WO2019132661A1

WO2019132661A1 - Washing device for washing objects, and sprayer, conversion kit and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2019132661A1
Application number: PCT/NL2018/050888
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Baptiste Franciscus MELEIN
Original assignee: Sita Holding B.V.
Priority date: 2017-12-28
Filing date: 2018-12-24
Publication date: 2019-07-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing device (2) for washing objects, such as hands, comprising: - a washbasin (4) provided with: - a wall (6) which at least partially encloses a washing space (8); and - an opening (10) in the washing space for inserting an object for washing into the washing space; - an air inlet opening (12) arranged in the wall (6) and configured to supply air; - one or more air extraction openings (14), each configured to extract air from the washbasin (4); - a water supply (16) for supplying water; and - a sprayer (18) operatively connected to the supply and configured to spray the supplied water into the washbasin (4), wherein the one or more air extraction openings (14) are arranged in the wall (6) adjacently of or in the immediate vicinity of the opening (10), such that at least one of the one or more air extraction openings (14) is positioned closer to the opening (10) than the air inlet opening (12).

Description

WASHING DEVICE FOR WASHING OBJECTS, AND SPRAYER, CONVERSION KIT AND

METHOD THEREFOR

The invention relates to a device for washing objects, in particular for washing hands, a sprayer, a conversion kit and a method therefor.

Known in practice are diverse devices for washing objects, such as hands, which have the object of reducing splashing or spattering of water to the surrounding area.

A known device is for instance provided with a washbasin with a tap arranged thereabove, wherein the tap is provided integrally with a drying device with warm air. It is hereby no longer necessary for a user to walk to a separate drying device, which causes water droplets to be spread around the space. A drawback of this device is that the dryer incorporated therein is located at some height above the washbasin, and users move their hands reciprocally under the dryer. A lot of (splash) water hereby still ends up in the immediate vicinity of the washbasin.

Another device for reducing splashing water is known from WO 2012/030216 and WO 2016/114650, which are included integrally in this patent application by way of reference. In these devices the hands are cleaned by holding them in the washbasin, after which atomized water is sprayed over the hands in order to clean them. A drawback of these devices is that air blown into the washbasin is reflected, whereby it finds its way out of the washbasin together with water droplets.

An object of the invention is to provide a device which reduces or obviates the stated drawbacks.

This object is achieved with a device for washing objects, such as hands, according to the invention. The washing device according to the invention comprises:

a washbasin provided with:

a wall which at least partially encloses a washing space; and an opening in the washing space for inserting an object for washing into the washing space;

an air inlet opening arranged in the wall and configured to supply air;

one or more air extraction openings, each configured to extract air from the washbasin;

a supply for supplying water; and

a sprayer operatively connected to the supply and configured to spray the supplied water into the washbasin, wherein the one or more air extraction openings are arranged in the wall adjacently of or in the immediate vicinity of the opening, such that at least one of the one or more air extraction openings is positioned closer to the opening than the air inlet opening.

Because the air extraction openings are positioned close to the opening and closer to the opening than the air inlet opening, the air blown into the washbasin and reflected therein is substantially wholly extracted. Exiting of air and/or water (droplets) from the washbasin is thereby prevented. The air extraction openings are preferably arranged such that an air extraction plane is created which is situated in or close to the opening of the washing space and which extends from the opening and above the air inlet openings as seen in the direction of the washbasin. A complete closure of the opening of the washing space to exiting of air and/or water is thereby achieved. The air extraction openings can be constructed in diverse ways in order to achieve this effect. The device according to the invention further has a number of other advantages relative to the known devices. Drying of the objects thus takes place in the washbasin by means of blowing air into it. Because the objects for drying, such as hands, are in any case inserted partially into the washbasin, the splashing of water droplets to the surrounding area is already partially prevented.

In an embodiment according to the invention a plurality of air extraction openings is arranged all around the opening in the washing space, so that extraction takes place over the whole surface area of the opening. This creates an air extraction plane which forms a barrier for air and/or water (droplets) which are reflected in the washbasin. The plurality of air extraction openings are preferably distributed evenly over the periphery of the opening in order to realize a uniform air extraction over the whole surface area of the opening. An additional advantage of this arrangement is that, as soon as they are carried out of the washbasin through the opening in the washbasin, the objects are further dried by the formed extraction plane so that possible water residues on the objects are removed.

