Patent Publication Number: US-2009235469-A1

Title: Washing device and mounting device for the same

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a washing device suitable for washing eating utensils and cooking utensils, a washing member and a core member to be applied to the washing member for making up the washing device, and a mounting device for mounting the washing device onto a sink. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Japanese Patent No. 3,785,181 describes one example of a washing device for use in washing eating utensils and cooking utensils and a mounting device therefor. This washing device comprises a motor and a washing member made of a cylindrical sponge to be rotated with the motor. The motor has a rotating shaft and a rotating shaft attachment fitted to the rotating shaft, and the washing member is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment. The washing member has a through hole capable of receiving the rotating shaft attachment, so that the washing member may be fitted to the rotating shaft attachment. The rotating attachment is provided with plural projections, and the projections of the rotating shaft attachment engage with the a hole wall of the through hole of the washing member, when the washing member is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment. 
     Meanwhile, the rotation and stoppage of the rotation of the rotating shaft attachment are repeated every time the washing device is used. Further, the washing member fitted to the rotating shaft attachment is made of a sponge being a material softer than the projections of the rotating shaft attachment. Therefore, there was a problem that a hole wall of the through hole of the sponge that receives a torque from the projections of the rotating shaft attachment during the use is broken, and though the sponge is usable as the washing member, it is obliged to be exchanged early. 
     Furthermore, such a washing device is used in the state that it is fitted to a sink via a mounting device. Heretofore, the washing device is fitted to the sink by hanging plural hooks provided in the washing device to hooking holes provided in the mounting device. Owing to this, even when the posture of the washing device is preferably changed for convenience on use, it was actually difficult to do this. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An object of the present invention is to enable a washing member in a washing device to be used for a longer time period. In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device for the washing device, which can make the washing device to change the posture. 
     The present invention is directed to a core member (washing member-connecting core) for a washing device comprising a motor and a washing member (a sponge for a washing member), the motor comprising a rotating shaft and a rotating shaft attachment (a washing member-fitting rod) fitted to the rotating shaft and having at least one projection, the washing member being fitted to the rotating shaft attachment and having a through hole capable of receiving the rotating shaft attachment so as to fit it to the rotating shaft attachment, the core member being disposed in the through hole of the washing member of the washing device and fixed to a hole wall of the through hole, wherein the core member has a through hole capable of receiving the rotating shaft attachment, and has opposite end portions provided with engagement recesses (rotating shaft pin-hanging grooves) which are engageable with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment. 
     According to the present invention, the core member applied to the washing member to constitute the washing device is disposed inside the through hole of the washing member, and fixed to the hole wall of the through hole. When the washing member in which the core member is disposed and fixed is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment of the motor, the rotating attachment is received in that through hole and the through hole of the core member, and the engagement recess of the core member engages with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment. The washing member fitted to the rotating shaft attachment is rotated by actuating the motor, and rotates together with the rotating shaft attachment. Eating utensils and cooking utensils can be washed by pressing them against the washing member under rotation. At this time, the washing member is rotated by transmitting the torque of the rotating shaft attachment from the projection of the rotating shaft attachment to the core member via its engaging recess and further transmitting it from the core member to the washing member. That is, the rotating motion of the washing member is caused by indirectly transmitting the torque of the rotating shaft attachment to the washing member through the core member. This can prevent a breakage of the hole wall of the washing member with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment and resultant exchange of the washing member as would occur when the washing member is attached directly to the rotating shaft attachment and thus the torque is transmitted from the rotating shaft attachment directly to the washing member. As a result, the washing member can be used over an extended time period until the inherent lifetime possessed by the washing member ends. 
     Further, according to the present invention, since the engaging recesses of the core member are provided in both the end portions thereof, the engaging recess of the core member engage with the projections of the rotating shaft attachment even when the washing member is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment from either of the opposite end portions of the through hole of the washing member. For this reason, when one end portion of the washing member is worn out due to its use, for example, the washing member is once removed from the rotating shaft attachment, and then the washing member is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment from that one end portion thereof. Thereby, the other end portion of the washing member can be served for washing, so that the washing member can be further continuously used. 
     Moreover, when the washing member is used in such a manner that its opposite end portions are located up and down, respectively, for example, a detergent having been applied to the washing member and moved down can be located at an upper position by turning the washing member upside down and fitting it to the rotating shaft attachment. Thereby, the detergent can be more effectively utilized. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the core member comprises a cylindrical body, and each engaging recess comprises a slit or groove which is opened to an end face of the cylindrical body, and the slit or groove comprises an axial portion extending in an axial direction of the cylindrical body and a circumferential portion crossing with the axial portion and extending in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical body. 
     According to the present invention, when the washing member attached with the core member is to be fitted to the rotating shaft attachment, the washing member is advanced in the axial direction of the rotating shaft attachment and then is turned around the axis line, thereby the projection of the rotating shaft attachment can reach the circumferential portion of the slit or groove as the engagement recess of the core member via the axial portion thereof. When the projection of the rotating shaft attachment engages with the circumferential portion of the engagement recess, the washing member can be prevented from moving in the axial direction of the rotating shaft attachment, that is, it can be prevented from getting out of the rotating shaft attachment. 
     The present invention is directed to an assembly to be applied to a washing device, which comprises a motor that has a rotating shaft and a rotating shaft attachment fitted to the rotating shaft and having at least one projection. The assembly is characterized by comprising a washing member and a core member, the washing member being fitted to the rotating shaft attachment and having a through hole capable of receiving the rotating shaft attachment so that the washing member may be fitted to the rotating shaft attachment, and the core member being disposed inside the through hole of the washing member and fixed to a hole wall of said through hole, and the core member having a through hole capable of receiving the rotating shaft attachment and opposed end portions with engagement recesses, each of which is engageable with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment. 
