WO2013068945A1

WO2013068945A1 - Multifunctional electrical household appliance for washing articles, in particular for washing dishes and/or similar kitchen articles and/or for washing fabrics, garments and similar clothing

Info

Publication number: WO2013068945A1
Application number: PCT/IB2012/056232
Authority: WO
Inventors: Stefano DUCA
Original assignee: Duca Stefano
Priority date: 2011-11-07
Filing date: 2012-11-07
Publication date: 2013-05-16
Also published as: ITMI20112015A1

Abstract

Multifunctional electrical household appliance (1) for the combined washing of dishes and/or garments comprising: a structure (2) provided with a washing tub (3); at least one washing device (21) whose structure (22) integrates the first washing means (19) for washing articles according to a washing mode of the dishwasher type and second washing means (20) for washing articles according to a laundry washing machine mode. The switching from a washing mode to another is actuatable without replacing any of the components.

Description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL ELECTRICAL HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE FOR WASHING ARTICLES, IN PARTICULAR FOR WASHING DISHES AND/OR SIMILAR KITCHEN ARTICLES AND/OR FOR WASHING FABRICS, GARMENTS AND SIMILAR CLOTHING

The present invention refers to a multifunctional electrical household appliance for washing articles, in particular for washing dishes and/or similar kitchen articles, and/or for washing fabrics, garments and similar clothing.

The object of the present invention, applies to the industry of electrical household appliances and/or apparatus or tools supplied by electrical power, intended for domestic/household purposes.

The object of the present invention, may also be used in the tourism hotel industry or in any other industry that requires the present multifunctional electrical household appliance.

Furthermore, the object of the present invention can be used on transport means of considerable dimensions, both public and private, such as for example, boats, ships, trailers, caravans, buses, trains and/or the like. In detail, the present invention aims at providing electrical household appliances intended for washing articles, such as for example dishwashers and laundry washing machines .

As it is known, both the dishwashers and laundry washing machines are intended for washing articles of common use that require frequent washing, such as for example dishes and/or similar kitchen articles, as well as the fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing. In order to guarantee volumes of washing of considerable amount, the dishwashers, just like laundry- washing machines, have large loading capacity. The consistent loading capacity inevitably affects the overall dimensions of such electrical household appliances which thus require considerable spaces for the positioning thereof.

In addition, it should be observed that, given that dishwashers and laundry washing machines serve different functions, the presence of both in the household is frequent, with the ensuing need of rationalising the interior spaces, this often being a difficult task.

In order to reduce the overall dimensions of these two types of considerably voluminous electrical household appliances, an electrical household appliance for washing articles, capable of combining the dishwasher washing mode with the laundry washing machine was designed. In other words, there are known electrical household appliances capable of operating as dishwashers for washing the dishes and/or similar kitchen articles, as well as laundry washing machines, for washing fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing. A first example of an electrical household appliance capable of operating in combined mode, i.e. as a dishwasher and laundry washing machine, is described and shown in document US2,563,046.

The electrical household appliance disclosed in such document comprises a structure defining at least one washing tub with rotary vertical axis, suitable for receiving articles to be washed. Inside of the washing tub there is operatively placed a rotary drum, suitably perforated, for the washing of the articles according to a laundry washing machine mode. The drum can be rotatably controlled according to a single direction of rotation or according to alternating directions of rotations.

On the rotary shaft and inside the drum, there is removably mounted an agitator member whose transverse fins generate, in filling conditions or partly filled conditions of the washing tub, a respective vortex for washing the articles. The fabrics and/or the garments are washed through the mechanical action carried out by the agitator member and by the irregular wall of the drum, as well as by the rubbing of the fabrics caused by the vortex generated by the agitator member.

When the electrical household appliance has to be used as a dishwasher, the agitator member is slipped from the rotational shaft so as to be disassembled. Instead of the agitator member, a dish rack, which remains inside the perforated drum and allows the arrangement of the dishes to be washed, is mounted. The mounting of the dish rack is carried out by fitting a central bushing thereof on the rotation shaft.

The washing according to the dishwasher mode, occurs by means of a plurality of washing jets which are delivered through corresponding sprayer arcs respectively arranged at the upper part and at the lower part of the washing drum.

As mentioned above, the drum has an irregular inner wall whose inclined portions operate as deflectors for the washing fluid delivered inside the drum which is rotatably actuated according to a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed used during the laundry washing machine mode .

A second example of an electrical household appliance capable of operating in combined mode as a dishwasher and laundry washing machine is described and shown in the document US2,603,097.

Similarly to the first example outlined above, the electrical household appliance disclosed in such document comprises a structure defining a vertical washing vat suitable for receiving the articles to be washed.

Inside the washing tub, a rotary shaft on which various accessories for changing the washing mode of the electrical household appliance are mounted, vertically extends .

