Lather backflow preventive structure in washing machine and washing machine with the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a lather backflow preventive structure in a washing machine, and more particularly, to a lather backflow preventive structure in a washing machine for preventing lather or vapor from flowing back to a detergent box from an inside of a drum or a tub through a passage having the detergent introduced therethrough, and a washing machine with the same. The lather backflow preventive structure is positioned between the tub and the detergent box, and prevents lather or vapor from flowing back. The lather backflow preventive structure has a detergent box side passage formed at one end thereof for communication with the detergent box, and a tub side passage at the other end thereof for communication with the tub, for preventing lather from flowing back to the detergent box from the tub. A flow path is formed from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage such that washing water can flow from the detergent box to the tub, the flow path formed at least partially hollow.

1 . A lather backflow preventive structure in a drum type washing machine comprising: 
 a tub;    a drum in the tub;    a bellows connection device projected from one side of an outside circumference of the tub;    a detergent box mounted over the tub;    a bellows for connecting the detergent box and the bellows connection device; and    a backflow preventive member in the bellows connection device.    
   
   
       2 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising at least one rib on an outside circumferential surface of the backflow preventive member for mounting the backflow preventive member in the bellows connection device.  
   
   
       3 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the backflow preventive member includes a cavity, and a curved bottom surface having the same radius of curvature as the tub.  
   
   
       4 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the backflow preventive member includes a washing water spreading projection projected from the bottom at a predetermined height so as to spread washing water coming through the bellows.  
   
   
       5 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the washing water spreading projection has a cone shape.  
   
   
       6 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the bellows includes; 
 an anti-vibration portion of a bellows shape at one end, and    a discharge pipe extended a predetermined distance from an end of the anti-vibration portion so as to be placed in the backflow preventive member.    
   
   
       7 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the bellows includes a coupling sleeve at one end for coupling to an upper side of the bellows connection device.  
   
   
       8 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the backflow preventive member has a length shorter than a length of the bellows connection device.  
   
   
       9 . A lather backflow preventive structure for a washing machine comprising a tub and a detergent box for holding detergent, the lather backflow preventive structure for being mounted in a passage for supplying detergent from the detergent box to the tub for preventing lather from the tub from flowing back to the detergent box, the lather backflow preventive structure comprising: 
 one end wherein a detergent box side passage is formed for flow communication with the detergent box, and    another end wherein a tub side passage is formed for flow communication with the tub,    wherein a flow path is formed from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage such that washing water can flow therein, the flow path formed at least partially hollow.    
   
   
       10 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 9 , further comprising a washing water holding portion between the detergent box side passage and the tub side passage.  
   
   
       11 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 9 , wherein the flow path comprising an ‘S’ shaped flow path.  
   
   
       12 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 an outer structure including the detergent box side passage extended inwardly from one end thereof, and the tub side passage formed at the other end thereof; and    an inner structure in the outer structure so as to form an ‘S’ shaped flow path from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage.    
   
   
       13 . The lather backflow preventive structure as claimed in  claim 12 , further comprising: 
 a cone for spreading washing water introduced thereto through the detergent box side passage.    
   
   
       14 . A washing machine comprising: 
 a tub;    a detergent box; and    a lather backflow preventive structure mounted in a passage for supplying detergent from the detergent box to the tub, the structure comprising one end wherein a detergent box side passage is formed for flow communication with the detergent box, and another end wherein a tub side passage is formed for flow communication with the tub, wherein a flow path is formed from the detergent box side passage to the tub side passage such that washing water can flow from the detergent box to the tub, the flow path formed at least partially hollow.    
   
   
       15 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 14 , wherein the backflow preventive structure includes a washing water holding portion between the detergent box side passage and the tub side passage for holding washing water.  
   
   
       16 . The washing machine as claimed in  claim 15 , wherein the flow path comprising an ‘S’ shaped flow path.