
brightened. Furthermore, the operation switch display section 123, all the 
portions 124a to 124i of the step display section 124, and the indication 
130b of STANDARD and the triangular portion 130c of the instruction 
display section 130 are also brightened. Furthermore, the indication 125a 
of MANUAL ADJUSTMENT of the manual adjustment display section 125 and all 
the indication and portions 127a to 127c of the water-level setting switch 
display section 127 are also brightened. Consequently, the wash, rinse, 
and dehydration modes, and the water level in the rotatable tub can be 
manually set. Alternatively, the start key switch 109i may be operated to 
unconditionally select the STANDARD course. 
(b) Start of Operation: 
The washing operation starts when the operation switch display section 123 
is depressed to operate the start key switch 109i in the above-described 
state. Then, the indication 120a of TODAY'S WASHING, the triangular 
portion 120b, the indication 125a of MANUAL ADJUSTMENT, and all the 
indication and portions 127a to 127c of the water-level setting switch 
display section 127 are dimmed. Furthermore, the indication 130b of 
STANDARD and the triangular portion 130c are also dimmed, whereas the the 
indication 130a of PROGRESS DISPLAY is turned from the dimmed state to the 
brightened state. Additionally, the rotatable tub portion 126a and the 
laundry portion 126b of the operation display section 126 are turned from 
the dimmed state to the brightened state, and the light-emitting diodes 
131 disposed on the underside of the operation display section 126 are 
turned on. Light emitted from the light-emitting diodes 131 is guided by 
the light guide member 133 to illuminate the entire operation display 
section 126 via the translucent reflector 111 from the back thereof. The 
light leaking through the peripheral side surfaces of the light guide 
member 133 is reflected on the inner peripheral surface of the 
light-shielding wall 132 to be guided by the light guide member 133 to the 
operation display section 126. The light-emitting diodes 131 of the 
operation display section 126 are maintained in the ON state until the 
washing operation is completed. 
(c) Detection of Laundry Weight: 
Upon start of the washing operation under the STANDARD course, the weight 
(weight of laundry) detection is performed. An agitator (not shown) is 
rotated by a drive motor (not shown), and a sensor (not shown) for 
detecting load applied to the motor generates a detection signal, which 
signal is supplied to control means (not shown) such as a microcomputer. 
Based on the input signal, the control means determines the weight of 
laundry put into a rotatable tub (not shown). The water level, the period 
of the washing operation, and a quantity of detergent are determined on 
the basis of the determined weight. Then, the light-emitting diode 131 of 
the remaining period display section 128 is turned on, and the numeric 
portion 128a and the indication 128c of QUANTITY OF DETERGENT and SPOONS 
are brightened so that the number of spoons corresponding to the quantity 
of detergent determined as described above is displayed. The 
light-emitting diode 131 of the remaining period display section 128 is 
maintained in the ON state until the OFF switch 107 is operated after 
completion of the washing operation so that power is turned off. With 
display of the number of spoons, the detergent spoon portion 126c of the 
operation display section 126 is brightened, thereby prompting a user to 
dispense detergent into the rotatable tub. The user then dispenses the 
detergent the quantity of which is displayed on the remaining period 
display section 129 as the number of spoons. 
(d) Water Supply in the Wash Step: 
Water supply starts upon completion of the above-described weight 
detection. With start of the water-supply operation, the detergent spoon 
portion 126c of the operation display section 126 is dimmed. The faucet 
portion 126d and the first portion 124a having the indication 114-27 of WS 
repeat alternately the brightened and dimmed states so that they are 
flashed, thereby displaying the water-supply operation being currently 
executed. In FIGS. 25 to 33, the portions with oblique lines denotes those 
being flashed. With start of the water-supply operation, the numeric 
portion 128a of the remaining period display section 128 is switched so as 
to display the period of washing operation set on the basis of the 
previous detection of weight. Furthermore, the indication 128c of QUANTITY 
OF DETERGENT and SPOONS is dimmed, whereas the indication 128b of MIN. is 
brightened, whereupon the remaining period of the washing operation is 
displayed. FIG. 25 shows the case where the period of washing operation 
(the remaining period) is set at 29 minutes. The numeral displayed on the 
numeric portion 128a is decremented by one per minute. 