In detail, when the electrical household appliance should operate according to the laundry washing machine mode, an agitator member provided with suitable pins is fitted and fixed on the rotary shaft for generating a suitable washing vortex in filling condition or partial filling of the washing tub.

When the electrical household appliance has to operate according to a dishwasher washing mode, the agitator member is slipped from the rotary shaft so as to be replaced with a distribution helix. The distribution helix is fitted and fixed on the rotary shaft so that, in condition of filling the washing tub according to a substantially low filling level, it determines the centrifugal movement of the washing fluid which thus impacts the articles positioned inside the washing tub, thus cleansing them. The washing fluid is thus pushed against the dishes placed in a dish rack which is positioned inside the washing tub.

A third example of an electrical household appliance capable of operating in combined mode as a dishwasher and laundry washing machine is described and illustrated in document US5,546,771.

Similarly to the examples outlined above, the electrical household appliance described in such document comprises a structure defining at least one substantially vertical washing tub suitable for receiving the articles to be washed.

A suitably perforated rotary drum, for washing the articles according to the laundry washing machine mode is placed inside the washing tub. The rotary drum is crossed by a rotational shaft which is suitable for receiving, in a removably engagement and depending on the washing mode to be performed, an agitator member or a dish rack.

In detail, when the electrical household appliance needs to operate in a laundry washing machine mode, an agitator member, having a helical portion, is fitted and fixed on the rotary shaft for generating, in filling or partially filling condition, a vortex for washing fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing.

When the electrical household appliance requires operating in a dishwasher washing mode, the agitator member has to be disassembled by slipping the latter from the rotary shaft so as to be able to place the dish rack in the washing tub and fix it to the rotary shaft through a suitable locking element. The washing of the dishes occurs through the rotation of the drum and/or rack in the washing fluid loaded into the washing tub .

Though the electrical household appliances described above allow to combine a dishwasher and a laundry- washing machine in a single electrical household appliance, effectively addressing the problem regarding the overall dimension of two cumbersome electrical household appliances, the Applicant observed that they reveal some drawbacks and they can be improved from some points of view, mainly regarding the practicality of use, the operational simplicity and the speed of switching from the laundry washing machine mode to the dishwasher washing mode and vice versa, as well as the overall dimensions of such electrical household appliances .

In particular, the Applicant observed that in the electrical household appliances to which reference was made, switching from the laundry washing machine mode to the dishwasher washing mode and vice versa, always requires the replacement of one or more components. The replacement of the aforementioned components inevitably leads to the intervention of a person able to perform such operations within short times.

Actually, the replacement of the aforementioned components requires manual and operative capabilities and abilities that are not within the reach of everyone, whereby the mounting and the demounting of some parts cannot be easily performed or, even, actuated. In extreme cases, in case mobility limitations and/or disabilities of slight or considerable degree, the replacement of the aforementioned components cannot be carried out.

In detail, the replacement of the components first requires that components unsuitable for the desired washing mode be demounted, then, the components required for the actuation of the desired washing mode be mounted.

It is also to be added that the electrical household appliances mentioned above require the availability, in the house, of special spaces where the components unused during the actuation of one of the washing modes provided for are placed. In other words, when the electrical household appliance operates according to a specific washing mode, the components required for the operation thereof according to another washing mode, have to be placed in the spaces that could be used for containing other objects.

The main object of the present invention is that of providing a multifunctional electrical household appliance for washing articles, in particular for washing dishes and/or similar kitchen articles, and/or for washing fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing, capable of overcoming the drawbacks observed in the prior art .

One of the objects of the present invention is that of providing a multifunctional electrical household appliance whose switching from the laundry washing machine mode to the dishwasher washing mode and vice versa is obtained in a practical, easy, simple and quick manner.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional electrical household appliance capable of containing, therewithin, also all the functional accessory elements, as well as recovering the washing water.

The objects mentioned above and others are substantially attained by a multifunctional electrical household appliance for washing articles, in particular for washing dishes and/or similar kitchen articles, and/or for washing fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing, as outlined and described in the following claims.

Indicated below, by way of exemplification, is the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a multifunctional electrical household appliance for washing articles, in particular for washing dishes and/or similar kitchen articles, and/or for washing fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing, as outlined and described in the claims that follow.

Such description is provided hereinafter with reference to the attached drawings and is provided solely for exemplifying and non- limiting purposes, wherein:

figure 1 is a perspective view of a multifunctional electrical household appliance for washing articles, in particular for washing dishes and/or similar kitchen articles, and/or for washing fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing, illustrated in open condition and with a dish rack inserted inside a housing compartment;

figure 2 is a perspective view of a part of a component of the electrical household appliance according to the figure 1; figure 3 is a further perspective view of the component shown in figure 2;

figure 4 is a perspective view of the dish rack according to figure 1 shown in an operative condition mounted and in a non-operative condition compact with closed variable geometry;

figure 5 is a plan view of the electrical household appliance according to figure 1, shown in open condition and with the dish rack placed inside the washing tub of the electrical household appliance;

figure 6 is a front view of the electrical household appliance according to figures 1 and 5, shown in a built-in mode in a kitchen cabinet;

figure 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a detail of the electrical household appliance according to figures 1, 5 and 6;

figure 8 is rear view of the electrical household appliance according to figure 1 and figures 5 to 7.