     According to the present invention, when the assembly comprising the washing member and the core member disposed inside its through hole and fixed to the hole wall is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment, the through hole of the washing member and that of the core member receive the rotating attachment, and the engaging recess of the core member engages with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment. The assembly fitted to the rotating shaft attachment is rotated together with the rotating shaft attachment by actuating the motor. Eating utensils and the cooking utensils can be washed by pressing them against the washing member of the assembly under rotation. At this time, the assembly is rotated by transmitting the torque of the rotating shaft attachment from the projection thereof to the core member via its engagement recess and further transmitting it from the core member to the washing member. That is, the rotating motion of the assembly is generated when the torque of the rotating attachment is transmitted to the washing member indirectly via the core member. Consequently, it is possible to prevent breakage of the hole wall of the washing member with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment and resultant exchange of the washing member as would occur when only the washing member is directly fitted to the rotating shaft attachment and thus the torque is transmitted from the rotating shaft attachment directly to the washing member. As a result, the washing member can be used over an extended time period until the inherent life of the washing member is exhausted. 
     Further, according to the present invention, since the engagement recesses of the core member are provided in both the end portions thereof, the engagement recess of the core member is fitted to the projection of the rotating shaft attachment even when the washing member is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment from either of the opposite sides of the through hole of the washing member. Consequently, when one end portion of the washing member is worn out due to the use thereof, for example, the washing member is once removed from the rotating shaft attachment, and then the washing member is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment from the side of the one end portion thereof, so that the other end portion of the washing member can be served for washing. Thereby, the washing member can be further continuously used. 
     In addition, when the washing member is used in such a manner that its opposite end portions are positioned up and down, respectively, for example, a detergent having been applied to the washing member and descended therein can be positioned upwardly by turning the washing member upside down and fitting it to the rotating shaft attachment. Thus, the detergent can be more effectively utilized. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the core member is positioned in an axially central portion of the through hole of the washing member. 
     According to the present invention, since the core member is positioned in an axially central portion of the through hole of the washing member, the opposite end portions of the washing member made of a sponge, for example, can be rendered coreless and flexible, which is more suitable for washing. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the core member comprises a cylindrical body, and the engagement recesses comprise grooves or notches having axial portions which are open to respective end faces of the cylindrical body and extending in an axial direction of the cylindrical body and circumferential portions crossing with the axial portions and extending in a circumferential direction of the cylindrical body. 
     According to the present invention, when the washing member having the core member fitted thereto is to be fitted to the rotating shaft attachment, the washing member is advanced in the axial direction of the rotating shaft attachment and then is turned around the axis line, thereby the projection of the rotating shaft attachment can reach the circumferential portion of the engagement recess of the core member via the axial portion thereof. The projection of the rotating shaft attachment engages with the circumferential portion of the engagement recess, so that the washing member can be prevented from moving in the axial direction of the rotating shaft attachment, that is, it can be prevented from getting out of the rotating shaft attachment. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the washing member comprises a sponge, the through hole of the washing member has a round cross section, and the core member has a cylindrical face provided with a number of hooks (of a hook-like structure) which can be caught by the hole wall of said through hole. 
     According to the present invention, when a number of the hooks defining the cylindrical face of the core member are caught by a number of depressions opened to the hole wall of the through hole of the sponge, the core member is firmly fixed to the sponge. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the washing member comprises a cylindrical sponge, and the sponge has a plurality of vertical grooves provided open to the outer peripheral face thereof and extending in the axial direction thereof. 
     According to the present invention, since the cylindrical sponge is provided with a plurality of the vertical grooves extending in the axial direction thereof, the sponge can possess ridge portions, between the vertical grooves, which impinge upon a surface of an object to be washed and are likely to be elastically deformed following the surface, when washing is done. Since such ridge portions are likely to contact the surface of the object to be washed, a highly washing effect can be obtained. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the vertical grooves are of a rectangular or V-like cross sectional shape. 
     According to the present invention, the rectangular shape or the V-like shape can be selected and employed as the cross sectional shape of the vertical groove. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that a plurality of cuts (cut grooves) extending in the circumferential direction of the sponge. 
     According to the present invention, since a plurality of the cuts are formed in the circumferential direction of the sponge, the ridge portions are divided into small segments, so that it can more easily follow the surface of the object to be washed. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the washing member comprises a cylindrical sponge, and the sponge has a plurality of notches provided at its opposite end portions and opened to the outer peripheral face thereof. 
     According to the present invention, since the opposite end portions of the sponge which are particularly more served for washing can be made more flexible, the washing power of the sponge can be further improved. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the washing member is made of a sponge which comprises a cylindrical portion and a pair of semispherical portions continued to the opposite end portions of the cylindrical portion, respectively, and the through hole extends through the cylindrical portion and both the semispherical portions. 
     According to the present invention, the semispherical portions are suitable particularly for washing the bottom of a deep vessel. 
     The present invention is directed to a washing device, and comprises a motor and an assembly, the motor comprising a rotating shaft and a rotating shaft attachment fitted to the rotating shaft and having at least one projection, the assembly comprising a washing member and a core member, the washing member being detachably fitted to the rotating shaft attachment and having a through hole capable of receiving the rotating shaft attachment so that the washing member may be fitted to the rotating shaft attachment, and the core member being disposed inside the through hole of the washing member and fixed to a hole wall of said through hole, the core member having a through hole capable of receiving the rotating shaft attachment and opposite end portions provided with engagement recesses engageable with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment. 