(e) Washing: 
The water supply is stopped when the water level in the rotatable tub 
reaches the level set on the basis of the result of weight detection, for 
example, a maximum level. The washing is then initiated. Referring to FIG. 
26, the first portion 124a having the printed indication 114-27 of WS in 
the progress display section 124 is dimmed, whereas the second portion 
124b having the printed indication 114-28 of WASH is brightened. 
Furthermore, the laundry portion 126b, the maximum water-level line 126i, 
and the bubble portion 126e of the operation display section 126 are 
flashed to thereby indicate that the washing is being executed. When the 
washing has started, the remaining period display section 128 indicates 
that it is 25 minutes left. 
(f) Drainage in the Rinse Step: 
Subsequently, drainage is performed upon completion of the washing. 
Referring to FIG. 27, the second portion 124b having the printed 
indication 114-28 of WASH is dimmed, and the third portion 124c having the 
printed indication 114-29 of DR is flashed. The maximum water-level line 
126i is dimmed, whereas the valve portion 126j is flashed to thereby 
indicate that the drainage is being executed. When the drainage has 
started, the remaining period display section 128 indicates that it is 21 
minutes left. 
(g) Dehydration: 
Upon completion of the drainage, the dehydration is executed. Referring to 
FIG. 28, the third portion 124c having the printed indication 114-29 of DR 
in the step display section 124 and the valve portion 126j of the 
operation display section 126 are dimmed to thereby indicate completion of 
the drainage. The fourth portion 124d having the printed indication 114-30 
of DH in the step display section 124, the laundry portion 126b, and the 
water drop portion 126k of the operation display section 126 are flashed 
to indicate that the dehydration is being executed. When the dehydration 
has started, the remaining period display section 128 indicates that it is 
20 minutes left. 
(h) Showering Rinse: 
Upon completion of the drainage, the showering rinse is initiated. 
Referring to FIG. 29, the fourth portion 124d of the step display section 
124 is dimmed to indicate completion of the dehydration. The fifth portion 
124e having the printed indication of SHOWER in the step display section 
124 and the laundry portion 126b, the faucet portion 126d, and the water 
drop portion 126k of the operation display section 126 are brightened to 
thereby indicate that the showering rinse is being executed. The remaining 
period display section 128 indicates that it is 19 minutes left. 
(i) Water Supply: 
Upon completion of the showering rinse, the water supply is executed so 
that water is stored in the rotatable tub. Referring to FIG. 30, the fifth 
portion 124e of the step display section 124 and the water drop portion 
126k of the operation display section 126 are dimmed to thereby indicate 
completion of the showering rinse. The sixth portion 124f having the 
printed indication 114-32 of WS in the step display section 124 and the 
faucet portion 126d of the operation display section 126 are brightened to 
indicate that the water supply is being executed. The remaining period 
display section 128 indicates that it is 14 minutes left. 
(j) Stored-Water-Rinse: 
The water supply is completed when water has reached the set water level in 
the rotatable tub. The stored-water-rinse is then executed. Referring to 
FIG. 31, the sixth portion 124f of the step display section 124 and the 
faucet portion 126d of the operation display section 126 are dimmed, 
whereas the seventh portion 124g having the printed indication 114-33 of 
RINSE in the step display section 124, and the laundry portion 126b and 
the maximum water-level line 126i of the operation display section 126 are 
flashed to thereby indicate that the stored-water-rinse is being executed. 
The remaining period display section 128 indicates that it is 10 minutes 
left. 