With reference to the figure 1 and figures 5 to 8 , a multifunctional electrical household appliance for washing articles, in particular for washing dishes and similar kitchen articles, and/or for washing fabrics, garments and similar clothing, according to the present invention, is indicated in its whole with 1.

As observable in figure 1 and figures 5 to 8, the electrical household appliance 1 comprises a substantially box-shaped structure 2 inside defining at least one washing tub 3 suitable for housing at least one article (not shown in the figures) , in particular a plurality of articles, to be washed.

With reference to figure 1, the structure 2 of the electrical household appliance 1 has a bottom 2a from which a plurality of side walls 2b extends substantially perpendicularly. Each side wall 2b terminates at a transverse upper frame 2c, with a central opening 2d substantially coincident with the washing tub 3.

Advantageously, at least one sealing gasket (not shown in the figures) which guarantees the hermetic sealing of the washing tub 3 during the operation of the electrical household appliance 1, is placed between the upper frame 2c and the washing tub 3.

The advantageous arrangement of the opening 2d of the upper frame 2c at the washing tub 3 permits and facilitates the insertion and removal, from the top, of the articles to be washed, in and from the latter.

As shown in figure 1 and figures 5 to 8 , the structure 2 is also provided with a lid 4 rotatably engaged to the upper frame 2c, by means of at least one rototranslating hinge 5, preferably two, arranged at one of the side walls 2b of the structure 2.

As observable in figures 1, 5, 7 and 8, the lid 4 has an inner portion 4a intended to close the opening 2d of the upper frame 2c covering the latter, and an outer portion 4b, faced in the opposite direction with respect to the inner portion 4a, defining a respective support surface and work plane for kitchen operations . Advantageously, the opening of the lid 4 may be oriented according to the needs at any side wall 2b of the structure 2.

As observable in figures 1 and 5, the inner portion 4a of the lid 4 is provided with a distributor compartment 6, for containing a first detergent product, preferably intended for washing dishes and/or similar kitchen articles . The distributor compartment 6 is provided with a suitable closure door 6a whose opening may be controlled manually or automatically through suitable control means (not shown) .

Still with reference to figures 1 and 5, the inner portion 4a of the lid 4 has a housing for a ring gasket 4c which, compressing on the upper frame 2c, guarantees the hermetic closure of the washing tub 3 during the operation of the electrical household appliance 1, as well as a plurality of rubber abutment elements 4d distributed around the ring gasket 4c for placing the lid 4 on the upper frame 2c of the structure 2.

Still with reference to figure 1, at least one of the side walls 2b is provided with a door 2e which can be opened for access to a housing compartment 7 placed in proximity of the bottom 2a of the structure 2, as well as to further parts of the electrical household appliance 1, such as for example, a filter 8 and a first pump 9a arranged beneath the washing tub 3.

Advantageously, as observable in figure 8, both a second pump 9b and a tank 10 for recovering the washing fluid, preferably for the final rinsing of the garments, are located at the bottom 2a of the structure 2 for optimizing the inner spaces of the electrical household appliance 1 and thus lowering the centre of the mass of the latter.

As observable in the figure 8, at least one side wall 2b of the structure 2 is advantageously provided with at least one reinforcement band 11a and lib. In detail, the reinforcement band 11a is welded, for example with point resistance, to the respective side wall 2b in an upper part thereof, at the upper frame 2c of the structure 2, while the band lib, arranged at the base of the electrical household appliance 1, is welded both to the adjacent side walls 2b and to the bottom 2a.

Still with reference to figure 8, at least one of the side walls 2b, preferably the same wall 2b provided with the reinforcement bands 11a and lib, has at least one service panel 2f which can be disengaged from the structure 2 by removing the respective fixing elements 12 to permit the control and maintenance of the inner components of the electrical household appliance 1. The lower band lib is provided with the loading and unloading connections 13 respectively required for the inflowing and outflowing water connection, and electrical supply for the electrical household appliance 1.

Advantageously, the structure 2 of the electrical household appliance 1 is configured in such a manner to have a common overall dimension which falls within the standards normally used for built-in cabinets.

In detail, the overall dimension for the installation beneath the cooking surface has to be recessed in a parallelepiped-space having a width equivalent to 600 millimetres, a depth equivalent to 600 millimetres and a height equivalent to 900 millimetres. However, there are categories with small dimensional increases, such as for example, width equivalent to 630 millimetres, depth equivalent to 630 millimetres and height equivalent to 900 millimetres. By way of example, the structure 2 of the electrical household appliance 1 may have a width substantially equivalent to about 582 millimetres, a depth substantially equivalent to about 582 millimetres and a height substantially equivalent to about 900 millimetres. The height of the electrical household appliance 1 is greater than the other built-in electrical household appliances beneath the cooking surface, given that the electrical household appliance 1 forms part of the work surface A (figure 6) being aligned to the latter.