     According to the present invention, since the assembly fitted to the rotating shaft attachment of the motor is rotated together with the rotating shaft attachment by actuating the motor. Eating utensils and cooking utensils can be washed by pressing them against the washing member of the assembly under rotation. At this time, the assembly is rotated by transmitting the torque of the rotating shaft attachment from the projection of the rotating attachment to the core member via the engagement recess thereof and further transmitting it from the core member to the washing member. That is, the rotating motion of the assembly is generated by transmitting the torque of the rotating shaft attachment to the washing member indirectly through the core member. Consequently, it is possible to prevent breakage of the hole wall of the washing member with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment and incident exchange of the washing member and the resultant exchange of the washing member as would occur when the washing member is directly fitted to the rotating shaft attachment and thus the torque is transmitted from the rotating shaft attachment directly to the washing member. As a result, the washing member can be used over an extended time period until the inherent life of the washing member is exhausted. 
     In addition, according to the present invention, since the engagement recesses of the core member in the assembly are provided in the opposite end portions of the core member, even when the washing member is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment from either of the opposite end portions of the through hole of the washing member, the engagement recess of the core member engages with the projection of the rotating shaft attachment. Consequently, when one end portion of the washing member is worn out due to the use thereof, for example, the washing member is once removed from the rotating shaft attachment, and the washing member is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment from that one end portion thereof, so that the other end portion of the washing member can be served for washing. Thereby, the washing member can be further continuously used. 
     In addition, when the washing member is used in such a manner that its opposite end portions are positioned up and down, respectively, for example, a detergent having been applied to the washing member and descended therein can be positioned upwardly by turning the washing member upside down and fitting it to the rotating shaft attachment. Thus, the detergent can be more effectively utilized. 
     The present invention is directed to a assembling device for the assembly composed of the washing member and the core member, and comprises a casing which is capable of receiving the core member, and insertable into the through hole of the washing member and is longer than the through hole of the washing member, the casing comprising two segments (a barrel portion and a cap portion) separable from each other, wherein when the casing in which the core member is received is divided into the two segments, a part of the core member is exposed outside. 
     According to the present invention, when the casing having the core member received therein is inserted into the through hole of the washing member and then a part of the casing and a remaining part are pulled out from the through hole of the washing member, respectively, the core member can be disposed inside the through hole of the washing member. Thereby, the assembly composed of the washing member and the core member can be obtained. Since the casing is longer than the length of the through hole of the washing member, the casing can be partially projected outwardly from the opposite ends of the through hole, when the casing is inserted into the through hole. Moreover, the casing can be pulled outside from the through hole by grasping the projected portions thereof. 
     The present invention is directed to a mounting device for mounting a washing device on a sink, the washing device comprising a motor and a washing member, the motor comprising a rotating shaft and a rotating shaft attachment fitted to the rotating shaft, and the washing member being fitted to the rotating shaft attachment. The invention is characterized by comprising a pedestal, a first support member, a second support member (an arm receiving board portion) and a third support member (a sink-installing portion), the pedestal comprising a base portion (a first turning portion) and a mounting portion (a second turning portion) on which the washing device is mounted, the first support member comprising a horizontal portion (a pedestal portion and a connecting portion) for receiving the base portion of the pedestal turnable around an axis thereof and a vertical portion (a back portion) continued to the horizontal portion and extending vertically, the second support member having a receiving portion capable of receiving the vertical portion or the horizontal portion of the first support member, and the third support member being adapted for supporting the second supporting member to the sink. 
     According to the present invention, since the pedestal is turnable, around its axis, above the first support member supporting it, the washing device fitted to the pedestal can be turned together with the pedestal, so that the posture of the washing device can be changed. Further, the posture of the washing device can be changed by an object received in the receiving portion of the second support member from the vertical portion to the horizontal portion of the first support member, for example. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the mounting portion of the pedestal is pivotably fitted to its base portion, and the pedestal has a maintaining means (a fixing means) for maintaining the posture of the mounting portion after it is pivotably moved. 
     According to the present invention, the washing device can be tilted in such a manner that its axis is crossed with a vertically axial line, by pivotably moving the mounting portion on which the washing device is mounted, relative to the base portion of the pedestal. This tilted state can be maintained by the means for maintaining the posture of the mounting portion after the pivotal movement. 
     The present invention is further characterized in that the maintaining means comprises a diagonal brace capable of being fitted to the mounting portion. 
     According to the present invention, the tiled state of the mounting portion of the pedestal can be maintained via the diagonal brace. 
     The present invention is characterized in that the maintaining means comprises a stopper provided for the mounting portion. 
     According to the present invention, the tilted state of the mounting portion of the pedestal can be maintained by contacting the stopper of the mounting portion to the base portion of the pedestal. 
     According to the present invention, the life span of the washing member can be prolonged. In addition, the posture of the washing device can be changed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view schematically illustrating a washing device according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a motor and a rotating shaft attachment of the washing device. 
         FIG. 3(   a ) is a perspective view illustrating a washing member and a core member to be inserted into a through hole of the washing member. 
         FIG. 3(   b ) is a perspective view of an assembly in which the core member is disposed in a through hole of the washing member, and the washing member is shown by imaginary lines. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the core member. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the washing member provided with vertical grooves. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the washing member. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the washing member. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a still further embodiment of the washing member. 
         FIG. 9  is perspective view of a still further embodiment of the washing member. 
         FIG. 10  is a front view of a still further embodiment of the washing member. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of one embodiment of the core member provided with a number of hooks. 