(k) Drainage in the Dehydration Step: 
The drainage in the dehydration step is executed upon completion of the 
stored-water-rinse. Referring to FIG. 32, the seventh portion 124g of the 
step display section 124 and the maximum water-level line 126i of the 
operation display section 126 are dimmed, whereas the eighth portion 124h 
having the printed indication 114-34 of DR in the step display section 124 
and the valve portion 126j of the operation display section 126 are 
flashed to thereby indicate that the drainage is being executed. The 
remaining period display section 128 indicates that it is 8 minutes left. 
(l) Dehydration: 
The dehydration is executed upon completion of the drainage. Referring to 
FIG. 33, the eighth portion 124h of the step display section 124 and the 
valve portion 126j of the operation display section 126 are dimmed, 
whereas the ninth portion 124i having the printed indication 114-35 of DH 
in the step display section 124, and the laundry portion 126b and the 
water drop portion 126k of the operation display section 126 are flashed 
to thereby indicate that the dehydration is being executed. The remaining 
period display section 128 indicates that it is 4 minutes left. 
(m) Completion: 
The washing operation under the STANDARD course is completed upon 
termination of the dehydration. The ninth portion 124i of the step display 
section 124, and the rotatable tub portion 126a, the laundry portion 126b, 
and the water drop portion 126k of the operation display section 126 are 
dimmed, and a buzzer (not shown) is activated to inform of completion of 
the washing operation. The pentagonal portion 120d having the printed 
indication of FULL AUTOMATIC in the mode display section 120 remains in 
the brightened state. Furthermore, the indication 121a of STANDARD of the 
full automatic course display section 121 and the square portion 121g 
displaying the location of the standard course selecting key switch 109c 
also remain in the brightened state. Additionally, the remaining period 
display section 128 keeps displaying "0 MIN." When the OFF switch 107 is 
operated so that power is turned off, all the portions of the display 
device 105 remaining in the brightened state are dimmed. 
The numeric portions 122b to 122d of the manual operation display section 
122 are brightened when the manual key switch 109a is operated for 
individual selection of the wash, rinse, and dehydration modes in 
execution of the washing operation. Simultaneously, the light-emitting 
diodes 131 disposed on the back of these numeric portions are turned on to 
illuminate them. 
According to the above-described embodiment, the light-emitting diodes 131 
are disposed on the back of the numeric portions 122b to 122d of the 
manual operation display section 122, the operation display section 126, 
and the remaining period display section 128. The light emitted by the 
light-emitting diodes 131 are irradiated outward through the numeric 
portions 122b to 122d of the manual operation display section 122, the 
operation display section 126, and the remaining period display section 
128 when these portions and sections of the display device perform the 
displaying operations. Accordingly, the light emitted by the 
light-emitting diodes 131 illuminates the numeric portions 122b to 122d 
displaying the wash period, the number of times of rinsing, and the 
dehydration period respectively, the operation display section 126 
displaying the figure showing the currently executed operation, and the 
remaining period display section 128 displaying the remaining period even 
when it is dark around the washing machine such that light reflected on 
the reflector 111 can provide insufficient brightness. Consequently, the 
user can clearly and easily confirm the contents displayed on these 
portions and sections of the display device. Since the light-emitting 
diodes 131 are disposed in the illumination chamber A surrounded by the 
light-shielding wall 132, the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes 
131 can be prevented from leaking out to illuminate other portions than 
those which should be normally illuminated. 
The inner peripheral surface of the light-shielding wall 132 is formed so 
as to reflect the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes 131 toward 
the numeric portions 122b to 122d, the operation display section 126, and 
the remaining period display section 128. Consequently, since a quantity 
of light illuminating these portions and sections is increased, further 
clear display can be provided. Additionally, the light guide member 133 is 
disposed in the illumination chamber A for guiding the light emitted by 
the light-emitting diodes 131. Accordingly, the numeric portions 122b to 
122d, the operation display section 126, and the remaining period display 
section 128 can be uniformly illuminated. Consequently, these portions and 
sections can be prevented from being partially rendered bright or dark. 