As shown in figure 6, according to the dimensions mentioned above, the electrical household appliance 1 can be positioned built-in in a conventional kitchen cabinet M. In this case, the structure 2 of the electrical household appliance 1 may be advantageously covered with a series of panels which reproduce the outer aspect of the kitchen cabinet M.

According to the example illustrated in figure 6, the structure 2 of the electrical household appliance 1 may be covered by a discontinuous panel so as to have a fixed upper panel Bl anchored to the respective side wall 2b and a moveable lower panel B2 externally fixed to the door 2e of the structure 2.

The panel B2 may have, for facilitating the operations of the user, a type of handle matching the design of the kitchen cabinet M.

Obviously, the recessing of the electrical household appliance 1 may occur according to any desired position inside of the kitchen cabinet M. For example, in figure 6, the electrical household appliance 1 is recessed to the left of the sink L, but the very electrical household appliance 1 may be even recessed to the right of the sink L, without causing any difficulty. This advantage is guaranteed by the possibility of having the opening of the lid 4 at any of the side walls 2b by means of the hinges 5.

The possibility of having the opening of the lid 4 according to the needs thereof, permits to facilitate the operations for loading and unloading the products to be processed. Furthermore, the position adjacent to the sink L, both whether the electrical household appliance 1 is positioned to the right or to the left, allows the rinsing of the products, mainly the dishes, in the very sink, as well as the loading of the very dishes in the electrical household appliance 1, thus preventing unwanted dripping on the floor. In this case, the dripping is confined to the work surface A of the kitchen cabinet M. This leads to facilitate the cleaning operations as the same are carried out solely on the work surface A and not on the floor, thus avoiding the need of bending.

In addition, it is to be observed that the electrical household appliance 1 with top loading, if positioned adjacent to the sink L, permits the user to load the dishes to be processed performing minimum movements and in upright position.

According to the built-in solution, the outer portion 4b of the lid 4 may be advantageously replaced with an upper cover E, preferably made of the same material as the one of the work surface A of the kitchen cabinet M, so as to guarantee the continuity of the outer and aesthetic aspect of the work surface A of the latter. Advantageously, the hinges 5 allow a wide opening of the lid 4 and the precise aligning of the electrical household appliance 1 to the lid 4 closed with the work surface A and with the adjacent cabinets. The movement of the lid 4 provided with the upper cover E, from the opening position to the closure position and vice versa is guaranteed by the rototranslating movement of the hinges 5 in the vertical direction thus avoiding any interference with kitchen cabinet M.

In the built-in condition (figure 6) the opening of the lid 4 may be carried out in absence of gripping handles by directly operating on the edges of the upper cover E avoiding poorly accessible points for cleaning.

In order to facilitate the opening of the upper cover E, should there arise the need, the hinges 5 may be provided with respective elastic opening elements (not shown) suitable for assisting the rotation of the lid 4 covered, from the closing position to the opening position.

With reference to figures 1 and 8, the electrical household appliance 1 is advantageously provided with a plurality of support feet 14 engaged to the bottom 2a of the structure 2 for guaranteeing the stable support on the floor.

Preferably, the support feet 14 can be adjusted height- wise for adapting the support of the electrical household appliance 1 to an uneven floor and simultaneously permit the adjustment of the overall height of the latter, which may vary, depending on the needs, even exceeding the standard height of 900 millimetres .

Still with reference to figures 1 and 5, the electrical household appliance 1 is provided, preferably at the upper frame 2c, with at least one control interface 15 for setting the work cycles and, with at least one tray 16 for housing a second detergent product (not shown) intended for washing fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing .

Both the control interface 15 and the housing tray 16 are covered by the lid 4 when the latter is in the closing position (figure 8) and they are accessible when the lid 4 is in the opening position (figure 1 and figures 5 to 7) .

Advantageously, the upper frame 2c, which supports the lid 4 through the hinges 5, can be removed from the structure 2 of the electrical household appliance 1 by means of respective coupling elements of the known type, hence it is possible to change the direction of opening of the electrical household appliance 1. Such operation may be performed easily and without particular effort because the low weight of the components which can be made of polymeric material.

Furthermore, the mounting of the upper frame 2c to the structure 2 is advantageously facilitated by four centring slots (not shown) suitably provided on the structure 2.

A second possibility of customizing the electrical household appliance 1 derives from the presence of at least one pair of configurable elements 2c' , 2c' ' which are suitably housed in the upper frame 2c. Such elements 2c' , 2c' ' can be removed and interchanged by the user with the aim of arranging them at will. In detail, the elements 2c' , 2c' ' have a geometry such to be able to house, in the hollow central part thereof, components such as the control interface 15 and/or the housing tray 16.

