ITMI20112015A1 - MULTIFUNCTIONAL APPLIANCES FOR THE WASHING OF ARTICLES, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE WASHING OF KITCHENWARE AND / OR SIMILAR ITEMS AND / OR FOR THE WASHING OF FABRICS, CLOTHING AND SIMILAR CLOTHING GARMENTS - Google Patents

Description

MULTIFUNCTIONAL APPLIANCE FOR THE WASHING OF ITEMS, IN PARTICULAR FOR THE WASHING OF DISHES AND / OR SIMILAR KITCHEN ITEMS AND / OR FOR THE WASHING OF FABRICS, CLOTHING AND SIMILAR CLOTHING

The present invention relates to a multifunctional household appliance for washing items, in particular for washing dishes and / or similar kitchen items, and / or for washing fabrics, garments and similar items of clothing.

The object of the present invention is located in the sector of household appliances and / or appliances or tools powered by electricity, intended for domestic / household uses.

The object of the present invention is also suitable for use in the hotel tourism sector or in any other sector requiring the present multifunctional household appliance.

The object of the present invention can also be used on means of transport of significant size, both public and private, such as, for example, boats, ships, caravans, caravans, coaches, trains and / or the like. In detail, the present invention is directed to household appliances intended for washing articles, such as dishwashers and washing machines.

As is known, both dishwashers and washing machines are intended for washing commonly used items that require frequent washing, such as crockery and / or similar kitchen items, as well as fabrics, clothing and / or similar items of clothing.

In order to ensure large washing volumes, dishwashers, like washing machines, have large load capacities. The substantial load capacity inevitably affects the overall dimensions of these appliances which therefore require considerable space for their positioning.

It should also be noted that, since dishwashers and washing machines perform different functions, the presence of both is frequent in homes, with the consequent need to rationalize the interior spaces, often with difficulty.

In order to reduce the overall dimensions of these two types of appliances, which are significantly bulky, a household appliance has been designed for washing items, capable of combining the washing methods of dishwashers with the washing methods of washing machines. In other words, household appliances capable of operating as dishwashers for washing dishes and / or similar kitchen items, as well as washing machines, for washing fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing are known.

A first example of a household appliance capable of operating in a combined way, ie as a dishwasher and a washing machine, is described and illustrated in US2,563,046.

The household appliance represented in this document comprises a structure within which at least one washing tank with a vertical rotary axis is delimited, designed to accommodate the items to be washed.

Inside the washing tank there is operationally arranged a rotating drum, suitably perforated, for washing the items according to a washing machine washing mode. The drum can be controlled in rotation according to a single direction of rotation or according to alternating directions of rotation.

On the rotation shaft and inside the drum, a stirring member is removably mounted whose transverse fins generate, when the washing tank is filled or partially filled, a respective vortex for washing the items. The fabrics and / or garments are washed through the mechanical action carried out by the agitator organ and the irregular wall of the drum, as well as by the rubbing of the tissues caused by the vortex generated by the agitator organ.

When the appliance is to be used as a dishwasher, the stirrer is removed from the rotation shaft to be disassembled. Instead of the stirrer, a basket for dishes is mounted which remains inside the perforated drum and allows the dishes to be washed to be arranged. The assembly of the dish holder basket is carried out by fitting a central bushing of the same on the rotation shaft.

Washing according to the dishwasher mode takes place by means of a plurality of washing jets which are delivered through corresponding diffuser arcs arranged respectively above and below the washing drum.

As mentioned above, the drum has an irregular internal wall whose inclined portions act as deflectors for the washing fluid delivered inside the drum which is rotated according to a rotation speed lower than the rotation speed used during the mode. washing machine.

A second example of a household appliance capable of operating in a combined way as a dishwasher and a washing machine is described and illustrated in US2,603,097.

Similarly to the first example set out above, the household appliance represented in this document comprises a structure which delimits a vertical washing tank designed to accommodate the items to be washed.

A rotation shaft extends vertically inside the washing tank on which different accessories are mounted to change the washing mode of the appliance.

In detail, when the appliance has to work according to the washing machine mode, an agitator member equipped with suitable fins is fitted and fixed on the rotary shaft to generate a suitable washing vortex in the condition of filling or partial filling of the washing tank.