The light guide member 133 occupies almost the entire interior of the 
illumination chamber A. Accordingly, a vacant space is exceedingly small 
in the illumination chamber A. When the vacant space is large in the 
illumination chamber, air in the chamber is alternately compressed and 
expanded with the changes in the atmospheric temperature. This phenomenon 
is referred to as "respiration." Upon occurrence of such respiration, 
external damp enters the illumination chamber through minute openings. In 
the embodiment, however, this drawback can be prevented by the disposition 
of the light guide member 133 in the illumination chamber A. Consequently, 
the dampproofing for the display device 105 and the circuit board 116 can 
be secured. Furthermore, the light-shielding wall 132 is abutted against 
the circuit board 116 or the minute gap is fluid-tightly provided 
therebetween. Accordingly, the dampproofing material 117 can be prevented 
from entering the illumination chamber A when accommodated in the casing 
103. Consequently, the dampproofing material 117 can be prevented from 
entering the space between the light-emitting diodes 131 and the display 
device 105 such that the display device cannot be illuminated. 
The information the user wishes to obtain from the display device 105 
during execution of the washing operation includes the information about 
the values at which the wash period and the dehydration period have been 
manually set, the information about the set number of times of the 
rinsing, the information about the currently executed operation and step, 
and the information about the remaining period necessary for completion of 
the washing operation. In the above-described embodiment, the 
light-emitting diodes 131 are disposed on the back of the numeric portions 
122b to 122d of the manual operation display section 122, the operation 
display section 126, and the remaining period display section 128. 
Consequently, these pieces of information can be obtained reliably and 
easily from the display device 105 even when it is dark around the washing 
machine. 
The frames, characters, and numerals 114-1 to 114-47 are printed on the 
overlay 114 as shown in FIG. 19. Accordingly, the types of contents 
displayed on the display sections 120 to 130 can be clearly understood. 
Since the printed frames, characters, and numerals 114-1 to 114-47 contain 
the luminous material, these portions self-emit light even when it is dark 
around the washing machine. Consequently, the contents displayed on the 
respective display sections 120 to 130 can be clearly and easily viewed 
even under dark circumstances. 
The membrane switch 109 is provided on the back of the display device 105 
so as to serve as the various key switches 109a to 109p. These key 
switches can be operated by depressing the NCAP liquid crystal panel 110. 
This arrangement of the key switches differs from that of the prior art 
wherein the key switches are disposed in the vicinity of the display 
device on the operation panel. Consequently, the area of the display 
device 105 occupying the operation panel 104 can be increased, whereupon 
the visibility of the display device can be improved. 
FIGS. 34 and 35 illustrate eighth and ninth embodiments of the invention. 
The eighth and ninth embodiments each relate to the structure for 
preventing the dampproofing material from entering the illumination 
chamber A through the gap between the circuit board 116 and the 
light-shielding wall 132 which is a peripheral wall of the illumination 
chamber A. Referring first to FIG. 34 showing the eighth embodiment, the 
lower end of the light-shielding wall 132 has a V-shaped section. The 
circuit board 116 has a V-shaped groove 116a formed in the upper surface 
thereof. The V-shaped end 132a of the light-shielding wall 132 is fitted 
with the V-shaped groove 116a, whereby the structure for preventing 
entrance of the dampproofing material is provided. On the other hand, in 
the ninth embodiment as shown in FIG. 35, a rubber packing 134 is attached 
to the distal end of the light-shielding wall 132, for example. The 
packing 134 is pressed against the circuit board 116 so that the structure 
for preventing entrance of the dampproofing material is provided. 