In an embodiment according to the invention it is also possible for a single air extraction opening to be provided, which extends substantially wholly over a peripheral length of the opening in the washing space in order to create an air extraction plane. This also realizes a uniform extraction, and also realizes the additional advantage that the objects are further dried when the objects are carried out of the washbasin.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the washing device according to the invention can be provided with a water discharge opening arranged on an underside of the wall, wherein the water discharge opening is configured to discharge water. The water discharge can preferably be arranged in or close to a bottom surface of the washbasin.

The air extraction openings and/or air inlet openings can be constructed to extract a predetermined quantity of air from or blow it into the washbasin of the washing device according to the invention. The flow rates of the air extraction openings and the air inlet openings are preferably adapted to each other so that exiting of air from the opening of the washing space can be substantially wholly prevented. The flow rates for the air extraction and/or the air inlet can lie in a range of 10-500 m³/hour and preferably in a range of 50-200 m³/hour, and more preferably at 100 m³/hour.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the device can comprise a heater operatively connected to the supply and configured to heat supplied water.

In an embodiment according to the invention the one or more air extraction openings can be placed substantially perpendicularly of the wall so that they are directed in the direction of a central axis of the washbasin.

An optimal suction is created in or close to the opening by positioning the air extraction openings in the direction of a central axis of the washbasin. An air extraction plane is hereby formed which extends substantially over the whole opening of the washing space and thereby forms an extraction barrier which substantially wholly prevents escape of water from the washbasin through the opening. The air extraction openings are preferably arranged in the wall distributed evenly over the periphery of the opening, or a single air extraction opening is arranged which extends over substantially the whole longitudinal periphery of the opening of the washing space.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the device can comprise a filter for cleaning the extracted air, wherein the filter is operatively connected to the one or more extraction openings.

With this embodiment grease and/or dust particles can be removed from the discharged air so that contamination of the device is prevented. The extracted air can be extracted by a pump and then be recirculated in the device for use in the air inlet openings. After the filtering of grease and/or dust an air filtering step is preferably also performed in an additional air filter. For determined applications it is also possible to opt to apply only the air filter, or an integral filter which both removes grease and/or dust particles and applies an air filtering step. After grease and/or dust particles have been filtered out using the filter, an air filter can for instance be applied which is formed by a cylindrical air chamber in which a circular flow is realized. The filter is further formed by a UV light source which radiates light into the air chamber, whereby microorganisms are killed. In a preferred embodiment the filter is arranged in the vicinity of the air extraction openings, wherein each air extraction opening is provided with a filter. The advantage of such a construction is that the filters are easily accessible from the outer side, whereby cleaning of the filters can be performed quickly and effectively.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention the filter can be connected releasably to the device in order to enable the filter to be cleaned and/or replaced. By connecting the filter releasably to the device, preferably in the immediate vicinity of the air extraction openings, it is easily accessible and thereby easy to clean or replace. Such a construction is preferably interesting for application in means of transport, such as trains, aircraft, coaches and/or (cruise) ships. Being able to clean and/or replace filters easily and in particular quickly provides a considerable advantage here because only a limited amount of time is usually available before the means of transport has to be available for use once again. The washing device according to this embodiment of the invention enables a short interval until it is available for use again.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention of the device the washbasin can be provided with a bottom surface extending at an angle to the opening.