More in detail, as shown in figures 1 and 7, the structure 2 is also provided, at the upper frame 2c, with a plurality of support brackets 17 anchored to the side walls 2b for supporting the respective anti- vibrant supports 18, which in turn engage, and with minimum overall dimension, the washing tub 3 guaranteeing stability thereof.

According to such structural configuration, the washing tub 3 is supported by the side walls 2b of the structure 2 in a floating way, whereby the vibrations caused by one or more movable members of the electrical household appliance 1, during the operation, are suitably absorbed. As shown in figure 1, the washing tub 3 substantially develops vertically according to a cylindrical configuration. The washing tub 3 has a plurality of reinforcement ribs 3a which extend along the cylindrical side wall and radially along the bottom thereof. At the cylindrical side wall of the washing tub 3, the reinforcement ribs 3a extend up to the top part thereof so as to facilitate the engagement of the anti-vibrant supports 18 by means of slots 3b (figure 7) .

Beneath the washing tub 3, further components of the electrical household appliance 1 required for the correct washing operations such as for example one or more electrical resistors, as well as suitable delimiting devices, are suitably arranged.

Advantageously, the electrical household appliance 1 comprises first washing means 19 (figures 2 and 3) operatively associated to the washing tub 3 for washing at least one article arranged inside the latter.

The first washing means 19 are switchable between a non-operative condition in which the electrical household appliance 1 does not carry out any washing operation and an operative condition in which said the electrical household appliance 1 carries out the washing of the articles arranged inside the washing tub 3 according to a first washing mode, i.e. according to a washing mode of the dishwasher type.

Advantageously, the electrical household appliance 1 also comprises second washing means 20 operatively associated to the washing tub 3 for washing at least one article placed inside the latter.

The second washing means 20 are switchable between a non-operative condition, in which the electrical household appliance 1 does not carry out any washing and an operative condition, in which the electrical household appliance 1 carries out the washing of the articles placed inside the washing tub 3 according to a second washing mode, i.e. according to a washing mode of the laundry-washing machine type.

A perforated hollow drum 37 (figures 1, 5 and 7) substantially oriented vertically just like the washing tub 3 is operatively placed inside of the washing tub 3. The perforated drum 37 can be rotatably actuated around a substantially vertical rotational axis to perform the usual washing of fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing, as well wringing the same through centrifuge, when the electrical household appliance 1 operates according to a laundry washing machine mode . According to an advantageous aspect of the present invention, the first and the second washing means 19, 20 are integrated to define at least one washing device 21 suitable for operating in the first washing mode, through the first washing means 19, or in the second washing mode, through the second washing means 20.

Preferably, the electrical household appliance 1 is advantageously provided with suitable selecting means arranged on the control interface 15 (shown in figures 1 and 5) operatively associated to the first and to the second washing means 19 and 20 for selecting the desired washing mode.

The selecting means are thus switchable between a first condition, in which the washing of the articles is carried out by the first washing means - 19 according to the first washing mode, and a second condition, in which the washing of the articles is carried out by the second washing means 20 according to the second washing mode .

More in detail, the aforementioned washing device 21 which integrates the first and the second washing means 19 and 20, comprises a substantially disc-shaped structure 22 (figures 1 to 3 and 5) , rotatably placed concentrically inside the washing tub 3 at the bottom of the latter, capable of rotating around a respective substantially vertical rotational axis.

The disc-shaped structure 22 of the washing device 21 has a first face 23 (figures 2 and 3) facing an access opening 3c (figures 1, 5 and 7) of the washing tub 3 opposite to the bottom thereof and a second face 24 (figure 3) facing the bottom of the washing tub 3.

The first face 23 has at least one substantially radial projection 25 (figures 1 to 3 and 5) , preferably a plurality of projections 25 arranged radially with respect to the disc-shaped structure 22.

The second face 24 has at least one substantially radial concavity 26, preferably a plurality of concavities 26 (figure 3) arranged radially with respect to the disc-shaped structure 22, each corresponding to a respective projection 25 of the first face 23.

Still with reference to figure 3, the second face 24 of the disc-shaped structure 22 comprises at least one baffle 27a, 27b, preferably a plurality of projecting baffles 27a, 27b, for stiffening the disc-shaped structure and/or agitating the washing fluid present inside of the washing tub 3 during the washing cycle and the rotation of the disc-shaped structure.

Advantageously, the baffles 27a, 27b are divided into first radial baffles 27a and second arched baffles 27b, which develop according to substantially parallel circle arcs, transverse to the first baffles 27a.