When the appliance has to operate according to a dishwasher washing mode, the stirrer element is removed from the rotary shaft to be replaced with a diffusion propeller. The diffusion propeller is fitted and fixed on the rotation shaft in such a way that, when the washing tank is filled according to a substantially low filling level, it determines the centrifugal movement of the washing fluid which thus impacts the items present inside the washing tank, cleaning them. The washing fluid is therefore pushed against the dishes stored in a basket which is placed inside the washing tank.

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

Similarly to the examples set out above, the household appliance represented in this document comprises a structure within which at least one substantially vertical washing tank is delimited and is designed to accommodate the items to be washed.

Inside the washing tank there is operationally arranged a rotating drum, suitably perforated, for washing the items according to the washing machine mode. The rotating drum is crossed by a rotation shaft which is predisposed to removably receive in engagement, depending on the washing mode to be carried out, an agitator organ or a basket for dishes.

In detail, when the household appliance needs to operate in a washing machine washing mode, a stirring member, having a helical portion, is fitted and fixed on the rotary shaft to generate, in the filled or partially filled condition, a vortex intended for washing fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing. When the appliance needs to operate in a dishwasher washing mode, it is necessary to disassemble the agitator organ by removing the latter from the rotation shaft in order to store the basket of dishes inside the tank. washing and fix it to the rotation shaft by means of a suitable locking element. The dishes are washed by rotating the drum and / or basket inside the washing fluid loaded into the washing tank.

Although the appliances described above allow the combination, in a single appliance, of a dishwasher and a washing machine, tackling the problem of the overall dimensions of two bulky appliances in an incisive way, the Applicant has found that they have some drawbacks and can be improved. in some respects, mainly in relation to the practicality of use, the operating simplicity and the speed of switching from washing mode to washing machine to washing mode to dishwasher and vice versa, as well as to the overall dimensions of these appliances.

In particular, the Applicant has found that in the household appliances referred to, switching from washing mode to washing machine to washing mode to dishwasher and vice versa always requires the replacement of one or more components. The replacement of the aforementioned components inevitably involves the intervention of a person capable of carrying out these operations in a short time.

In fact, the replacement of the aforementioned components requires manual and operational skills and abilities that are not within everyone's reach, so the assembly and disassembly of some parts cannot be easily carried out or even put into operation. In extreme cases, where there are limitations and / or motor disabilities of slight or significant entities, the replacement of the aforementioned components cannot even be implemented.

In detail, the replacement of the components requires first the disassembly of the components unsuitable for the implementation of the desired washing mode, then, the assembly of the components necessary for the implementation of the desired washing mode. It should also be added that the appliances described above require the availability, inside the homes, of special spaces for storing the components not used during the implementation of one of the washing methods provided. In other words, when the appliance operates according to a specific washing mode, the components necessary for its operation according to the other washing mode must be placed in spaces that could be used to contain other objects.

The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional household appliance for washing items, in particular for washing dishes and / or similar kitchen items, and / or for washing fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing. , capable of solving the problems encountered in the known art.

One of the purposes of the present invention is to provide a multifunctional household appliance whose switching from washing mode to dishwasher mode and vice versa is practical, easy, simple and quick to perform.

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

The purposes specified above, and others besides, are substantially achieved by a multifunctional household appliance for washing items, in particular for washing dishes and / or similar kitchen items, and / or for washing fabrics, clothing and / or similar items of clothing, as expressed and described in the following claims.

By way of example, the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a multifunctional household appliance for washing items, in particular for washing dishes and / or similar kitchen items, and / or washing fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing, as expressed and described in the following claims.

This description will be made below with reference to the attached figures, provided for indicative purposes only and therefore not limitative, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective representation of a multifunctional household appliance for washing items, in particular for washing dishes and / or similar kitchen items, and / or for washing fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing , shown in the open condition and with a basket for dishes inserted inside a housing compartment;

figure 2 is a perspective representation of a part of a component of the household appliance referred to in the previous figure;

figure 3 is a further perspective representation of the component illustrated in figure 2;

Figure 4 is a perspective representation of the dish rack of Figure 1 illustrated in an assembled operating condition and in a closed variable geometry compact non-operating condition;

figure 5 is a plan view of the appliance in figure 1, shown in the open condition and with the basket for dishes arranged inside the washing tank of the appliance;

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

figure 7 is an enlarged perspective representation of a detail of the household appliance shown in figures 1, 5 and 6;

figure 8 is a rear view of the appliance in figures 1 and from 5 to 7. With reference to figures 1 and from 5 to 8, the number 1 generally indicates a multifunctional household appliance for washing items , in particular for washing dishes and similar kitchen items, and / or for washing fabrics, garments and similar items of clothing, in accordance with the present invention.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 5 to 8, the household appliance 1 comprises a structure 2 with a substantially box-like conformation inside which at least one washing tank 3 is delimited, suitable for housing at least one item (not illustrated in the figures ), in particular a plurality of items, to be washed.