FIG. 36 illustrates a tenth embodiment of the invention. A transparent 
membrane switch 136 is provided as the switch means on the back of the 
NCAP liquid crystal panel 110. The membrane switch 136 is reinforced by a 
reinforcing plate 135 which is made of a transparent material such as 
transparent plastic. A plurality of light-emitting diodes 137 one of which 
is shown are provided on the back of the membrane switch 136 to serve as 
the light-emitting means. The light-emitting diodes 137 illuminate the 
portions and sections corresponding to the various key switches 109a to 
109p constituted by the membrane switch 136, that is, the pentagonal 
portions 120c and 120d of the mode display section 120, the square 
portions 121g to 121l of the full automatic course display section 121, 
the operation switch display section 123, the second, seventh, and ninth 
portions 124b, 124g, and 124i of the step display section 124, the 
indication 125a of MANUAL ADJUSTMENT of the manual adjustment display 
section 125, both triangular portions 127b and 127c of the water-level 
selecting switch display section 127, and the trapezoidal portion 129a of 
the reserved operation display section 129 all as shown in FIG. 18. 
Consequently, since the locations of the various key switches 109a to 109p 
can be clearly and easily confirmed even in the dark circumstances, error 
in operation of these key switches can be prevented. 
Although the frames, characters, and numerals 114-1 to 114-47 are printed 
on the overlay 114 in the foregoing embodiments, they may be printed on 
the reflecting plate 111, instead. In this case, since the indications 
corresponding to the brightened display sections are viewed, these 
indications can be prevented from being mistaken for the other indications 
corresponding to the dimmed display sections. Furthermore, the reflecting 
plate 111 may not be provided when the display sections 120 to 130 are 
illuminated by the light-emitting diodes from the back thereof. 
Additionally, the microcomputer is provided for detecting the Weight of 
the laundry on the basis of the motor load at the initial stage of the 
wash step, thereby constituting the weight (laundry quantity) detecting 
means. At the same time, the microcomputer is also provided for setting 
the quantity of detergent and the wash period on the basis of the detected 
weight, thereby serving as the detergent quantity setting means and the 
wash period setting means. Instead, the user may visually confirm the 
weight or the quantity of laundry to thereby input the information 
obtained by the visual confirmation to the microcomputer by means of key 
switches. 
FIGS. 37 to 39 illustrate an eleventh embodiment of the invention. 
Referring to FIG. 37, a top cover 203 having an access opening 202 is 
mounted to the top of the outer cabinet 201. An ornamental panel 204 is 
mounted to the front of the top cover 203. The ornamental panel 204 has a 
centrally formed rectangular opening 205 as shown in FIG. 38. 
A casing 206 is formed into a rectangular box slightly smaller than the 
opening 205 of the ornamental panel 204. The casing 206 has a flange 207 
protruding from the middle outer periphery thereof. The flange 207 is 
larger than the opening 205 of the ornamental panel 204. The casing 206 
further has a plurality of connecting ribs 208 formed on the periphery of 
the bottom and an opening 209. The casing 206 further has a plurality of 
receiving portions 210 formed in the inner periphery thereof, as shown in 
FIG. 37. 
Electronic components 212 constituting an operation control circuit are 
mounted on both sides of a circuit board 211. A liquid crystal display 
panel 213 comprises the NCAP liquid crystal panel 214, a reflecting plate 
214a, and a flat membrane switch 215 serving as the switch means as shown 
in FIG. 38. The reflecting plate 214a and the membrane switch 215 are 
bonded to the NCAP liquid crystal panel 214 in turn so as to be laid one 
upon the other. The liquid crystal display panel 213 includes a plurality 
of display sections 216 having indications of characters and figures as 
shown in FIG. 39. Unit switches 215a of the membrane switch 215 are 
provided on the back of the display sections 216 that also serve as 
operation sections. Flat package cables (FPC's) serving as lead wires 
extend out of the liquid crystal display panel 213. A metal plate 218 such 
as a stainless steel plate or a galvanized sheet iron is formed into a 
rectangular shape, having the same size as the liquid crystal display 
panel 213. A cover 219 is made of polyethylene terephthalate or 
polycarbonate, for example. The cover 219 has approximately the same 
configuration as the upper portion of the casing 206 extending from the 
upper surface of the flange 207. The cover 219 has a flange 220 which is 
the same as the flange 207. 