In the known devices the washbasin is often symmetrical and/or provided with a substantially horizontal bottom surface. Because of this construction, blown-in air is reflected against the bottom in use of the known devices, whereby it exits through the opening in the washing space. In this preferred embodiment of the washing device according to the invention a bottom surface is provided which extends at an angle to the opening of the washing space. The bottom surface can here extend at an angle as a whole, but the bottom surface can also be provided with a first part which extends substantially perpendicularly of the opening of the washing space and a second part which extends at an angle to the opening of the washing space in the direction of a side of the washbasin remote from the opening. In both cases the reflection of air blown into the washing space is hereby such that it reflects against the wall. The exiting of air is hereby greatly reduced and, through the combination with the air extraction openings placed close to the opening, even substantially prevented. This will mostly mean that the length of the wall of the washing device varies or, in the case of a plurality of walls, that these walls of the washing device have different lengths. This construction has the advantage that the use of space can be reduced relative to a known device because a part of the wall or one of the walls is embodied with a shorter length. The length difference can also be utilized readily to realize a determined aesthetic.

In an embodiment of the washing device according to the invention the inlet opening and the sprayer can be jointly configured as an atomizer for forming a mist of water in the washbasin, wherein the sprayer comprises an air chamber with an air inlet and a spray outlet, and a water manifold which is at least partially disposed in the air chamber and is provided with a water inlet which is operatively connected to the water supply, a water manifold outlet, which debouches in or close to the spray outlet, and a mixing chamber which is operatively connected to the water manifold outlet and which is provided with an air inlet in order to supply and/or feed through air from the air chamber. The mixing chamber can further be provided with a number of water channels which extend from the water inlet to the mixing chamber and debouch therein, wherein during use air from the air chamber is carried through the air inlet of the water manifold to the spray outlet, wherein the airflow entrains the water supplied to the mixing chamber of the water manifold.

By embodying the sprayer as atomizer which is positioned in the washbasin itself a device is realized wherein cleaning and drying of the objects takes place substantially wholly in the washbasin. In combination with the placement of the air extraction openings in or close to the opening of the washing space, preferably so that an air extraction plane is formed in the opening, escape of water from the washbasin is greatly reduced or even wholly prevented. The water for the cleaning is initially introduced into the washbasin and the air extraction openings placed close to or in the opening of the washing space suck air, possibly with water taken up therein, before it can escape from the washbasin. In addition, a compact, simple device can be realized by making use of an atomizer from which a mist, preferably a mist with a high temperature, is provided. In this device a small quantity of water can suffice to clean the object, such as the hands of a user, while the objects become at least as clean as with a conventional washing session. This embodiment is thereby highly suitable for locations where a limited amount of space is available for the installation and/or locations where it is preferable to prevent larger quantities of water for the cleaning being entrained, and where the water has to be substantially prevented from escaping from the washbasin. It is possible here to envisage for instance trains, aircraft, coaches or (cruise) ships.

In addition, the construction of the sprayer according to the present embodiment makes it possible to position a plurality of, preferably relatively small, outflow openings adjacently of each other, whereby a predetermined, preferably relatively small, quantity of water can be atomized.

The atomization with this sprayer makes it possible to realize a substantially linear spray pattern without any interruptions occurring therein. It is hereby prevented that tracks and/or locations where no mist is realized, or which are not reached by the mist, result in the device.

Another advantage is that the atomization is realized along substantially the whole periphery of the spray outlet, whereby more water can be atomized and the atomized water comprises smaller mist droplets. These smaller mist droplets have a larger joint outer surface area, whereby a more efficient and better cleaning is achieved.

In a further embodiment according to the invention the atomizers can be provided with air inlet openings which are placed at an angle to the opening, wherein the air inlet openings of the atomizers are directed toward the side of the washbasin remote from the opening of the washbasin.

Escape of atomized water in the direction of the opening of the washing space is hereby limited.

In an embodiment of the washing device according to the invention it is possible during use for an overpressure to prevail in the air chamber relative to the mixing chamber, so that air from the air chamber is carried via the air inlet of the water manifold, through the mixing chamber and to the water manifold outlet, wherein the air carried through the mixing chamber of the water manifold entrains the water supplied via the water channels to the water manifold outlet, and wherein the air carried out of the water manifold is carried together with air from the air chamber through the spray outlet.

With this embodiment a relatively high outflow speed of the air provided with water can be realized, whereby an efficient cleaning can be achieved. This is for instance interesting for applications wherein the objects to be cleaned are highly dirtied or contaminated, such as hands dirtied with grease or lubricating oil.