With reference to Figure 1, the structure 2 of the household appliance 1 has a bottom 2a from which a plurality of side walls 2b extend, substantially perpendicularly, ending in correspondence with an upper transverse frame 2c, provided with a central opening 2d substantially coinciding with the washing tank 3.

Advantageously, between the upper frame 2c and the washing tank 3 there is at least one sealing gasket (not visible in the figures) which ensures the hermetic seal of the washing tank 3 during the operation of the household appliance 1.

The advantageous arrangement of the opening 2d of the upper frame 2c in correspondence with the washing tank 3 allows and facilitates the insertion and removal, from above, of the items to be washed into and from the latter.

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

As can be seen in figures 1, 5, 7 and 8, the lid 4 has an internal portion 4a intended to close the opening 2d of the upper frame 2c covering the latter, and an external portion 4b, facing in the opposite direction with respect to the internal portion 4a, defining a respective support and work surface for cooking operations.

Advantageously, the opening of the lid 4 can be oriented according to the needs in correspondence with any side wall 2B of the structure 2. As can be seen in figures 1 and 5, the internal 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 items. The distributor compartment 6 is equipped with a suitable closing door 6a whose opening can be controlled manually or automatically by means of appropriate control means (not shown).

Again with reference to figures 1 and 5, the internal portion 4a of the lid 4 has a housing for a ring gasket 4c which, by compressing itself on the upper frame 2c, ensures the hermetic closure of the washing tank 3 during the operation of the household appliance 1 , as well as a plurality of rubber abutment elements 4d distributed around the ring gasket 4c for resting the lid 4 on the upper frame 2c of the structure 2.

Again with reference to figure 1, at least one of the side walls 2b is provided with a door 2e that can be opened to access a housing compartment 7 located near the bottom 2a of the structure 2, as well as other parts of the appliance 1, such as, for example, a filter 8 and a first pump 9a arranged below the washing tank 3.

Advantageously, as can be seen in Figure 8, both a second pump 9b and a tank 10 for the recovery of the washing fluid, preferably for the final rinsing of the garments, are located at the bottom 2a of the structure 2 to optimize the internal spaces of the appliance 1 and consequently lower the center of mass of the latter. As can be seen in Figure 8, at least one side wall 2b of the structure 2 is advantageously provided with at least one reinforcement band 11a and 11b. In detail, the reinforcement band 11a is welded, for example with point resistance, to the respective side wall 2b in an upper area of the same, in correspondence with the upper frame 2c of the structure 2, while the band 11b, located at the base of the € ™ household appliance 1, is welded both to the adjacent side walls 2B and to the bottom 2a.

Again 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 11b, has at least one service panel 2f which can be disengaged from the structure 2 by removing the corresponding fastening elements 12 to allow the control and maintenance of the internal components of the appliance 1. The lower strip 11b is provided with the inlet and outlet connections 13 necessary respectively for the water connection, at the outlet and in the inlet, and for the electrical power supply of the appliance 1 .

Advantageously, the structure 2 of the household appliance 1 is shaped in such a way as to have a common overall size which falls within the standards normally used for built-in furniture.

In detail, the overall dimensions for installation under the kitchen top must fit into a parallelepiped having a width of 600 mm, a depth of 600 mm and a height of 900 mm. There are, however, categories with small dimensional increases, such as, for example, width equal to 630 millimeters, depth equal to 630 millimeters and height equal to 900 millimeters.

By way of example, the structure 2 of the household appliance 1 can have a width substantially equal to about 582 mm, a depth substantially equal to about 582 mm and a height substantially equal to about 900 mm. The height of the appliance 1 is greater than other built-in appliances under the kitchen top, since the appliance 1 forms part of the worktop A (figure 6) aligning itself with the latter.

As illustrated in figure 6, in accordance with the dimensions mentioned above, the household appliance 1 is suitable for being built into a traditional kitchen cabinet M. In this case, the structure 2 of the household appliance 1 can be advantageously covered with a series of panels that reproduce the external appearance of the kitchen cabinet M.