Still with reference to figures 1 to 3 and 5, at least one projection 25 of the first face 23 and the respective concavity 26 of the second face 24 develop substantially diametrically and have a plurality of nozzles 28 for delivering a plurality of washing fluid jets inside the washing tub 3 thus defining a respective sprinkling arm 29 part of the first washing means 19. In this case, the concavity 26 of the sprinkling arm 29 is at least partly closed, at the second face 24 through an element 30 (figure 3) , to delimit a delivery chamber in fluid communication with the nozzles 28. The delivery chamber is also in fluid communication with a system for supplying the washing fluid of the electrical household appliance 1 through at least one connection opening 30a obtained through the element 30 and through a filter 31 (figure 3) which is constituted by a suitable support 31a for assembly and a metal grid 31b.

Still with reference to figures 2 and 3, the discshaped structure 22 advantageously has a member 32 for drawing the washing fluid.

The drawing member 32 is part of the disc -shaped structure 22 as it may be obtained through the same process for producing the disc-shaped structure 22. In addition, it is to be considered the possibility of producing the drawing member 32 through different machining and/or production processes and thus proceed, later on, to the assembly of the drawing member 32 on the disc-shaped structure 22 through known technologies and/or fixing elements, such as for example ultrasonic welding, bonding and/or similar fixing systems.

The drawing member 32 is operatively located substantially centrally at a central through-opening 33 of the disc-shaped structure 22.

The drawing member 32 develops around the through- opening 33 according to a substantially helical profile for conveying, through the help of respective arched partitions 34, the washing fluid present on the bottom of the washing tub 3, inside of the concavity 26 of the sprinkling arm 29, i.e. towards the delivery nozzles 28.

According to such configuration, the drawing member 32, during rotation, adds a centrifugal effect to the washing fluid, increasing the thrust thereof towards, and through, the delivery nozzles 28. In this case, it is sufficient to rotate the disc-shaped structure 22, and hence the sprinkling arm 29, to guarantee a pressure and flow rate suitable for the constant supply of the delivery nozzles 28.

According to the present invention, the plurality of projections 25 of the first face 23 of the washing device 21, including the projection 25 of the sprinkling arm 29, and said baffles 27a, 27b of the second face 24 define the second washing means 20 for washing fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing. The plurality of the projections 25 and baffles 27a, 27b generate, during the rotation of the disc-shaped structure 22, a vortex in the washing fluid present inside of the washing tub 3, such to determine the agitation of the fabric, garment and/or similar clothing, and the ensuing washing thereof.

In order to increase the washing of the dishes and/or similar kitchen articles, the first washing means 19 also comprise at least one spraying arc 35 (figure 1) operatively placed inside and/or at the washing tub 3. The spraying arc 35 is provided with a plurality of delivery nozzles 36 for delivering a plurality of the washing fluid jets oriented towards an opposite direction with respect to the washing fluid jets delivered by the sprinkling arm 29. The direction of the washing fluid jets may be simplified like a trajectory that goes from top downwards. The presence of the spraying arc 35 is important for the elimination, through a rain effect, of the dirt brought-in, put in circulation by the jets of the sprinkling arm 29 placed on the bottom of the washing tub 3 and for the actuation of the sterilizing cycle, as the nozzles 36 spray the upper parts of the washing tub 3 and the inner portion 4a of the lid 4, thus allowing a uniform dispersion of the purifying and bactericidal agent on the inner walls, guaranteeing the distribution of chemical agents in each recess.

Still with reference to figures 1, 5 and 7, the washing tub 3 houses a suitably hollow drum 37 perforated and open at the upper part. The hollow drum 37 can be actuated between a non-operative condition, in which it is unmoved, and an operative condition, in which it rotates around a substantially vertical rotational axis to actuate the conventional washing according to the laundry washing machine mode, as well as drying through centrifuge .

Advantageously, the washing tub 3 is also suitable to receive at least one dish rack 38 (figures 1,4 and 5) when the electrical household appliance 1 operates in the first washing mode, i.e. in the dishwasher washing mode .

Advantageously the dish rack 38 (figures 1, 4 and 5) has a variable geometry structure 39 which, in use, is placed inside the hollow drum 37 lying, through an upper annular edge 40, on a seat 41 (figures 1, 5 and 7) obtained inside the central opening 2d, of the upper frame 2c of the structure 2.

The variable geometry of the structure 39 (figures 1 and 4) of the dish rack 38 is defined by a plurality of telescopic rods 42 which can be collapsed to flatten the rack 38 and repositionate it inside of the housing compartment 7, when the electrical household appliance 1 operates according to the laundry washing machine mode .

The electrical household appliance 1 also comprises further known components which will not be described in detail such as for example, electric motors, clutches, electrical resistors and further mechanical members required for the correct operation of the electrical household appliance 1.

