Washing machine and inner hose

Abstract

To provide a washing machine that suppresses water leakage due to breakage of an inner hose (33) by suppressing sagging and reduction in elastic force of the inner hose (33), and also to provide the inner hose.SOLUTION: A washing machine (10) has a drain hose (39) to guide water in a water bath provided inside an enclosure (11) to the outside of the water bath. The drain hose (39) has an inner hose (33) and a hose fixing component (34) to which the inner hose (33) is connected. The hose fixing component (34) is connected to a frame (12) under the enclosure (11). The inner hose (33) has reinforcing parts (42) on an upper part. The reinforcing parts (42) are provided so as to continue in a longitudinal direction of the inner hose (33) on a virtual projection plane from one direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the inner hose (33) in a state of not being slackened.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and an internal hose. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to an inner hose in a drain hose of a washing machine. The inner hose according to Patent Document 1 has a bellows portion and ribs provided locally on the bellows portion, and discloses a technology in which the inner hose maintains flexibility to suppress transmission of vibrations from the water tub during spin-drying to the outer casing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 59-233589 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a washing machine and an internal hose that suppress water leakage due to damage to the internal hose. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The washing machine disclosed herein is a washing machine equipped with a drain hose for guiding water in a water tub provided inside a housing out of the water tub, wherein the drain hose has an internal hose and a hose fixing part to which the internal hose is connected, the hose fixing part being connected to a frame at the bottom of the housing, and the internal hose has a reinforcing part that is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in a virtual projection plane from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in an unslackened state.

[0006] Furthermore, the internal hose of the present disclosure is an internal hose for guiding water in a tank provided inside a housing to the outside of the tank, and the internal hose has a reinforcing portion that is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in a virtual projection plane from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in an unslackened state. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the washing machine and internal hose of the present disclosure, water leakage due to damage to the internal hose can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a washing machine according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drainage path according to the first embodiment; [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a drain hose according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an internal hose according to a first embodiment; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drain hose and an external hose according to the first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an internal hose according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] 6A-6C are cross-sectional views of the inner hose according to the second embodiment; [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of the reinforcement part projected from one direction DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] (Findings that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors came up with the idea for this disclosure, there was technology available for drain hoses that consisted of an inner hose with a bellows portion, a hose fixing part for fixing one end of the inner hose to the frame, which is a base part of the washing machine, and a reinforcing part for strengthening the connection between the inner hose and the outer hose.

[0010] Furthermore, the internal hose is provided with a rib shape to prevent the internal hose from sagging and coming into contact with the floor or other components, resulting in damage.

[0011] The inventors of the present invention discovered a problem in that, because conventional internal hoses are locally reinforced with ribs, stress concentration occurs due to vibration of the aquarium, and the internal hose may be damaged or deformed due to repeated loads. The inventors also discovered a problem in that, because the internal hose is made of a thermoplastic elastomer, increasing the reinforcement of the bellows section reduces flexibility, making it impossible to suppress the transmission of vibration from the aquarium to the outer casing. The inventors of the present invention have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure in order to solve this problem.

[0012] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a drain hose that suppresses water leakage due to damage to the inner hose by suppressing sagging and loss of elasticity while maintaining the flexibility of the inner hose.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary detailed description may be omitted. For example, detailed description of well-known matters or redundant description of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Washing machine configuration] 1, washing machine 10 of the present embodiment has housing 11 having a square cylindrical appearance. A rectangular annular frame 12 is provided at the bottom of housing 11. A cylindrical outer tub 21 with a bottom is disposed inside housing 11.

[0015] The outer tub 21 is elastically suspended and supported by suspensions (shock absorbers) 22. Four suspensions 22 are provided around the periphery of the outer tub 21. A cylindrical inner tub 23 with a bottom is housed within the outer tub 21. The inner tub 23 is supported rotatably relative to the outer tub 21. A plurality of dewatering holes 23a are formed on the circumferential surface of the inner tub 23. An annular fluid balancer 24 is attached to the top of the inner tub 23. A pulsator 25 is rotatably provided on the inner bottom of the inner tub 23.

[0016] Pulsator 25 is driven by motor 26 fixed to the outer bottom of outer tub 21. Motor 26 is connected to pulsator 25 via wash / spin-dry shaft 27 and speed reduction mechanism 28. The driving force of motor 26 is transmitted to pulsator 25 via wash / spin-dry shaft 27 and speed reduction mechanism 28. Motor 26 is covered from below with a metal fitting 29. Packing fitting 29 is a metal plate bent into an approximately U-shape.