In an alternative embodiment according to the invention the air chamber is wholly or partially closed or made closable at the position of the spray outlet. When the air chamber is wholly closed at the position of the spray outlet, only air provided with water from the water manifold outlet is carried through the spray outlet into the washbasin.

An advantage of this embodiment is that the reach of the spray mist is adjustable, so that a more modular washing device is realized. A further advantage of making the air chamber wholly or partially closable at the position of the spray outlet is that the quantity of water increases relative to the quantity of air which is carried out. It is hereby possible to suffice with a smaller air pump, and the size of the air filter can also be limited. A washing device with a relatively very small size is particularly advantageous in limited spaces.

In an embodiment according to the invention the spray outlet of the washing device can have a narrowed opening, so that water entrained in the airflow is atomized by the spray outlet into mist droplets of relatively small size.

Embodying the spray outlet with a narrowed opening achieves that the mist droplets have a very limited size. The overall contact area of the mist droplets collectively increases hereby, whereby a more efficient and better cleaning can be achieved.

In an embodiment according to the invention the washing device can have a washing mode and a drying mode, wherein in the washing mode the water pressure at the water inlet is greater than the air pressure of the airflow in the mixing chamber, so that water is taken up in the airflow in the mixing chamber and entrained thereby, and wherein in the drying mode of the washing device the water pressure at the water inlet is lower than the air pressure of the airflow in the mixing chamber, so that the airflow in the mixing chamber substantially closes the water inlet and the airflow entrains substantially no water.

Closing of the water supply can be achieved in efficient and energy-saving manner by adjusting the pressure differences between the water pressure at the water inlet and the air pressure in the mixing chamber of the water manifold. The water pressure is here preferably adjusted relative to the air pressure in the mixing chamber. In the washing mode, when cleaning has to take place by means of atomized water, the pressure of the water supply is higher than the air pressure in the mixing chamber of the water manifold, whereby the water is pushed into the mixing chamber and is there taken up in the airflow flowing through the mixing chamber. The mixture of the air with water is entrained to the spray outlet and is supplied to the washbasin as mist. In the transition to the drying mode the water pressure is reduced and the air pressure prevailing in the mixing chamber of the water manifold provides for the closing of the water supply from the water inlet. It is even possible to opt to select the water pressure in the water inlet and/or the air pressure in the mixing chamber such that the air partially enters into the water inlet in order to obtain a good closure. In this way it is possible with a relatively simple structural measure to achieve that an efficient transition from the washing mode to the drying mode takes place.

In an embodiment of the washing device according to the invention the water channels can be provided with a non-linear form, such as a zigzag form or a labyrinth form, wherein the water channels form a flow restrictor which reduces the speed of the water flow through the water channels.

Limiting the flow speed of the water in the water channels has been found to be an efficient manner of limiting the quantity of water flowing through the water channels, and thereby the water consumption of the washing device per cleaning session. Limiting of the flow speed can be achieved by providing the channels with a non-linear form. It is possible here to envisage a zigzag form, a labyrinth-like form provided with many right angles, or a wave pattern, for instance a sinusoidal wave pattern.

In an alternative embodiment according to the invention the flow speed in the water channels can also be limited by arranging one or more valves in the water channels, wherein each water channel is preferably provided with its own valve. The valves are configured to close the water channel wholly or partially so that the flow speed in the water channels can be regulated. The arranging of valves can be combined with the arranging of a non-linear form over a part or the whole length of the water channels. The valves can here be self-regulating, but can also be provided with a control.

In an embodiment of the washing device according to the invention the sprayer can comprise a tap which is arranged above the opening of the washbasin, wherein a distance between the tap and the opening is such that the hands of a user can be inserted between the underside of the tap and the opening.

The advantage of this embodiment is that it can be integrated in existing, conventional systems, since only the washbasin need be replaced here. In this way an improvement in hygiene and appearance can be realized at relatively low cost. In addition, the optionally present drying installations can be removed so that space is also saved.

The invention also has for its object to provide a sprayer for a washing device according to the invention. The sprayer for a washing device according to the invention has the same effects and advantages as the washing device according to the invention.