The circuit board 211 is placed on the receiving portions 210 in the casing 
206 to be fixed in position as shown in FIG. 37. The metal plate 218 is 
laid on the outer bottom of the casing 206 to be fixed in position. The 
liquid crystal display panel 213 is further laid on the metal plate 218 to 
be fixed in position. One ends of FPC's 217 of the liquid crystal display 
panel 213 extend through the opening 209 of the casing 206 to be connected 
to lead terminals of the circuit board 211. The cover 219 is attached so 
as to be held on the flange 207 of the casing 206, whereupon the liquid 
crystal display panel 213 is covered by the cover 219. The outer periphery 
of the cover 219 is bonded to the outer periphery of the casing 206. In 
this state, a dampproofing material 221 such as urethane resin is put into 
the casing 206 so that the circuit board 211 is enclosed in the 
dampproofing material 221. A part of the dampproofing material 221 is 
caused to further get into the opening 209, thereby enclosing FPC's 217. 
Consequently, an electronic unit 222 is constituted. 
The electronic unit 222 is forced into the opening 205 of the ornamental 
panel 204 from below the panel, thereby being mounted thereon. In this 
case, the outer periphery of the casing 206 of the electronic unit 222 is 
pushed against the peripheral edge of the opening 205 of the ornamental 
panel 204 so that the electronic unit 222 is secured to the ornamental 
panel 204 and so that the outer periphery of the cover 219 is held between 
the peripheral edge of the opening 205 and the casing 206. The circuit 
board 211 constitutes a first circuit board. The electronic components 
mounted on the circuit board 211 are DC components for the liquid crystal 
display panel 213. On the other hand, a second circuit board 224 is 
provided, and AC electronic components 223 including a transformer are 
mounted on the second circuit board 224. The second circuit board 224 is 
accommodated in another casing 225 and the dampproofing material 226 is 
put into the casing 225 so that the second circuit board 224 is enclosed 
in the material. The casing 225 accommodating the second circuit board 224 
is located in a concave portion 227 of the top cover 203 inside the 
ornamental panel 204 mounted on thereon to thereby be fixed in position. 
According to the above-described construction, the cover 219 covering the 
liquid crystal display panel 213 is secured to the casing 206. The outer 
periphery of the cover 219 is held between the peripheral edge of the 
opening 205 of the ornamental panel 204 and the casing 206. Consequently, 
water can be more reliably prevented from entering the casing 206 to 
thereby reach the liquid crystal display panel 213 and the circuit board 
211. Thus, the above-described construction provides a more reliable 
sealing as compared with the prior art construction wherein the peripheral 
edge of the liquid crystal display panel is sealed. In particular, FPC's 
217 extending through the opening 209 of the casing 206 are used to 
connect between the liquid crystal display panel 213 and the circuit board 
211. Furthermore, FPC's are enclosed in the dampproofing material 221 
which is accommodated in the casing 206 and is caused to get into the 
opening 209. Consequently, FPC's 217 can be reliably waterproofed and 
moreover, the dampproofing material provided for the purpose of the 
dampproofing of the circuit board 211 can be used for waterproof of FPC's 
217. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display panel 213 is provided with 
the membrane switch 215 and the metal plate 218 is laid between the 
membrane switch 215 and the bottom of the casing 206. Since the operating 
pressure applied to the membrane switch 215 can be received by the metal 
plate 218, the membrane switch 215 can be reliably operated. 
FIGS. 40 and 41 illustrate a twelfth embodiment of the invention. The 
difference between the eleventh and twelfth embodiments will be described. 
The first circuit board 228 is disposed between the metal plate 218 and 
the bottom of the casing 206. The electronic components 229 are mounted 
only on one side surface 228a of the circuit board 228. The circuit board 
228 is disposed inside out in an opening 230 formed in the bottom of the 
casing 206. The casing 206 further accommodates the second circuit board 
231, which is fixed therein. Thus, since the two circuit boards 228 and 
231 can be provided in the single casing 206, the casing 225 employed in 
the eleventh embodiment can be eliminated in the twelfth embodiment. 