According to the example illustrated in figure 6, the structure 2 of the household appliance 1 can be covered with a discontinuous paneling in such a way as to have a fixed upper panel B1 anchored to the respective side wall 2b and a lower movable panel B2 fixed externally to the door 2e of the structure 2.

To facilitate user operations, the B2 panel can have a type of handle that matches the design of the kitchen cabinet M.

Naturally, the appliance 1 can be built-in according to any desired position inside the kitchen cabinet M. For example, in figure 6, the appliance 1 is built-in to the left of the sink L, but the same appliance 1 can also be built-in to the right of the sink L, without encountering any difficulty. This advantage is guaranteed by the possibility of being able to arrange the opening of the lid 4 in correspondence with any of the side walls 2b by means of the hinges 5.

The possibility of arranging the opening of the lid 4 according to one's needs, allows for easier loading and unloading of the products to be treated. Furthermore, the position adjacent to the sink L, whether the appliance 1 is positioned on the right or on the left, allows the rinsing of the products, mainly the dishes, in the sink itself, as well as the loading of the same dishes in the sink itself. € ™ appliance 1, avoiding annoying dripping on the floor. In this case, the drippings are confined to the worktop A of the kitchen cabinet M. This implies facilitations for any cleaning operations as they are carried out only on worktop A and not on the floor, thus avoiding the need to bend down.

It should also be considered that the appliance 1 with loading from above, if positioned adjacent to the sink L, allows the user to load the dishes to be treated making minimal movements and in an upright position.

In accordance with the recessed solution, the external portion 4b of the lid 4 can be advantageously replaced with an upper covering E, preferably made of the same material as that of the worktop A of the kitchen cabinet M, in such a way as to ensure continuity of the external and aesthetic aspect of the worktop A of this last one.

Advantageously, the hinges 5 allow a wide opening of the lid 4 and the precise alignment of the appliance 1 with the lid 4 closed with the worktop A and with the adjacent furniture. The movement of the lid 4 provided with the upper covering E, from the open position to the closed position and vice versa, is ensured by the pivot-translating movement of the hinges 5 in the vertical direction, avoiding any interference with the kitchen cabinet M.

In the built-in condition (figure 6) the lid 4 can be opened without the grip handles by acting directly on the edges of the upper covering E and avoiding places that are not easily accessible for cleaning.

In order to facilitate the opening of the upper covering E, if the need arises, the hinges 5 can be provided with corresponding elastic opening elements (not shown) capable of assisting the rotation of the covered cover 4, from the position of closing to the open position. With reference to figures 1 and 8, the household appliance 1 is advantageously equipped with a plurality of support feet 14 engaged on the bottom 2a of the structure 2 to ensure its stable support on the floor.

Preferably, the support feet 14 are adjustable in height to adapt the support of the appliance 1 to an uneven floor and at the same time allow the adjustment of the overall height of the latter, which can vary, depending on the needs, even exceeding the standard height of 900 millimeters.

Again with reference to figures 1 and 5, the household appliance 1 is equipped, preferably in correspondence with the upper frame 2c, with at least one control interface 15 for programming the washing cycles and with at least one housing tray 16 for a second detergent product (not shown) intended for washing fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing.

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

Advantageously, the upper frame 2c which supports the lid 4 by means of the hinges 5 can be removed from the structure 2 of the appliance 1 by means of corresponding hooking elements of known type, so that it is possible to change the opening direction of the appliance 1. This operation can be carried out easily and without particular effort given the low weight of the components which can be assumed to be made of a polymeric material.

Furthermore, the assembly of the upper frame 2c to the structure 2 is advantageously facilitated by four centering slots (not visible) suitably provided on the structure 2.

A second possibility of customizing the appliance 1 derives from the presence of at least one pair of configurable elements 2câ € ™, 2câ € ™ â € ™ which are suitably housed in the upper frame 2c. These elements 2câ € ™, 2câ € ™ â € ™ are removable and interchangeable by the user in order to arrange them according to his liking. In detail, the elements 2câ € ™, 2câ € ™ â € ™ have such a geometry that they can house components such as the command interface 15 and / or the housing tray 16 in their central hollow part.

Going into detail, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 7, the structure 2 is also provided, in correspondence with the upper frame 2c, with a plurality of support brackets 17 anchored to the side walls 2b for supporting the corresponding anti-vibration supports 18, which in turn engage the washing tank 3 with minimum space, ensuring its stability.