When the electrical household appliance 1 requires operating according to the first washing mode, i.e. according to the dishwasher washing mode, the dish rack 38 is inserted in the washing tub 3 and a special sensor-transducer arranged in the upper frame 2c signals to the microprocessor system the consent to be set to dishwasher washing mode. When setting the washing to dishwasher mode, it is possible to perform, indistinctively, first the loading of the dish rack 38, then the insertion thereof in the washing tub 3, or, first the positioning of the dish rack 38 inside the washing tub 3, then, the loading of the products to be washed. Upon selecting the desired programme, through the control interface 15 and closing the door 4, the washing cycle starts. Obviously, the first detergent product arranged inside the distributor compartment 6 is selected by the microprocessor system and used during such washing. The actuation of the sprinkling arm 29 causes jets of the washing fluid, whose trajectory may be simplified according to a direction that goes from the bottom towards the top, connected to the second pump 9b (figure 8) which pushes the recirculation water towards the upper spraying arc 35 which, due to the nozzles 36, creates a rain effect and intensifies the washing flow on the dishes and/or similar kitchen articles removing the brought dirt put in circulation by the jets of the sprinkling arm 29 placed on the bottom of the washing tub 3. There follows the normal washing operations provided according to the selected programme, with recirculation and end cycle with drying.

When the electrical household appliance 1 requires operating according to the second washing mode, i.e. the laundry washing machine mode, the dish rack 38, is removed from the washing tub 3 to be repositioned in the housing compartment 7 (figure 1) . There follows the unloading of the garments, fabrics and/or similar clothing, in the washing tub 3 and the introduction of the detergent. With the controls 15 there occurs the setting of the desired programme which is activated as soon as the lid 4 is closed.

There follows the normal washing operations provided according to the selected programme, with final centrifuge and unloading.

During the washing, the projections 25 of the disc- shaped structure 22 of the washing device 21, alongside the baffles 27a, 27b produce a turbine of washing fluid which shakes the fabrics, the garments and/or the clothing arranged inside of the washing tub 3, performing the mechanical action for cleansing, while the hollow drum 37 is excluded from the motion by means of an electromagnetic friction.

The activation of the rotation of the hollow drum 37 occurs only in the centrifuge steps, moving integrally with the disc-shaped structure 22 of the washing device 21.

In the laundry washing machine mode there may be provided for recirculation of the fluids and the washing fluid of the last rinsing is recovered in the inner tank 10 (figures 1 and 8) so as to be re-utilized during the subsequent washing. The opening of the lid 4 always interrupts the operation of the electrical household appliance 1 regardless of the selected operating mode.

Upon changing the washing mode, the electrical household appliance 1 performs at least one sterilization cycle for eliminating germs and/or bacterial load present inside the washing tub 3, thus reducing the microbial load so as to exclude any contamination.

Cleansing is carried out at a preset temperature according to the use of specific chemical products available in the market. It is also possible to perform a cleansing cycle at room temperature using special products excluding the step of heating water through the internal resistor of the electrical household appliance 1.

In detail, a purifying and bactericidal agent is introduced into the washing tub 3 and the cleansing programme is started. Upon starting the cycle, there is activated the rotation of the disc-shaped structure 22 which, actuating the sprinkling arm 29 causes the jets of the washing fluid, as outlined above, and the spraying of the washing tub 3 by means of the second pump 9b which pushes the recirculation fluid towards the spraying arc 35. This allows carrying out a uniform distribution of the chemical agents in each recess of the washing tub 3 and of the inner portion 4a of the lid 4. The unloading step concludes the cleansing cycle. Over the entire duration of the cleansing cycle, the hollow drum 37 remains unmoved and, at the user's discretion, the dish rack 38 may be present inside the washing tub 3 with the aim of guaranteeing cleansing thereof if required. Furthermore, the recirculation system of the washing fluid may be activated or deactivated by the user.

The electrical household appliance according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks observed in the prior art and achieves considerable advantages.

First and foremost, the integration of the first and second washing means in a single body, 1>. e. the discshaped structure of the washing device, avoids the replacement and demounting/mounting of the components dedicated to a specific washing mode.

In this manner, switching from the laundry washing machine mode, to the dishwasher washing mode and vice versa, is simple, easy, and quick to perform even by people with limited operating ability.

It should also be observed that the only component that can be extracted and inserted when changing the washing mode is the dish rack whose very light structure can be collapsed and repositioned in a special compartment obtained in the very structure of the electrical household appliance, hence the latter does not have components that have to be located inside other cabinets and box rooms of the houses.