         FIG. 12  is a plan view of the core member shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the core member provided with a number of the hooks. 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the core member provided with a number of the hooks. 
         FIG. 15  is an exploded perspective view of an assembling device before the core member is received. 
         FIG. 16  is a front view of the assembling device having the core member received therein before the assembling device is inserted into the through hole of the washing member. 
         FIG. 17  is a front view of the assembling device which is inserted into the through hole of the washing member. 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of the assembling device in the state that a cap portion is pulled out from the through hole of the washing member after the assembling device has been inserted into the through hole of the washing member. 
         FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the washing member having the core member remaining in the through hole after a body portion of the assembling device is pulled out from the through hole of the washing member. 
         FIG. 20  is a front view illustrating a rotating shaft attachment and a washing member as a further embodiment before it is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment. 
         FIG. 21  is a front view illustrating the rotating shaft attachment and the washing member shown in  FIG. 20  which is fitted to the rotating shaft attachment. 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of two washing members fitted to the rotating shaft attachment. 
         FIG. 23  is a schematically perspective view of a washing device-mounting device together with the washing device. 
         FIG. 24  is an exploded side view of the mounting device for the washing device. 
         FIG. 25  is a side view of the mounting device holding the washing device in a tilted state. 
         FIG. 26  is a side view illustrating a pedestal and a first support member supporting the pedestal in another embodiment of the mounting device. 
         FIG. 27  is a side view of the pedestal and the first support member shown in  FIG. 26  for supporting the washing device in the tilted state. 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of the first support member and the second support member of the mounting device. 
         FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the second support member and the third support member of the mounting device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Washing Device 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a reference numeral  1  denotes a washing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The washing device  1  comprises two motors  3 , and two assemblies  5  to be driven by the motors  3 , respectively. Both the motors  3  are arranged in parallel, and connected to each other by a pair of opposed plates  7 . The assemblies  5  are both arranged adjacently to each other. In this washing device  1 , an object to be washed (not shown) such as a eating utensil or a cooking utensil can be washed by inserting the object between both the assemblies  5  rotated or by pressing it against one or both of the assemblies  5 . Ordinarily, washing is performed in the state that the below-mentioned washing members  23  of the assemblies  5  are soaked with water and a detergent is applied thereto. The assemblies  5  (more specifically the below-mentioned washing members  23 ) both rub off dirt from the surface of the object which is inserted between them or pressed thereagainst. The washing device  1  may comprise one motor  3  and one assembly  5 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the motor  3  comprises a rotating shaft  9  and a rotating shaft attachment  11  (hereinafter referred to briefly as “attachment”) which is fitted to the rotating shaft  9  and rotated therewith. The attachment  11  comprises a shaft portion  13  having a round cross sectional shape, a disc plate  15  continued to a base end (lower end) of the shaft portion, a pair of projections  17  located away from each other by 180° around a peripheral face of the shaft portion  13 , and a stepped portion  19  located immediately under both the projections  17 . When the attachment  11  is fitted to the rotating shaft  9  of the motor  3 , the lower end portion of the shaft portion  13  is fitted to the rotating shaft  9  of the motor  3 , and engages with an angular base portion  21  of the rotating shaft  9 . The disc plate  15  covers the periphery of the rotating shaft  9  of the motor  3 . Instead of the two projections  17  shown, one or three or more projections may be employed. 
     Assembly of Washing Member and Core Member 
     As shown in  FIG. 3   a  and  FIG. 3   b , the assembly  5  comprises the washing member  23  and a core member  25 . The washing member  23  shown is made of a cylindrical sponge, and has a through hole  27  which extends along the axis of the sponge and is opened to opposite end faces thereof. The through hole  27  has a round cross sectional shape. The washing member  23  is detachably fitted to the attachment  11 , more specifically the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11 . On fitting, the through hole  27  of the washing member  23  receives the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11 . The core member  25  is constituted by a cylindrical body shorter than the washing member  23  and made of a plastic material, for example, and it is coaxially disposed inside the through hole  27  of the washing member  23 , and fixed to a hole wall of the through hole  27 . The core member  25  is preferably disposed in an axially central portion of the through hole  27 . This makes the opposite end portions of the washing member  23  more flexible as compared with the central portion in which the core member  25  is disposed. Such opposite end portions exhibit a good washing effect in washing an inner surface of the object to be washed, like glass or tea cup. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the core member  25  has a through hole  28 , and each end portion  29  thereof has a pair of engagement recesses  31 . The number (two) of the engagement recesses  31  of each end portion  29  of the core member  25  corresponds to the number (two) of the projection  17  of the attachment  11  of the motor  3 . The engagement recess  31  comprises a slit (notch) totally forming a T-shape, and the slit has a axial portion  33 , which is opened to an end face of the core member  25 , and extends in its axial direction, and a circumferential portion  35  crossing the axial portion  33  and extending in a circumferential direction of the core member  25 . The engagement recess  31  may be a groove (not shown) provided in an inner face of the core member  25  instead of the slit shown as an example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , when the assembly  5  is fitted to the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11  and the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11  is received in the through hole  27  of the washing member  23 , the through hole  28  of the core member  25  receives the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11 , the engagement recesses  31  of the core member  25  engage with the projections  17  of the attachment  11 , and the core member  25  seats on the stepped portion  19  of the attachment  11 . The engagement recesses  31  of the core member  25  are engaged with the projections  17  of the attachment  11  as follows. That is, the washing member  23  is moved relative to the attachment  11  in the axial direction so that the axial portion  13  of the attachment  11  is inserted into the through hole  27  of the washing member  23  from an end portion thereof for fitting. Thereby, the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11  is received in the through hole  28  of the core member  25 . Prior to this, the washing member  23  is located relative to the attachment  11  such that both the projections  17  of the attachment  11  will engage with, that is, will be received in the axial portions  33  of both the engagement recesses  31  of the core member, respectively. The projection  17  of the attachment  11  received in the axial portion  33  reaches the circumferential portion  35  via the axial portion  33  of the engagement recess  31  as the washing member  23  moves relative to the attachment  11 . Next, when the washing member  23  is turned around its axis, the projection  17  of the attachment  11  relatively moves along the circumferential portion  35  of the engagement recess  31 , and comes upon one of the opposite ends of the circumferential portion  35 . At this time, the end (lower end) of the core member  25  contacts the stepped portion  19  of the attachment  11 , and one end (lower end) of the washing member  23  contacts the disc plate  15  of the attachment  11 . In this way, the projections  17  of the attachment  11  are positioned in the circumferential portions  35  of the engagement recess  31 . Thereby, the washing member  23  is prevented from slipping out from the attachment  11  during use. When the projections  17  of the attachment  11  engage with the circumferential portions  35  of the engagement recesses  31 , more specifically, the projections  17  come upon the ends of the circumferential portions  35 , the torque of the attachment  11  in the case that the attachment  11  is rotated in either one of normal and reverse directions is transmitted to the washing member  23  via the core member  25 . When the core member  25  is interposed, it is possible to prevent damage and breakage of the hole wall, resultant idle rotations of the washing member, etc., as would occur if the projections  17  of the attachment  11  are engaged with the hole wall of the washing member  23  for rotating it. Early exchange of the washing member  23  owing to such damage or breakage can also be avoided. 
     Since the washing member  23  has the through hole  27  opened to the opposite ends thereof and the engagement recesses  31  of the core member  25  are provided in its opposite end portions, the assembly  5  can be fitted to the attachment  11  in the same manner as mentioned above, even if its opposite end portions are reversed. The assembly  5  is usefully fitted with the opposite end portions reversed, when one end portion (upper end portion) of the washing member  23  is worn out through use, or when the detergent moves to the other end portion (lower end portion) of the washing member  23  during washing and thus the detergent becomes thin in that upper end portion thereof. Thereby, washing can be done with the unworn end portion of the washing member  23 , and washing can be done with the end portion abundant with the detergent. The assembly  5  can be removed from the attachment  11  by performing an operation reverse to that by which it is fitted to the attachment  11 , that is, by reversely turning the assembly  5  relative to the attachment  11 , thereby locating the projection  17  of the attachment  11  at the intersecting position between the circumferential portion  35  and the axial portion  33  of the engagement recess  31  of the core member  25 , and then pulling out the assembly  5  from the attachment  11 . 
     The washing member  23  may be a cylindrical sponge having a plurality of vertical groove  37  ( FIG. 5 ). These vertical grooves  37  are arranged spaced from each other in the circumferential direction of the sponge, extend from one of both the end faces to the other of the sponge, and are opened at the outer peripheral face of the sponge. The vertical groove  37  has a rectangular cross sectional shape. Vertical grooves  39  having a V-like cross sectional shape may be employed instead of the rectangular cross sectional shape ( FIG. 6 ). In addition to the vertical grooves  39  having the V-like cross sectional shape, the sponge may also have plural cuts  41  extending in the circumferential direction thereof ( FIG. 7 ). Alternatively, the sponge may have plural notches  43  provided in the opposite end portions thereof ( FIG. 8 ). When the vertical grooves  37 ,  39  or the notches  43  are provided, ridge-like projections  45  can be appeared between the vertical grooves  37 ,  39  and between the notches  43 . Each projection  45  can be divided into a plurality of small segments  47  by providing the cuts  41 . Since these projections  45  and the small segments  47  are flexible and thus exhibit particularly rod-like or mesh-like shapes, they easily closely contact the surface of the object to be washed, such as an eating utensil or a cooking utensil made of wires or thin pipes, so they exhibit excellent dirt-wiping off power. The cross sectional shape of the vertical grooves  37 ,  39  forming the projections  45  and the number of the cuts  41  defining the small segments  47  can be appropriately determined under consideration of the kinds and the sizes of the objects to be washed, etc. 
     Meanwhile, the washing member  23  may be made of a sponge composed of a cylindrical portion  49  and a pair of semispherical portions  51  continued to the opposite ends of the cylindrical portion as shown in  FIG. 9 . In this example, a through hole  27  extend through the cylindrical portion  49  and both the semispherical portions  51  along their axes. This washing member  23  is suitable for washing become-narrower glasses or bottom-deep vessels. Further, the washing member  23  may be made of a cylindrical sponge  53  and a cylindrical brush  55  as shown in  FIG. 10 . According to this washing member  23 , the brush  55  makes rough washing, and the sponge  53  makes minute washing. In the washing member  23  shown in  FIG. 10 , the core member  25  is disposed to extend through the through hole of the sponge  53  and a tubular core  56  of the brush  55 . 