In accordance with this structural configuration, the washing tank 3 is supported by the lateral walls 2b of the structure 2 in a floating way, so that the vibrations caused by one or more moving parts of the household appliance 1, during operation, are appropriately absorbed. As shown in Figure 1, the washing tank 3 develops substantially vertically according to a cylindrical shape. The washing tank 3 has a plurality of reinforcing ribs 3a which extend along the cylindrical side wall and radially along its bottom. In correspondence with the cylindrical side wall of the washing tank 3, the reinforcing ribs 3a extend up to the top of the same in such a way as to facilitate the engagement of the anti-vibration supports 18 by means of the slots 3b (figure 7).

Further components of the household appliance 1 necessary for the correct washing functions, such as for example one or more electric resistances, as well as suitable decalcifying devices, are appropriately arranged under the washing tank 3.

Advantageously, the household appliance 1 comprises first washing means 19 (Figures 2 and 3) operatively associated with the washing tank 3 to wash at least one article present inside the latter.

The first washing means 19 can be switched between an inoperative condition in which the household appliance 1 does not carry out any washing and an operating condition in which the said appliance 1 carries out the washing of the items stored inside the washing tank 3 according to a first washing mode, that is to say according to a washing mode of the dishwasher type.

Advantageously, the household appliance 1 also comprises second washing means 20 operatively associated with the washing tank 3 to wash at least one article present inside the latter.

The second washing means 20 can be switched between an inoperative condition, in which the household appliance 1 does not perform any washing, and an operating condition, in which the household appliance 1 carries out the washing of the articles present inside the washing 3 in accordance with a second washing mode, ie according to a washing mode of the washing machine type.

Inside the washing tank 3 there is operationally arranged a hollow perforated drum 37 (figures 1, 5 and 7) oriented substantially vertically like the washing tank 3. The perforated drum 37 can be operated in rotation around an axis of substantially vertical rotation to perform the usual washing of fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing, as well as squeezing them by means of a centrifuge, when the household appliance 1 operates according to a washing machine washing mode.

According to an advantageous aspect of the present invention, the first and second washing means 19, 20 are integrated to define at least one washing device 21 able to operate in the first washing mode, by means of the first washing means 19, or in the second washing mode. , by means of the second washing means 20.

Preferably, the household appliance 1 is advantageously provided with appropriate selection means arranged on the control interface 15 (shown in Figures 1 and 5) operatively associated with the first and second washing means 19 and 20 to select the mode of desired wash.

The selection means can therefore be switched between a first condition, in which the washing of the articles is carried out by the first washing means 19 in accordance with the first washing mode, and a second condition, in which the washing of the articles is carried out by the second washing means 20 in accordance with the second washing mode.

Going into detail, the aforementioned washing device 21 which integrates the first and second washing means 19 and 20, comprises a substantially discoidal structure 22 (Figures 1 to 3 and 5), rotatably arranged concentrically inside the washing tank 3 at the bottom of the latter, able to rotate around a corresponding substantially vertical axis of rotation.

The discoidal 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 tank 3 opposite the bottom of the same and a second face 24 (figure 3) facing the bottom of the washing tank 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 to the discoidal structure 22.

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

Again with reference to Figure 3, the second face 24 of the discoidal structure 22 comprises at least one septum 27a, 27b, preferably a plurality of septa 27a, 27b, which protrude to stiffen the discoid structure itself and / or agitate the washing fluid present in the € ™ inside the washing tank 3 during the washing cycle and the rotation of the discoid structure itself.

Advantageously, the septa 27a, 27b are divided into first radial septa 27a and second arcuate septa 27b, which develop according to substantially parallel arcs of circle, transversal to the first septa 27a.

Again 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 are substantially diametrically developed and have a plurality of nozzles 28 for dispensing a plurality of jets of washing fluid inside the washing tank 3 thus defining a respective spray arm 29 forming part of the first washing means 19. In this case, the concavity 26 of the spray arm 29 is at least partially closed, in correspondence of the second face 24 through an element 30 (figure 3), to delimit a dispensing chamber in fluid communication with the nozzles 28. The dispensing chamber is also in fluid communication with a supply system for the washing fluid of the Household appliance 1 through at least one connection opening 30a obtained through element 30 and through a filter 31 (figure 3) which consists of a suitable a support 31a for assembly and a metal grid 31b.