The circuit board 228 is disposed in the opening 230 of the casing 206 
inside out with respect to the liquid crystal display panel 213 having the 
membrane switch 215 laid on the panel. Accordingly, the positioning of the 
components 229 on the first circuit board 228 in the opening 230 can be 
achieved only by turning over the circuit board 228. Furthermore, the 
first circuit board 228 can support on the backside thereof the metal 
plate 218 which is subjected to the operating pressure applied to the 
membrane switch 215. More specifically, the components 229 are mounted on 
the surface of the first circuit board 228, and the metal plate 218 is 
laid on the resultant flat backside 228b of the circuit board 228. 
Consequently, the flat backside 228b of the circuit board 228 can reliably 
support the metal plate 218 receiving the operating pressure applied to 
the membrane switch 215. 
FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate a thirteenth embodiment of the invention. The 
difference between the eleventh and thirteenth embodiments will be 
described. In the thirteenth embodiment, the liquid crystal display panel 
213 is laid on the metal plate 218, and the cover 219 is then attached to 
the surface of the ornamental panel 204. An enclosure 232 is formed inside 
the ornamental panel 204 by a rib integrally formed with the panel 204. 
The first circuit board 211 is disposed inside the enclosure 232 to be 
fixed in position. Consequently, since the liquid crystal display panel 
213 and the circuit board 211 can be directly mounted in the ornamental 
panel 204, the casing 206 employed in the eleventh embodiment can be 
eliminated. Furthermore, since the casing 206 is eliminated, the 
ornamental panel 204 has no joints resulting from the connection between 
the same and the casing. Consequently, the liquid crystal panel 213 and 
the circuit board 211 can be prevented from being subjected to water 
entering the inside of the ornamental panel through the joints. 
FIGS. 44 and 45 illustrate a fourteenth embodiment of the invention. The 
cover 233 is integrally formed with the casing 234 in a mold for the 
latter. The outer periphery of the casing 234 is pushed against the 
peripheral edge of the opening 236 of the ornamental panel 235 so that the 
outer periphery of the cover 233 is held between the peripheral edge of 
the opening 236 and the casing 234. Consequently, since close adhesion 
between the cover 233 and the casing 234 and durability against breakaway 
can be improved, the liquid crystal panel 213 and the circuit board 211 
can be further prevented from being subjected to water entering the inside 
of the ornamental panel through the joints. 
FIGS. 46 and 47 illustrate a fifteenth embodiment of the invention. The 
cover 237 is integrally formed with the ornamental panel 238 in a mold for 
the latter. The enclosure 239 is formed inside the ornamental panel 238 by 
a rib integrally formed with the panel 238. The first circuit board 211 is 
disposed inside the enclosure 239 to be fixed in position. In this 
construction, too, close adhesion between the cover 233 and the ornamental 
panel 238 and durability against breakaway can be improved. Consequently, 
the liquid crystal panel 213 and the circuit board 211 can be further 
prevented from being subjected to water entering the inside of the 
ornamental panel through the joints. 
FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrate a manner for integrating the covers 233 and 237 
with the casing 234 and the ornamental panel 238 in the fourteenth and 
fifteenth embodiments respectively. The cover 233 or 237 is first set in 
one mold 240 such that a print and binder layer provided on the backside 
of the cover is disposed inside as shown in FIG. 48. The other mold 242 
having an insert die 242a is then combined with the mold 240. A molding 
material 244 for the casing 234 or the ornamental panel 238 is poured into 
a molding cavity 243. The binder of the print and binder layer 214 is 
melted by heat from the molding material 244, being thereby mixed with the 
molding material 244. The mixture is then solidified into the casing 234 
with the integrated cover 233 or the ornamental panel 238 with the 
integrated cover 237. 
The foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative of the 
principles of the present invention and are not to be construed in a 
limiting sense. Various changes and modifications will become apparent to 
those of ordinary skill in the art. All such changes and modifications are 
seen to fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention as defined 
by the appended claims.