[0017] [1-1-2. Drainage system configuration] In FIG. 2, a drain outlet 31 is formed in the inner bottom of outer tub 21. One end of drain duct 32 is connected to this drain outlet 31. The other end of drain duct 32 is connected to one end of internal hose 33, and the other end of internal hose 33 is connected to one end of hose fixing part 34. Hose fixing part 34 is fixed by fixing screws 35 to either the left or right rear of underframe 12 at the bottom of housing 11. Drain duct 32 is provided with a drain valve 36 that can be opened and closed. Drain duct 32 is configured so that washing water in outer tub 21 can be drained out of housing 11 via drain outlet 31, drain duct 32, internal hose 33, and hose fixing part 34 by opening drain valve 36.

[0018] [1-1-3. Configuration of drain hose in embodiment 1] Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the drain hose 39. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the inner hose 33. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the drain hose 39, the outer hose 37, and the hose fixing part 34. 3, the drain hose 39 includes an inner hose 33 disposed horizontally and a hose fixing part 34 for fixing one end 51 of the inner hose 33 to the underframe 12. The other end 50 of the inner hose 33 is fixed to the drain duct 32. The hose fixing part 34 is fixed to the underframe 12 with a fixing screw 35.

[0019] 4, the inner hose 33 has a continuous, uninterrupted bellows portion 41 between one end 51 and the other end 50. A rib-shaped reinforcing portion 42 is formed in this bellows portion 41 over the entire longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33. The inner hose 33 is a flexible, hollow hose, and is made of, for example, ethylene propylene rubber (EPDM).

[0020] The reinforcing portion 42 is located at the top of the internal hose 33 when the internal hose 33 is installed in the washing machine 10. A plurality of recesses 41A are provided in the bellows portion 41, and the reinforcing portion 42 is formed to fill these recesses 41A. The height of the reinforcing portion 42 is approximately equal to the height of the upper end of the inner hose 33, and the upper end of the inner hose 33 is formed to be approximately flush in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] 3 to 5 and 8A, the reinforcement portion 42 is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33 in an imaginary projection plane from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33 in an unslackened state. Furthermore, the reinforcement portion 42 is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33 over the entire bellows portion 41 between one end 51 and the other end 50 of the inner hose 33 in an imaginary projection plane from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33 in an unslackened state. The reinforcement portion 42 is formed without interruption in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33, except for the one end 51 and the other end 50 of the inner hose 33. Because the reinforcement portion 42 is provided continuously in one direction only at the upper part of the inner hose 33 in the longitudinal direction, the strength of the inner hose 33 can be increased compared to, for example, a case in which the reinforcement portion is dispersed as in the second embodiment.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, a second reinforcing portion 49 that is continuous in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33 is formed below the bellows portion 41 at a position symmetrical to the reinforcing portion 42 . Similar to the reinforcing portion 42, the second reinforcing portion 49 is formed so as to fill the recessed portion 41A of the bellows portion 41. The height of the second reinforcing portion 49 is approximately equal to the height of the lower end of the inner hose 33, and the lower end of the inner hose 33 is formed to be approximately flush in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the reinforcing portion 42 and the second reinforcing portion 49 are formed at overlapping positions on an imaginary projection plane viewed from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33 in an unslackened state.

[0023] 3 to 5, the hose fixing part 34 is a hollow member that is fixed to the underframe 12, fixed to both the inner hose 33 and the outer hose 37, and serves as a bridge between the inner hose 33 and the outer hose 37. One end 55 of the hose fixing part 34 is connected to one end 51 of the inner hose 33. The other end 56 of the hose fixing part 34 is connected to the other end 58 of the outer hose 37.

[0024] One end 55 of the hose fastening part 34 is fixed by fitting it inside one end 51 of the inner hose 33. When fixing, the hose fastening part 34 and the inner hose 33 are connected by fixing them using an adhesive so that the inner diameter 51A of one end 51 of the inner hose 33 abuts against the outer diameter 55A of one end 55 of the hose fastening part 34. Adhesion using adhesives contributes to further improving assembly workability, making it easier and more reliable to assemble drainage components, thereby reducing water leakage.

[0025] 3, when the hose fixing part 34 and the internal hose 33 are fixed, one end 55 of the hose fixing part 34 is deeply fitted into a position adjacent to the reinforcing part 42 arranged on the bellows part 41. At this time, one end 55 of the hose fixing part 34 and one end 51 of the internal hose 33 are double-layered, and the drain hose 39 is reinforced in this respect as well as the bellows part 41 of the internal hose 33 being reinforced by the reinforcing part 42 and the second reinforcing part 49.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4, the hose fixing part 34 has a stopper part 59 in the center. The stopper part 59 is formed to be larger in the circumferential direction than one end part 55 and the other end part 56 of the hose fixing part 34. An abutment surface 59A is formed on the stopper part 59 on the one end part 55 side. When the hose fixing part 34 and the internal hose 33 are fixed, the tip of the one end part 55 of the hose fixing part 34 abuts against the abutment surface 59A.