     Incidentally, the core member  25  disposed inside the through hole  27  of the washing member  23  can be fixed to the hole wall of the through hole  27  via an adhesive applied to the peripheral face of the core member or a double-adhesive tape wound around the peripheral face. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , the core member  25  can be fixed to the hole wall of the sponge via a number of hooks  57  provided on the peripheral face (cylindrical face) of the core member  25 . These hooks  57  can be provided on the peripheral face of the core member  25  by attaching a hook tape of a Velcro (Velcro: Trade name) fastener to the peripheral face of the core member  25 . Since the sponge has a number of small voids, a number of the hooks  57  are caught by peripheral edges of the voids opened to the hole wall of the sponge, and thereby the core member  25  is fixed to the hole wall. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 , a number of the hooks  57  are provided in two areas opposed to each other on the cylindrical face of the core member  25 . Alternatively, a number of the hooks  57  are provided in the entire area of the cylindrical face of the core member  25  except the area around the engagement recesses  31  at the opposite end portions thereof ( FIG. 13 ), or over the entire area of the cylindrical face ( FIG. 14 ). 
     Mounting Device for the Assembly 
     An operation of assembling the assembly  5  by disposing the core member  25  into the through hole  27  of the washing member  23  can be done with use of an assembling device  59  shown in  FIG. 15 . The assembly  5  to be assembled with the assembling device  59  may be made of a core member  25  and a washing member  23  both being fresh, or may be made of the core member detached from a washing member  23  having exhausted the lifetime and a fresh, unused washing member. In either of the cases, the assembly  5  can be easily assembled by a user of the washing device  1 . 
     The assembling device  59  has a slender casing  61  with a round cross sectional shape (See  FIG. 16 ). The casing  61  has a cylindrical space, which can receive the core member  25  therein. The core member  25  is disposed inside the cylindrical space coaxially with the casing  61 . Further, the casing  61  has a smooth outer peripheral face. And, the casing  61  has such a outer diameter as to be inserted into the through hole  27  of the washing member  23 , and the size longer than the through hole  27  of the washing member  23  (See  FIG. 17 ). 
     As shown in  FIG. 15 , the casing  61  comprises two portions separable from each other, that is, a body portion  63  and a cap portion  65 . The cylindrical space for receiving the core member  25  is defined by both the portions  63  and  65  together. The body portion  63  has a pair of engagement portions  67  engageable with the cap portion  65 , and when the body portion  63  engages with the cap portion  65  in the engagement portions  67 , both the portions  63 ,  65  are integrated. Both the end portions  63 ,  65  have such sizes that the core member  25  may be partially exposed outside when the casing  61  having the core member  25  received therein is divided into the opposite portions  63 ,  65  (See  FIG. 18 ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 15  to  FIG. 19 , the assembly  5  composed of the washing member  23  made of the cylindrical sponge and the core member  25  with the numerous hooks (the core member  25  shown in  FIG. 13 ) can be assembled as follows by using the assembling device  59 . 
     The core member  25  is disposed inside the body portion  63  of the casing  61 , and then the cap portion  65  is engaged with the engaging portions  67  of the body portion  63 , thereby integrating the opposite portions  63 ,  65  ( FIG. 15 ,  FIG. 16 ). Next, the casing  61  having the core member  25  received therein is inserted into the through hole  27  of the washing member  23  from the cap portion  65  thereof ( FIG. 17 ). With this insertion, the through hole  27  is pressed and spread radially. The opposite portions  63 ,  65  of the casing  61  are partially projected outside from the opposite ends of the through hole  27 , respectively. The cap portion  65  is preferably tapered as in the example shown so that it can be easily passed through the through hole  27 . Further, a stopper  68  is preferably provided for the body portion  63  of the casing  61  (See  FIG. 17 ). When the core member  25  inside the casing  61  which is passed through the through hole  27  of the washing member  23  is located in an axially central portion of the through hole  27 , the stopper  68  is brought into contact with the washing member  23 . This contact prevents further movement of the casing  61  inside the through hole  27 . 
     Next, the cap portion  65  is pulled out from the through hole  27  of the washing member  23  ( FIG. 18 ). As a result, the upper end portion of the core member  25  is exposed from the body portion  63  remaining inside the through hole  27 , and the hooks  57  in that upper end portion are caught by the hole wall of the through hole  27 . Finally, the body portion  63  is pulled out from the through hole  27  ( FIG. 19 ). Thereby, the core member  25  is positioned in the axially central portion of the through hole  27  of the washing member  23 , all the remaining hooks  57  are caught by the hole wall of the through hole  27 . Consequently, the core member  25  is fixed to the washing member  23 . 
     Next, another embodiment of the washing member  23  is shown in  FIG. 20  and  FIG. 21 . This washing member  23  comprises a shaft portion  69  and a semispherical sponge portion  71  fixed to an end portion of the shaft portion  69 , and the shaft portion  69  has at least one projection  73  (two projections in the illustrated embodiment). Further, the attachment  11  to which this washing member  23  is fitted has a pair of engagement recesses  75  in a free end portion (upper end portion) of a shaft portion  13  thereof. And, the upper end portion of the attachment  11  can receive a part (lower end portion) of the shaft portion  69  of the washing member  23 . The engagement recesses  75  of the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11  are engageable with the two projections  73  of the shaft portion  69  of the washing member  23 , when the shaft portion  69  of the washing member  23  is received in the upper end portion of the attachment  11 . Each of the engagement recesses  75  provided in the attachment  11  has a structure similar to that of the engagement recess  31  provided in the core member  25 , and the recess comprises a notch composed of an axial portion  77  and a circumferential portion  79  continued thereto. Instead of the above notch, a groove opened to an inner peripheral face of the upper end portion of the attachment  11  can be employed. 
     The washing member  23  can be fitted to the attachment  11  by inserting the lower end portion of its shaft portion  69  into the upper end portion of the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11 . On this fitting, each projection  73  of the washing member  23  engages with the axial portion  77  of the engagement recess  75  of the attachment  11 , reaches the circumferential portion  79  through the axial portion, and then is brought into contact with an end of the circumferential portion  79 . Thereby, the shaft portion  69  of the washing member  23  can be prevented from being pulled out from the upper end portion of the shaft portion  13  of the attachment  11 . In this embodiment, the sponge portion  71  is fitted to the attachment  11  via the shaft portion  69 , and the projection  17  of the attachment  11  is not used. 