Still with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the discoidal structure 22 advantageously has a member 32 for withdrawing the washing fluid.

The sampling organ 32 is part of the discoidal structure 22 since it can be made through the same production process as the discoidal structure 22. It is also necessary to consider the possibility of producing the sampling organ 32 through different manufacturing and / or production processes and then proceed, at a later stage, to the assembly of the same pick-up member 32 to the disc-shaped structure 22 through the use of known technologies and / or fastening elements, such as for example ultrasonic welding, gluing and / or similar fastening systems.

The withdrawal member 32 is operatively located substantially centrally in correspondence with a central through opening 33 of the discoidal structure 22.

The withdrawal member 32 develops around the through opening 33 according to a substantially helical profile to convey, through the aid of corresponding arched bulkheads 34, the washing fluid present on the bottom of the washing tank 3, to the Inside the concavity 26 of the spray arm 29, that is towards the dispensing nozzles 28.

According to this configuration, the sampling member 32, in the rotation phase, adds a centrifugal effect to the washing fluid, increasing its thrust towards and through the dispensing nozzles 28. In this case, the rotation of the discoidal structure 22, and consequently of the spray arm 29, to ensure adequate pressure and flow rate for the constant supply of the dispensing nozzles 28.

In accordance with the present invention, the plurality of protrusions 25 of the first face 23 of the washing device 21, including the protrusion 25 of the spray arm 29, and said baffles 27a, 27b of the second face 24 define the second washing means 20 for the washing of fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing. The plurality of the protrusions 25 and of the septa 27a, 27b generate, during the rotation of the discoidal structure 22, a vortex in the washing fluid present inside the washing tank 3, such as to cause the agitation of the fabric, of the ™ garment and / or similar items of clothing, and the consequent washing of the same.

In order to increase the washing of dishes and / or similar kitchen items, the first washing means 19 also comprise at least one diffuser arch 35 (Figure 1) operatively arranged inside and / or in correspondence with the washing tank 3 .

The diffuser arc 35 is provided with a plurality of dispensing nozzles 36 for dispensing a plurality of jets of washing fluid directed in the opposite direction to the jets of washing fluid delivered by the spray arm 29. The direction of the washing fluid jets of washing fluid can be simplified as a trajectory that goes from top to bottom. The presence of the diffuser arch 35 is important for the elimination, through the rain effect, of the dirt brought into circulation by the jets of the spray arm 29 present on the bottom of the washing tank 3 and for the implementation of the sanitization, as the nozzles 36 spray the upper parts of the washing tank 3 and the internal portion 4a of the lid 4, allowing a uniform dispersion of the purifying and debacterizing agent on the internal walls, ensuring the distribution of chemical agents in every withdrawal.

Again with reference to Figures 1, 5 and 7, the washing tank 3 houses the hollow drum 37 suitably perforated and open at the top. The hollow drum 37 can be operated between an inoperative condition, in which it is stationary, and an operative condition, in which it is rotating around a substantially vertical axis of rotation to carry out the traditional washing according to the washing machine washing mode. , as well as drying by spinning.

Advantageously, the washing tank 3 is also adapted to accommodate at least one basket for dishes 38 (figures 1,4 and 5) when the household appliance 1 operates in the first washing mode, that is to say in the dishwasher washing mode.

Advantageously, the dish holder basket 38 (figures 1, 4 and 5) has a variable geometry structure 39 which, in use, is housed inside the hollow drum 37, leaning, 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 holder basket 38 is defined by a plurality of telescopic rods 42 which can be collapsed to flatten the basket 38 and store it inside the housing compartment 7, when the appliance 1 operates according to the washing machine mode.

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

When the appliance 1 needs to operate according to the first washing mode, that is to say according to the dishwasher washing mode, the dish holder basket 38 is inserted in the washing tank 3 and a special sensor-transducer placed in the upper frame 2c signals to a microprocessor system the consent to set up in dishwasher washing mode. When preparing the dishwasher for washing, it is possible to carry out, indifferently, first the loading of the dish holder rack 38, then its insertion into the washing tank 3, or, first, the positioning of the dishes holder rack 38 inside the washing tank. washing 3, then the loading of the products to be washed. Once the desired program has been selected, via the control interface 15 and door 4 closed, the washing cycle starts. Naturally, the first detergent product placed inside the dispenser compartment 6 is selected by the microprocessor system and used during this washing. The actuation of the spray arm 29 causes jets of the washing fluid, whose trajectory can be simplified according to a direction that goes from bottom to top, together with the second pump 9b (figure 8) which pushes the water of recirculation towards the upper diffuser arc 35 which, thanks to the nozzles 36, creates a rain effect and intensifies the washing flow on dishes and / or similar kitchen items by removing the dirt put into circulation by the jets of the spray arm 29 present on the bottom of the wash tank 3. The normal washing operations follow according to the selected program, with recirculation and end of cycle with drying.