[0027] The stopper portion 59 is formed with a protrusion (convex portion) 47 that protrudes toward one end 55 of the hose fixing component 34. Meanwhile, one end 51 of the internal hose 33 is formed with a slit (concave portion) 46 that rises from its tip. When the hose fixing component 34 and the internal hose 33 are fixed together, the protrusion 47 engages with the slit 46, thereby positioning them.

[0028] The other end 56 of the hose fastening part 34 is fixed by fitting it inside the other end 58 of the external hose 37. When fixing, the hose fastening part 34 and the external hose 37 are connected by fixing the other end 58 of the external hose 37 so that the inner diameter 58A of the other end 58 abuts against the outer diameter 56A of the other end 56 of the hose fastening part 34. One end (not shown) of the external hose 37 is connected to a drain outlet provided at the product installation location.

[0029] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the washing machine 10 configured as above will be described below.

[0030] [1-2-1. How to install the drain hose] The operation of attaching the hose fixing part 34 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. In the Japanese market, washing machines are generally installed on an installation stand with a drain connection on the bottom. The installation area and location of the drain connection of installation stands vary widely depending on the manufacturer and the year of manufacture. For such installation stands, the washing machine 10 of this embodiment is configured so that the drain direction can be installed on the left, right, or rear, so that the external hose 37 can be installed without having to be routed more than necessary. In addition, since the initial drain direction of the washing machine 10 is left, the drain direction must be changed if it is to be changed to the right or rear.

[0031] The actual procedure for changing the drain direction will be explained below. First, the worker removes the fixing screw 35 and removes the hose fixing part 34 from the underframe 12. The worker inserts the hose fixing part 34 into a connection hole provided in the underframe 12 and fixes the hose fixing part 34 to the underframe 12 with the fixing screw 35. Next, the worker connects one end of the hose fixing part 34 protruding from the underframe 12 so that the inner diameter of one end of the external hose 37 abuts against the outer diameter of the one end. Finally, the worker connects the other end of the external hose 37 to the drain connection part of the washing machine 10 installation stand.

[0032] [1-2-2. Drain hose vibration during washing] The vibration behavior of drain hose 39 during a washing operation will be described with reference to Figure 1. During the washing cycle, pulsator 25 rotates forward and backward to agitate the laundry in inner tub 23. During the rinsing and spin cycles, inner tub 23 rotates at high speed to spin the laundry. During the above operation, outer tub 21, which is elastically supported by suspension 22, vibrates due to the inertia of the agitation of the laundry and the uneven distribution of laundry in inner tub 23.

[0033] One end 51 of the internal hose 33 is connected to the drain duct 32 connected to the inner bottom of the outer tub 21, and is therefore connected to the vibrator. The other end 50 of the internal hose 33 is fixed to the frame 12 by a hose fixing part 34. Therefore, during the washing operation, the internal hose 33 is subjected to a tensile force in the longitudinal direction and reciprocating vibrations in the up / down and left / right directions. Furthermore, the position at which internal hose 33 sags varies depending on the drain direction and the distribution of water inside. In other words, the stress applied to internal hose 33 by vibration of drain hose 39 during the washing operation is concentrated at different positions depending on the drain direction and the distribution of water inside internal hose 33. Reinforcement portion 42 is provided in the longitudinal direction over the entire bellows portion 41 between one end 51 and the other end 50, so that sagging can be effectively suppressed even if internal hose 33 sags at any position in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, since the reinforcing portion 42 is formed continuously in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33, it is possible to prevent stress from becoming uneven at the boundary between the presence and absence of the reinforcing portion.

[0034] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the drain hose 39 has an internal hose 33 and a hose fixing part 34 to which the internal hose 33 is connected, and the hose fixing part 34 is connected to the frame 12 at the bottom of the housing 11, and the internal hose 33 has a reinforcing part 42 at the top, and the reinforcing part 42 is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose 33 in a virtual projection plane from the top surface of the reinforcing part 42 (one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in an unslackened state).

[0035] This makes it possible to prevent contact of internal hose 33 with the installation floor surface or other parts of washing machine 10 due to sagging within any range, regardless of the weight of internal hose 33 or the load of remaining drainage. Therefore, even in a washing machine in which the drainage direction can be changed, water leakage caused by wear or damage to internal hose 33 due to contact can be effectively prevented.