     According to this embodiment, as the attachment  11  is rotated by actuating the motor  3 , the sponge portion  71  is rotated. Washing with the sponge portion  71  is suitable particularly for cups, glasses and bottom-deep eating utensils, for example. The semispherical sponge portion  71  preferably has a plurality of grooves  81  extending radially from its top. 
     As shown in  FIG. 22 , a washing member  83  made of a cylindrical sponge can be arranged for the attachment  11 , in addition to the washing member  23  having the sponge portion  71 . The washing member  83  is arranged under and adjacent to the washing member  23 . This washing member  83  has the same radius as that of the sponge portion  71 . Preferably, the washing member  83  has a plurality of grooves  85  extending axially as in the same with the sponge portion  71 . The core member  25  ( FIG. 4 ) is located in a through hole of the washing member  83  in the same manner as for the washing member  23  shown in  FIG. 1 , and is fitted to the attachment  11  in the same manner as for the washing member  23  shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Mounting Device for the Washing Device 
     Next, referring to  FIG. 23  and  FIG. 24 , a mounting device  89  for mounting the washing device  1  to a sink  87  is shown. The mounting device  89  comprises a pedestal  91  for supporting the washing device  1 , a support member (first support member)  93  for supporting the pedestal  91 , a support member (second support member)  95  for supporting the first support member  93 , and a support member (third support member)  97  for supporting the second support member  95  to the sink  87 . 
     Pedestal 
     As shown in  FIG. 24 , the pedestal  91  comprises a base portion  99  and a mounting portion  101  on which the washing device  1  is to be mounted. The base portion  99  and the mounting portion  101  both have a round planar shape. The mounting portion  101  is placed on the base portion  99 , and pivotably fitted to the base portion  99  via a hinge  103 . The washing device  1  is placed on the mounting portion  101 , and its connecting plate  7  for both the motors  3  is fixed onto the mounting portion  101  by using screws (not shown), for example. 
     As shown in  FIG. 25 , the mounting portion  101  pivotably fitted to the base portion  99  can be swung around a shaft  105  of the hinge  103 . When the mounting portion  101  is swung, the posture of the washing device  1  fitted thereto can be changed from a vertical state to a tilted state in the figure. The above tilted state of the mounting portion  101  can be maintained by a tilted state-maintaining means, such as a diagonal brace  107  composed of rod-like members, planar members or the like, for example. The diagonal brace  107  can be fitted to the lower face of the mounting portion  101 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 26  and  FIG. 27 , another embodiment of the pedestal  91  is shown. A base portion  99  and amounting portion  101  of the pedestal  91  are connected to each other via a pair of planar brackets  109 ,  111  fixed to them, respectively, and a pin  113  passing through the brackets so that the mounting portion  101  can be swung around the pin  113 . The bracket  111  of the mounting portion  101  has a tapered tip portion  115 . The bracket  111  contacts the base portion  99  except its tip end portion  115 , and a space exists between the tip end portion  115  and the base portion  99 . Owing to this, the mounting portion  101  can be swung in such a direction in which the tip end portion  115  approaches the base portion  99 , and that the swinging is stopped when the tip end portion  115  is brought into contact with the base portion  99 . Therefore, the tip end portion  115  functions as a stopper. On swinging the mounting portion  101 , the posture of the washing device  1  fixed to the mounting portion  101  can be changed from the vertical state to the tilted state in the figure. The tilted state is maintained by contacting the tip end portion  115  of the bracket  111  to the base portion  99 . When a hook  117  which can be fixedly fitted to the first support portion  93  for supporting the pedestal  91  is provided for the mounting portion  101  of the pedestal  91 , the washing device  1  can be still maintained in the above tilted state even if an external force acts upon the washing device  1 . Further, the mounting portion  101  may be fixed to the base portion  99 , instead of the above embodiment in which the mounting portion  101  is swingably connected to the base portion  99 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 24  again, the base portion  99  of the pedestal  91  comprises a pair of upper and lower round planar portion  119  and a flat cylindrical portion  121  continued to the planar portions  119 . The cylindrical portion  121  has a diameter smaller than that of the planar portions  119 . 
     First Support Member 
     As shown in  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 28 , the first support member  93  for supporting the pedestal  91  comprises a horizontal portion  123  and a vertical portion  125  continued to the horizontal portion  123  and vertically extending. The horizontal portion  123  comprises a yoke portion  127 , a planar portion  129  positioned under the yoke portion  127  and facing the yoke portion, and a second planar portion  131  positioned under the planar portion  129  and continued to and opposing the planar portion. 
     The yoke portion  127  can receive the cylindrical portion  121  of the base portion  99  of the pedestal  91  through its tip end. When the cylindrical portion  121  of the base portion  99  is received in the yoke portion  127 , the base portion  99  of the pedestal  91  is placed on the planar portion  129 , and its two planar portions  119  hold the yoke portion  127  therebetween. As a result, the base portion  99  of the pedestal  91  is received in the horizontal portion  123 . Through this reception, the pedestal  91  can be turned around the axis of the pedestal or horizontal portion  123  on the horizontal portion  123  of the first support member  93 , so that the posture of the washing device  1  fixed to the pedestal  91  can be changed. 