When the appliance 1 needs to operate in accordance with the second washing mode, that is to say the washing machine washing mode, the dish holder basket 38 is removed from the washing tank 3 to be placed in the housing compartment 7 ( Figure 1). This is followed by loading the garments, fabrics and / or similar items of clothing into the washing tank 3 and introducing the detergent. With the commands 15 you set the desired program which is activated as soon as the lid 4 is closed.

The normal washing operations follow according to the selected program, with final spin and drain.

During washing, the protrusions 25 of the discoidal structure 22 of the washing device 21, together with the septa 27a, 27b, produce a whirlwind of washing fluid which shakes the fabrics, garments and / or garments placed inside the washing tank. washing 3, carrying out the mechanical action for cleaning, while the hollow drum 37 is excluded from motion by means of an electromagnetic clutch. The activation of the rotation of the hollow drum 37 occurs only in the spinning phases, moving in an integral manner with the discoidal structure 22 of the washing device 21.

In washing machine mode, recirculation can be provided and the washing fluid from the last rinse is recovered in the internal tank 10 (figures 1 and 8) to be reused during the next wash. Opening the lid 4 always interrupts the operation of the appliance 1 regardless of the selected operating mode.

When a change in the washing mode is implemented, the appliance 1 carries out at least one sanitization cycle to eliminate germs and / or bacterial loads present inside the washing tank 3, consequently reducing the microbial load in in order to exclude any contamination.

Sanitization is performed at a pre-established temperature based on the use of specific chemical products available on the market. It is also possible to carry out a sanitation cycle at room temperature with the use of special products, excluding the water heating phase by means of the internal resistance of the appliance 1.

In detail, a purifying and debacterizing agent is introduced into the washing tank 3 and the sanitizing program is started. When the cycle has started, the rotation of the discoidal structure 22 is activated which, by activating the spray arm 29, causes the jets of the washing fluid, as described above, and the spraying of the washing tank 3 by means of the second pump 9b which pushes the recirculating fluid towards the diffuser arc 35. In this way, a uniform distribution of the chemical agents is carried out in each recess of the washing tank 3 and of the internal portion 4a of the lid 4. The drain phase concludes the sanitizing cycle . For the entire duration of the sanitization cycle, the hollow drum 37 remains stationary and, at the user's discretion, the dish holder basket 38 can be present inside the washing tank 3 in order to ensure sanitization of the itself if necessary. In addition, the flushing fluid recirculation system can be activated or deactivated by the user.

The household appliance in accordance with the present invention solves the problems encountered in the known art and achieves important advantages.

First of all, the integration of the first and second washing means in a single body, that is the discoidal structure of the washing device, avoids the replacement and disassembly and assembly of components dedicated to specific washing methods.

In this way, switching from washing mode to washing machine to washing mode to dishwasher and vice versa is simple, easy and quick to be carried out even by people with limited operating skills.

It should also be considered that the only component that can be removed and inserted during the change of washing mode is the dish holder basket whose very light structure can be collapsed and stored inside a special compartment obtained in the structure itself of the household appliance, for which the latter does not have components that must be placed inside other furniture and closets of the houses.