[0036] As in this embodiment, the inner hose 33 may further include a second reinforcing portion 49 that is symmetrical to the reinforcing portion 42 and continuous in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33 when not slackened, at the lower part of the inner hose 33.

[0037] This allows a resistance to plastic deformation caused by the extension of the bellows portion 41 of the inner hose 33 against the tensile force of the inner hose 33 during the washing operation, and also allows stress to be applied in a state where it is easy for the top and bottom to be uniform, thereby suppressing deformation such as bending of the inner hose 33. Therefore, water leakage due to breakage caused by the inner hose 33 being stretched to its full extent or being deformed can be suppressed.

[0038] As in this embodiment, the hose fixing part 34 is a hollow member that fixes the internal hose 33 to the underframe 12, and the inner diameter 51A of one end 51 of the internal hose 33 may be connected so as to abut against the outer diameter 55A of one end 55 of the hose fixing part 34.

[0039] As a result, the hose fixing component 34 enters the interior of the inner hose 33, and can support the inner hose 33 at a more central portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 33. This prevents the inner hose 33 from sagging due to its own weight, and can prevent water leakage caused by wear or damage to the inner hose 33 due to contact.

[0040] As in this embodiment, one end 55 of the hose fixing component 34 may be configured to fit up to the position of the reinforcing portion 42 disposed on the bellows portion 41 .

[0041] As a result, the expansion and contraction range of the inner hose 33 due to the tensile force of the inner hose 33 during the washing operation can be limited to the bellows portion 41. Therefore, the stress distribution due to the tensile force applied to the inner hose 33 can be uniformly dispersed, and damage to the inner hose 33 can be suppressed.

[0042] As in this embodiment, a configuration may be adopted in which a slit (recess) 46 provided in the internal hose 33 and a protrusion (protrusion) 47 provided in the hose fixing part 34 are combined and connected.

[0043] This makes it possible to limit the direction in which the internal hose 33 and the hose fixing part 34 are connected. This prevents twisting of the internal hose 33 and allows the effect of the reinforcing part 42 in the bellows part 41 of the internal hose 33 to be more pronounced, thereby preventing sagging and breakage of the internal hose 33 and suppressing water leakage.

[0044] As in this embodiment, an external hose 37 may be provided, one end of which is connected to a drain outlet provided at the product installation location, and the other end 58 of the external hose 37 may be connected to the hose fixing part 34.

[0045] Conventionally, external hose 37 was connected to internal hose 33, which could cause internal hose 33 to come off hose fixing component 34 when external hose 37 was connected. However, hose fixing component 34 is fixed to frame 12 with fixing screws 35, so external hose 37 can be connected more reliably. This makes it possible to prevent water leakage due to the setting of a drainage path when washing machine 10 is installed. This also makes it possible to connect the external hose 37 to the internal hose 33 regardless of the material of the internal hose 33. Therefore, the material used for the internal hose 33 can be selected from a wider range of materials.

[0046] As in this embodiment, the product may be configured to include an external hose 37 having one end connected to a drain outlet provided at the product installation location, one end 55 of the hose fixing part 34 connected to one end 51 of the internal hose 33, and the other end 56 of the hose fixing part 34 connected to the other end 58 of the external hose 37.

[0047] This eliminates the need for the reinforcing part 45 that was previously required, improving assembly workability and reducing costs.

[0048] As in the present embodiment, by using adhesive to bond the inner hose 33 and the hose fixing part 34 instead of the conventional claw fitting, it is possible to further improve the ease of assembly. Therefore, the drainage part can be assembled more easily and reliably, and water leakage can be suppressed.

[0049] (Embodiment 2) Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the above-described first embodiment, the rib-shaped reinforcing portion 42 is provided on the upper part of the bellows portion 41 over the entire longitudinal direction of the internal hose 33, but in the following second embodiment, a different type of reinforcing portion will be described that can prevent the internal hose 33 from sagging and coming into contact with the installation floor surface or other components of the washing machine 10. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] [2-1. Configuration of drain hose in embodiment 2] Fig. 6 is a plan view of the internal hose 233 in the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the internal hose 233 in the second embodiment taken along the line AA in Fig. 6. 6 and 7, the bellows part 41 has a rib-shaped upper reinforcing part (reinforcing part) 242 at the upper center, extending along the longitudinal direction of the internal hose 233. The upper reinforcing part 242 is formed so as to fill the recessed part 41A. The height of the upper reinforcing part 242 is approximately equal to the height of the upper end of the internal hose 233, and the upper end of the internal hose 233 where the upper reinforcing part 242 is formed is formed to be approximately flush in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] Additionally, the bellows portion 41 has rib-shaped lower reinforcing portions (reinforcing portions) 242A at the lower ends thereof, extending along the longitudinal direction of the internal hose 233. The lower reinforcing portions (reinforcing portions) 242A are formed so as to fill the recessed portions 41A. The height of the lower reinforcing portions 242A is approximately equal to the height of the lower end of the internal hose 233, and the lower end of the internal hose 233 where the lower reinforcing portions 242A are formed is formed to be approximately flush in the longitudinal direction.