The invention further has for its object to provide a conversion kit for converting a conventional washing device into a washing device according to the invention, comprising of:

providing a device according to the invention;

removing the conventional washbasin;

removing the conventional drying device;

arranging the washbasin, wherein the distance between the tap and the opening is such that the hands of a user can be inserted between the underside of the tap and the opening; and

installing the device.

The conversion kit according to the invention has the same effects and advantages as the washing device and/or the sprayer according to the invention.

With the conversion kit according to the invention an existing, conventional system can be converted in simple manner to a washing device according to the invention, with the associated advantages. It is substantially the case that only the washbasin need be replaced and existing tap can be kept. In addition, the optionally present drying installations can be removed, so that space is also saved.

The invention further relates to a method for washing objects, such as hands, wherein the method comprises of:

providing a device according to any one of the embodiments of the invention;

placing the object for washing close to or under the sprayer;

cleaning the hands by provision of water and/or water mist by the device; and supplying air through the air inlet opening and discharging air through the air extraction openings in order to dry the objects.

The method according to the invention has the same effects and advantages as the washing device, the sprayer and/or the conversion kit according to the invention.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention are elucidated on the basis of preferred embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an embodiment of the washing device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of an embodiment according to the invention;

Figure 4 is an enlarged cut-out of the embodiment shown in figure 3;

Figures 5a, 5b are schematic views of a sprayer of the washing device according to the invention; Figures 6a, 6b are schematic views of a water manifold of the washing device according to the invention.

In an embodiment (see figure 1 , figure 2) washing device 2 is provided with washbasin 4 with wall 6 which defines opening 10 and washing space 8. Wall 6 is provided with air inlet openings 12 which are positioned lower in wall 6 of washbasin 4 than air extraction openings 14. Positioned between air inlet openings 12 and air extraction openings 14 are sprayers 18 which have openings directed toward bottom part 6a, 6b. Air extraction openings 14 are arranged along the whole periphery of opening 10 so that an extraction plane is created in opening 10 by extraction openings 14. Wall 6 is provided close to bottom part 6a, 6b with water discharge 17. Water discharge 17 can also be arranged as part of wall 6 or bottom part 6a, 6b of wall 6.

An embodiment of washing device 2 (see figure 3 a) shows opening 10 with air extraction openings 14 and sprayers 18, wherein washbasin 4 is provided with wall 6 with bottom part 6a which is positioned at an angle to opening 10 and bottom part 6b which is arranged parallel to opening 10. In an alternative embodiment (see figure 3b) wall 6 is provided only with a bottom part 6a which is arranged at an angle to opening 10. It can be seen in more detail (see figure 4) that in this embodiment of washing device 2 sprayer 18 is positioned under an edge of wall 6, wherein air extraction opening 14 is formed by two openings 15 between which filter 22 is arranged. Air from washbasin 4 is hereby extracted through opening l5a, via filter 22 and second opening l5b by air extractor 14, after which the air is purified further and/or recirculated immediately.

In an embodiment (see figures 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b) washing device 2 is provided with sprayer 18 which is formed by air chamber 24 and water manifold 30. Air chamber 24 is provided with an air inlet 26 through which air is supplied. This is preferably pressurized air. Water manifold 30 is arranged in air chamber 24, wherein water manifold outlet 34 is positioned close to or in spray outlet 28 so as to have an airflow 44 with water taken up therein flow via water manifold outlet 34 to spray outlet 28 in the washing mode. In the shown embodiment air chamber 24 is open close to spray outlet 28 and an airflow 42 can flow around water manifold 30, wherein airflow 42 and air- water flow 44 are mixed together in or close to spray outlet 28 before flowing into washbasin 4 as water mist.