     The second planar portion  131  of the first support member  93  has a thick portion  133  continued to the planar portion  129 . Further, a pair of tubular casings  135  having screw grooves are attached to both sides of the yoke portion  127 , respectively, and pins (not shown) having screw threads are screwed into the screw grooves. The casings  135  are opened toward the vertical portion  125 . The pin can be projected from the casing  135  by turning them with use of a screw driver, for example. 
     The vertical portion  125  of the first support member  93  has almost the same outer shape as that of the second planar portion  131  in the horizontal portion  123 . That is, the vertical portion  125  is made of a plate, and has a thick portion  137  extending vertically along the vertical portion on one surface thereof, that is, one surface facing the horizontal portion  123 . 
     Second Support Member 
     As shown in  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 28 , the second support member  95  for supporting the first support member  93  exhibits a planar shape as a whole, and has a vertically extending recess  139 . The recess  139  has a rectangle and opened upper end  141  and a rectangle opening  143  continued to the opened upper end  141  and vertically extending. The recess  139  forms a receiving portion capable of receiving the vertical portion  125  of the first support member  93  from the upper side thereof. When the vertical portion  125  is received in the recess  139  by inserting the vertical portion  125  of the first support member  93  into the recess  139 , the thick portion  137  of the vertical portion  125  is received in the opening  143  of the recess  139 . At this time, the washing device  1  is held in a vertical state (the state shown in  FIG. 24 ). Further, the recess  139  can receive the second plate portion  131  of the first support member  93  from the upper side thereof. When the second plate portion  131  is received in the recess  139  by inserting the second plate portion  131  into the recess  139 , the thick portion  133  of the second planar portion  131  is received in the opening  143  of the recess  139 . At this time, the washing device  1  is held in a horizontal state. Consequently, the posture of the washing device  1  can be changed from the vertical state to the horizontal state. 
     The second support member  95  is provided with plural holes  145  on opposite sides of the opening  143  of the recess  139 , respectively. The plural holes  145  are arranged spaced vertically. These holes  145  can receive the pins projecting from the casings  135  of the first support member  93  in the state that the vertical portion  125  of the first support member  93  is received in the recess  139  of the second support member  95 . The holes  145  to which the pins are to be received are selected, the vertical portion  125  of the first support member  93  inside the recess  139  is vertically moved to the height position of the selected holes  145 , and the pins are advanced into the selected holes  145 , so that the first support member  93  is held at the height position of the selected holes  145  via the pins. Consequently, the height position of the first support member  93  can be changed. Meanwhile, the second support member  95  is provided with plural hooks  147  on a side opposite to the opening  143  of the recess  139 . These hooks  147  are arrayed in plural stages (three stages in the illustrated embodiment) in the vertical direction. 
     Third Support Member 
     As shown in  FIG. 24  and  FIG. 29 , the third support member  97  for supporting the second support member  95  comprises a plate  151  disposed along a wall face  149  of the sink  87 , a plate  155  placed on a top face  153  of the sink  87 , and a pair of connecting members  157  connecting these two plates  151 ,  155  to each other. 
     Plural slits  159  are arranged in the plate  151 , extending horizontally in a lateral direction along the wall face  149  of the sink. These slits  159  are arrayed vertically in plural stage (three stages in the illustrated embodiment). The hooks  147  at the plural stages of the second support member  95  can be hooked to these plural-stage slits  159 , respectively. The second support member  95  is supported by the third support member  97  by hooking the hooks  147  to the slits  159 . Further, the hooks  147  hooked to the slits  159  can be slid along the slits  159 . By this sliding, the lateral position or the horizontal position of the second support member  95  can be changed relative to the third support member  97  inside the sink  87 , and eventually the installing position of the washing device  1  supported by the second support member  95  can be changed. In addition, both the plates  151 ,  155  can be supplementarily fixed to the sink  87  by providing them with plural sucking discs  161 . 
     The connecting member  157  for both the plates  151 ,  155  can be a single L-shaped plate having a relatively large wide can be employed, for example, instead of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 29 . Further, it may be that the plate  155  placed on the top face  153  of the sink  87  is omitted, and the connecting member  157  takes a role of the plate  155  instead. According to this, the plate  151  is hanged from the top face  153  of the sink  87  by means of the connecting member  157 . Further, when the plate  155  is omitted, wires or thin pipes are bent to form portions corresponding to the connecting member  157  and the plate  151 . 
     According to the mounting device  89  for the above-mentioned washing device  1 , the washing device  1  can be temporarily removed from the inside of the sink  87  together with a part of the mounting device  89 , if necessary. That is, the washing device  1  can be temporarily taken out from the inside of the sink  87 , together with the pedestal  91  when the base portion  99  of the pedestal  91  is pulled out from the yoke portion  127  of the first support member  93 , or together with the pedestal  91  and the first support member  93  when the vertical portion  125  of the first support member  93  is pulled out from the recess  139  of the second support member  95 , or together with the pedestal  91 , the first support member  93  and the second support member  95  when the hooks  147  of the second support member  95  are removed from the slits  159  of the third support member. Thereby, the space inside the sink  87  can be effectively utilized. 
     Meanwhile, the washing device to be attached to the sink  87  by the mounting device  89  is not limited to the washing device  1  shown in  FIG. 1 , but it may be another arbitrary washing device, including the prior art ones. 
     EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           1  washing device 
           3  motor 
           5  assembly 
           7  plate 
           9  rotating shaft 
           11  attachment 
           17  projection 
           23  washing member 
           25  core member 
           27  through hole 
           28  through hole 
           31  engagement recess 
           33  axial portion 
           35  circumferential portion 
           59  assembling device 
           61  casing 
           89  mounting device 
           91  pedestal