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Multifunctional household appliance (1) for washing items, in particular for washing dishes and / or similar kitchen items and / or fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing, comprising: a structure (2) inside which is delimited at least one washing tank (3) suitable for housing at least one item to be washed; first washing means (19) operatively associated with said washing tank (3) to wash at least one article present inside said washing tank (3), said first washing means (19) being switchable between a non- operating in which said household appliance (1) does not carry out any washing and an operating condition in which said household appliance (1) carries out the washing of said article in accordance with a first washing mode, i.e. according to a washing mode of the dishwasher type ; second washing means (20) operatively associated with said washing tank (3) for washing at least one article present inside said washing tank (3), said second washing means (20) being switchable between a non- operating in which said household appliance (1) does not carry out any washing and an operating condition in which said household appliance (1) carries out the washing of said article in accordance with a second washing mode, i.e. according to a washing mode of the washing machine type ; characterized in that said first and second washing means (19, 20) are integrated to define at least one washing device (21) adapted to operate in the first washing mode, by means of said first washing means (19), or in the second washing mode, by means of said second washing means (20), and characterized in that it comprises selection means operatively associated with said first and second washing means (19, 20) to select the desired washing mode, said selection means being switchable between a first condition in which the washing of said at least one article present in said washing tank (3) is carried out by said first washing means (19) in accordance with the first washing mode, and a second condition, in wherein the washing of said at least one article present in said washing tank (3) is carried out by said second washing means (20) in accordance with the second washing mode. Household appliance according to claim 1, wherein said washing device (21) comprises a substantially discoidal structure (22) rotatably arranged at a bottom of said washing tank (3), said discoidal structure (22) having: a first face (23) facing an access opening (3c) of said washing tank (3) opposite to said bottom, said first face (23) presenting at least one substantially radial projection (25); a second face (24) facing the bottom of said washing tank, said second face (24) presenting at least one substantially radial concavity (26), corresponding to said projection (25) of said first face (23). 3. Electric household appliance according to claim 2, wherein: said first face (23) of said discoidal structure (22) of said washing device (21) has a plurality of substantially radial projections (25); said second face (24) of said discoidal structure (22) of said washing device (21) has a plurality of substantially radial concavities (26) each corresponding to a respective protrusion (25) of said first face (23). 4. Appliance according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said second face (24) comprises at least one protruding septum (27a, 27b) designed to stiffen said discoidal structure (22) and / or to stir the washing fluid present in the inside of said washing tank (3) during the washing cycle and the rotation of said discoidal structure (22). 5. Household appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said second face (24) comprises a plurality of protruding septa (27a, 27b) to stiffen said discoidal structure (22) and / or agitate the washing fluid present at the € ™ inside of said washing tank (3), said septa (27a, 27b) being divided into: first radial septa (27a); second arcuate septa (27b), developing according to substantially parallel arcs of circle, transversal to said first septa (27a). 6. Household appliance according to any one of claims 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) have a plurality of nozzles (28 ) for the delivery of a plurality of jets of said washing fluid inside said washing tank (3) defining a respective spray arm (29) forming part of said first washing means (19), said concavity (26) being at least partially closed, in correspondence with said second face (24) by at least one element (30) to delimit a dispensing chamber in fluid communication with said nozzles (28), said dispensing chamber being in fluid communication with a feeding system of said washing fluid of said household appliance (1), through at least one connection opening (30a) obtained through said element (30). 7. Household appliance according to claim 6, wherein said disc-shaped structure is associated with a withdrawal member (32) of said washing fluid which is operatively located substantially centrally in correspondence with a respective through opening (33) of said disc-shaped structure (22) , said withdrawal member (32) substantially developing around said through opening (33) according to a substantially helical profile to withdraw said washing fluid from the bottom of the tank (3) and convey said washing fluid towards said dispensing nozzles (28) . 8. Household appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said first washing means (19) further comprise at least one diffuser arc (35) operatively arranged inside or in correspondence with said washing tank (3), said diffuser arc (35) being provided with a plurality of dispensing nozzles (36) for dispensing a plurality of jets of washing fluid directed in the opposite direction to the jets of washing fluid delivered by said sprinkler arm (29) , in particular according to a direction similar to a trajectory that goes from top to bottom. 9. Household appliance according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein said plurality of protrusions (25) of said first face (23) of said washing device (21) and said septa (27a, 27b) protruding of said second face (24) of said washing device (21) define said second washing means (20) for washing fabrics, garments and / or similar items of clothing, said plurality of protrusions (25) and septa (27a, 27b) generating , during the rotation of said discoid structure (22), a vortex in the washing fluid present inside said washing tank (3), such as to cause agitation and washing of the fabric, garment and / or similar items of clothing. 10. Household appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said washing tank (3) is defined by a hollow drum (37) which can be operated between an inoperative condition, in which it is stationary, and an operational condition, in which it is ̈ rotating around an axis of rotation substantially transversal with respect to said washing device (21), said washing tank (3) being able to accommodate at least one basket (38) carrying dishes when said household appliance (1) operates in first mode washing.