Claims

1. A multifunctional electrical household appliance (1) for washing articles, in particular for washing dishes and/or similar kitchen articles and/or fabrics, garments and/or similar clothing, comprising:

a structure (2) , wherein at least one washing tub (3) is delimited, suitable for housing at least one article to be washed;

first washing means (19) , operatively associated with said washing tub (3) for washing at least one article present inside said washing tub (3) , said first washing means (19) being switchable between a non- operative condition, wherein said electrical household appliance (1) does not carry out any washing operation, and an operative condition, wherein said electrical household appliance (1) carries out the washing of said article according to a first washing mode, i.e., according to a washing mode of the dishwasher type;

second washing means (20) , operatively associated with said washing tub (3) for washing at least one article present inside said washing tub (3), said second washing means (20) being switchable between a non-operative condition, wherein said electrical household appliance (1) does not carry out any washing operation, and an operative condition, wherein said electrical household appliance (1) carries out the washing of said article according to a second washing mode, i.e., according to a washing mode of the laundry- washing machine type;

characterized in that said first and second washing means (19, 20) are integrated to define at least one washing device (21) suitable for operating in the first washing mode, through said first washing means (19) , or in the second washing mode, through said second washing means (20) , and characterized in that it comprises selecting means operatively associated with said first and second washing means (19, 20) for selecting the desired washing mode, said selecting means being switchable between a first condition, wherein the washing of said at least one article present in said washing tub (3) is carried out by said first washing means (19) according to the first washing mode, and a second condition, wherein the washing of said at least one article present in said washing tub (3) is carried out by said second washing means (20) according to the second washing mode .

2. The electrical household appliance according to claim 1, wherein said washing device (21) comprises a substantially disk-shaped structure (22) rotatably placed at a bottom of said washing tub (3) , said disk- shaped structure (22) presenting:

a first face (23) facing an access opening (3c) of said washing tub (3) opposite to said bottom, said first face (23) presenting at least one substantially radial projection (25) ; and

a second face (24) facing the bottom of said washing tub, said second face (24) presenting at least one substantially radial concavity (26) , corresponding to said projection (25) of said first face (23) .

3. The electrical household appliance according to claim 2, wherein:

said first face (23) of said disk-shaped structure (22) of said washing device (21) has a plurality of substantially radial projections (25) ; and said second face (24) of said disk-shaped structure (22) of said washing device (21) has a plurality of substantially radial concavities (26) , each corresponding to a respective projection (25) of said first face (23) .

4. The electrical household appliance according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein said second face (24) comprises at least one projecting baffle (27a, 27b) provided for stiffening said disk-shaped structure (22) and/or for agitating the washing fluid present inside said washing tub (3) during the washing cycle and the rotation of said disk-shaped structure (22) .

5. The electrical household appliance according to any of the claims from 2 to 4 , wherein said second face (24) comprises a plurality of projecting baffles (27a, 27b) for stiffening said disk-shaped structure (22) and/or agitating the washing fluid present inside said washing tub (3) , said baffles (27a, 27b) being divided into :

first radial baffles (27a) ; and

second arched baffles (27b) , which develop according to circle arcs substantially parallel, transverse to said first baffles (27a) .

6. The electrical household appliance according to any of the claims from 2 to 5, wherein said at least one projection (25) of said first face (23) and the respective concavity (26) of said second face (24) present a plurality of nozzles (28) for delivering a plurality of said washing fluid jets inside said washing tub (3) defining a respective sprinkling arm (29) forming part of said first washing means (19) , said concavity (26) being at least partially closed, at said second face (24) , by at least one element (30) to delimit a delivery chamber in fluid communication with said nozzles (28) , said delivery chamber being in fluid communication with a system for supplying said washing fluid of said electrical household appliance (1) , through at least one connection opening (30a) obtained through said element (30) .

7. The electrical household appliance according to claim 6, wherein said disk-shaped structure is associated with a member (32) for drawing said washing fluid, operatively located substantially centrally at a respective through opening (33) of said disk-shaped structure (22) , said drawing member (32) developing substantially around said through opening (33) according to a substantially helical profile for drawing said washing fluid from the bottom of the tub (3) and conveying said washing fluid towards said delivery nozzles (28) .

8. The electrical household appliance according to any of the claims from 2 to 7, wherein said first washing means (19) further comprise at least one spraying arc (35) operatively placed inside or at said washing tub (3) , said spraying arc (35) being provided with a plurality of delivery nozzles (36) for delivering a plurality of washing fluid jets oriented towards an opposite direction with respect to the washing fluid jets delivered by said sprinkling arm (29) , in particular in a direction basically comparable to a trajectory that goes from the top downwards.

9. The electrical household appliance according to any of the claims from 2 to 7 , wherein said plurality of projections (25) of said first face (23) of said washing device (21) and said projecting baffles (27a, 27b) of said second face (24) of said washing device (21) define said second washing means (20) for washing fabrics, garments, and/or similar clothing, said plurality of projections (25) and baffles (27a, 27b) generating, during the rotation of said disk-shaped structure (22) , a vortex in the washing fluid present inside said washing tub (3) such as to determine agitation and washing of the fabric, garment, and/or similar clothing.

10. The electrical household appliance according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said washing tub (3) is defined by a hollow drum (37) , actuatable between a non-operative condition, wherein it is still, and an operative condition, wherein it is in rotation around an axis of rotation substantially transverse with respect to said washing device (21) , said washing tub (3) being suitable for receiving at least one dish rack (38) when said electrical household appliance (1) operates in the first washing mode.