According to this embodiment, water manifold 30 has a water inlet 32 which is connected to water channels 40 debouching in mixing chamber 36 of water manifold 30. Water channels 40 are embodied in a zigzag pattern in order to limit the flow speed in water channels 40. In use of washing device 2 water flows from water inlet 32, via water channels 40 to mixing chamber 36, where the water is mixed with air from air chamber 24, which is carried via air inlet 38 to mixing chamber 36. In the cleaning or washing mode of washing device 2 a mixture of water and air is carried via mixing chamber 36 to water manifold outlet 34 and spray outlet 28 and there carried as water mist into washbasin 4. In the shown embodiment water manifold outlet 34 is provided with gap-like openings with dimensions of 1 mm by 5 mm. In the shown embodiment water channels 40 have a cross- sectional area, positioned at a right angle to the flow direction, of 1 mm² and mixing chamber 36 has a cross-sectional area, positioned at a right angle to the flow direction, of 12 mm².

In the shown embodiment washing device 2 has a capacity for feeding through between 20 and 150 m³/hour of air.

Washing device 2 can optionally be provided with detection device and/or unit 46 for detecting objects which are inserted into washbasin 4. Washing device 2 can optionally also be provided with lighting unit and/or device 48, such as LED lighting, which indicates that washing device 2 is ready for use. It is possible here to distinguish between different stages of cleaning, such as red for ready for use, flashing red for the washing mode, flashing green for the drying mode and, when the cleaning has finished, green to indicate that the objects can be removed, wherein the colour changes to read after the objects are removed. Said colours and/or mode are of course indicative, and other colours can also be used.

A cleaning of objects using washing device 2 according to the invention has multiple steps or stages. The objects, such as the hands to be cleaned, are inserted into the washing space. In the shown embodiment (see figure 2) washing device 2 is provided with detection unit 46 which detects that objects have been inserted into washbasin 4, after which the cleaning cycle is started. Lighting unit 48 will begin to flash with a preprogrammed colour. The air extraction via air extraction openings 14 will start, simultaneously with the supply of air to washbasin 4 via air inlet openings 12. Water mist is also carried via sprayer 18 into washbasin 4.

Air is for this purpose supplied via air inlet 26 to air chamber 24, after which part of the air in air chamber 24 flows via air inlet 38 into mixing chamber 36 of water manifold 30.

Simultaneously, water from water supply 16 is supplied to water manifold 30, wherein the water is heated by heater 20. The heated water is carried via water inlet 32 into water channels 40. In mixing chamber 36 the air from air inlet 38 is mixed with water from water channels 40 and carried out as airflow with water mist 44 via water manifold outlet 34. Airflow 44 mixes with airflow 42 from air chamber 24 and is carried as water mist via spray outlet 28 of sprayer 18 into washbasin 4, where the inserted objects are cleaned. Air from washbasin 4, possibly with some water taken up therein, is extracted via air extractor 14 from washbasin 4 before it exits from opening 10 of washing space 8. The water which finds its ways onto objects and wall 6 is discharged via water discharge 17, which is arranged close to bottom surface 6a, 6b of wall 6 in the shown embodiment.

The transition from washing mode to drying mode is characterized by the closing of the supply of water to mixing chamber 36, for instance by reducing the water pressure in water supply 16 and/or water channels 40, or alternatively by increasing the air pressure in air chamber 24 and thereby in air inlet 38 and mixing chamber 36 of water manifold 30. Light of lighting unit 48 here changes colour and/or mode (for instance flashing). In the drying mode dry air from air chamber 24 flows via airflow 42 to spray outlet 28 of sprayer 18, and dry air flows from mixing chamber 36 and water manifold outlet 34 of water manifold 30 to spray outlet 28 of sprayer 18. The dry air is carried via spray outlet 28 of sprayer 18 into washbasin 4 in order to dry the objects present therein. During the drying mode air also continues to be supplied via air inlet openings 12, and air is discharged through air extraction openings 14, so that no air and/or water is able to escape from opening 10 of washing space 8.

After the drying mode, the air supply through sprayers 18 switches off and the colour of the light of lighting unit 48 changes, so that a user knows that the cleaned objects can be removed. After detection of the removal by detection unit 46 the air supply through air inlet openings 12 is switched off, followed by air extraction through air extraction openings 14 being switched off.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

1. Washing device (2) for washing objects, such as hands, comprising:

a washbasin (4) provided with:

a wall (6) which at least partially encloses a washing space (8); and an opening (10) in the washing space for inserting an object for washing into the washing space;

an air inlet opening (12) arranged in the wall (6) and configured to supply air; one or more air extraction openings (14), each configured to extract air from the washbasin (4);

a water supply (16) for supplying water; and

a sprayer (18) operatively connected to the supply and configured to spray the supplied water into the washbasin (4),

wherein the one or more air extraction openings (14) are arranged in the wall (6) adjacently of or in the immediate vicinity of the opening (10), such that at least one of the one or more air extraction openings (14) is positioned closer to the opening (10) than the air inlet opening (12).

2. Washing device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a heater (20) operatively connected to the supply and configured to heat supplied water.

3. Washing device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more air extraction openings (14) are placed substantially perpendicularly of the wall (6) so that they are directed in the direction of a central axis (A) of the washbasin (6).

4. Washing device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, comprising a filter (22) for cleaning the extracted air, wherein the filter (22) is operatively connected to the one or more air extraction openings (14).

5. Washing device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the filter (22) is connected releasably to the washing device in order to enable the filter to be cleaned and/or replaced.

6. Washing device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the washbasin is provided with a bottom surface (6a, 6b) extending at an angle to the opening (10).

7. Washing device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the air inlet opening (12) and the sprayer (18) are jointly configured as an atomizer (18) for forming a mist of water in the washbasin (4), the atomizer comprising:

an air chamber (24) with an air inlet (26) and a spray outlet (28);

a water manifold (30) which is at least partially disposed in the air chamber and is provided with:

a water inlet (32) which is operatively connected to the water supply (16); a water manifold outlet (34) which debouches in or close to the spray outlet (28);

a mixing chamber (36) which is operatively connected to the water manifold outlet (34) and which is provided with an air inlet (38) in order to supply and/or feed through air from the air chamber (24);

a number of water channels (40) which extend from the water inlet (32) to the mixing chamber (36) and debouch therein;

wherein during use air from the air chamber is carried through the air inlet of the water manifold to the spray outlet, wherein the airflow entrains the water supplied to the mixing chamber of the water manifold.

8. Washing device as claimed in claim 7, wherein during use an overpressure prevails in the air chamber relative to the mixing chamber, so that air from the air chamber is carried via the air inlet of the water manifold, through the mixing chamber and to the water manifold outlet, wherein the air carried through the mixing chamber of the water manifold entrains the water supplied via the water channels to the water manifold outlet, and wherein the air carried out of the water manifold is carried together with air from the air chamber through the spray outlet.

9. Washing device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the spray outlet has a narrowed opening so that water entrained in the airflow is atomized by the spray outlet into mist droplets of relatively small size.

10. Washing device as claimed in any one of the claims 7-9, wherein the device has a washing mode and a drying mode, wherein in the washing mode the water pressure at the water inlet is greater than the air pressure of the airflow in the mixing chamber, so that water is taken up in the airflow in the mixing chamber and entrained thereby, and wherein in the drying mode of the device the water pressure at the water inlet is lower than the air pressure of the airflow in the mixing chamber, so that the airflow in the mixing chamber substantially closes the water inlet and the airflow entrains substantially no water.

11. Washing device as claimed in any one of the claims 7-10, wherein the water channels are provided with a non-linear form, such as a zigzag form or a labyrinth form, wherein the water channels form a flow restrictor which reduces the speed of the water flow through the water channels.

12. Washing device as claimed in any one of the claims 1-6, wherein the sprayer comprises a tap which is arranged above the opening of the washbasin, wherein a distance between the tap and the opening is such that the hands of a user can be inserted between the underside of the tap and the opening.

13. Sprayer for a washing device as claimed in any one of the foregoing claims.

14. Conversion kit for converting a conventional washing device into a washing device according to the invention, comprising of:

providing a device as claimed in claim 12;

removing the conventional washbasin;

removing the conventional drying device;

installing the device.

15. Method for washing objects, such as hands, comprising of:

providing a device as claimed in any one of the claims 1-12;

placing the object for washing close to or under the sprayer;