[0052] 6, 7, and 8B, in a virtual projection plane from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 233 in an unslackened state, the upper reinforcement portion 242 and the lower reinforcement portion 242A are provided continuously along the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 233. In a virtual projection plane from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 233 in an unslackened state, the upper reinforcement portion 242 and the lower reinforcement portion 242A are formed at positions where they are provided continuously along the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 233 over the entire bellows portion 41 between one end 51 and the other end 50 of the inner hose 233. When the bellows portion 41 is seen through from above (a certain direction), the upper reinforcement portion 242 and the lower reinforcement portion 242A are formed without interruption along the longitudinal direction of the inner hose 233, except for one end 51 and the other end 50 of the inner hose 233.

[0053] [2-2. Effects, etc.] As described above, in this embodiment, the drain hose 39 includes the internal hose 233 and the hose fixing component 34 to which the internal hose 233 is connected. The hose fixing component 34 is connected to the underframe 12 at the bottom of the housing 11. The internal hose 233 has an upper reinforcing portion (reinforcing portion) 242 and a lower reinforcing portion (reinforcing portion) 242A. The upper reinforcing portion (reinforcing portion) 242 is provided at the top of the internal hose 233, and the lower reinforcing portion (reinforcing portion) 242A is provided at the bottom of the internal hose 233. The upper reinforcing portion (reinforcing portion) 242 and the lower reinforcing portion (reinforcing portion) 242A are provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose 233 on a virtual projection plane from the top surface of the upper reinforcing portion 242 (a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in an unslackened state). Note that "one direction" may be other than up and down. Projection from the reinforcing portion may also be possible.

[0054] This makes it possible to prevent contact of internal hose 233 with the installation floor surface or other components of washing machine 10 due to sagging within an arbitrary range, relative to the weight of internal hose 233 or the load of remaining drainage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water leakage caused by wear or breakage of internal hose 233 due to contact.

[0055] It should be noted that the above-described first and second embodiments are intended to illustrate the technology in the present disclosure, and various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. may be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0056] In the first embodiment, the "reinforcing portion" was explained using the reinforcing portion 42, and in the second embodiment, the "reinforcing portion" was explained using the upper reinforcing portion 242 and the lower reinforcing portion 242A. The "reinforcing portion" may be provided so as to be continuous on a virtual projection plane from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose. In other words, if the internal hose is conceived as being transparent and the reinforcing portion is viewed, the reinforcing portion is configured to be continuous in the longitudinal direction of the drain hose. Note that "continuous" may include cases where there is a minute gap between reinforcing portions due to dimensional tolerances.

[0057] Fig. 8A shows a virtual projection plane from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose 33 according to embodiment 1. For example, as shown in Fig. 8A, the reinforcing portion 42 is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose 33 on a virtual projection plane from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose 33.

[0058] 8B shows a virtual projection plane from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of internal hose 233 according to embodiment 2. For example, as shown in Fig. 8B, upper reinforcement portion 242 and lower reinforcement portion 242A are arranged in the order upper reinforcement portion 242, lower reinforcement portion 242A, upper reinforcement portion 242 in this order on a virtual projection plane from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of internal hose 233, so that they are provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of internal hose 233. In this way, the "reinforcement portion" only needs to be provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of internal hose 233, and may take other forms, such as being provided alternately above and below bellows portion 41. 8C shows a virtual projection plane of an internal hose 300 different from those in Embodiments 1 and 2, viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 8C, if internal hose 300 has reinforcement portion 301 on the top surface, reinforcement portion 302 on the bottom surface, reinforcement portion 303 on the left surface, and reinforcement portion 304 on the right surface, reinforcement portion 301 on the top surface and reinforcement portion 302 on the bottom surface overlap on a virtual projection plane viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose. In this case, reinforcement portion 303 on the left surface and reinforcement portion 304 on the right surface overlap on a virtual projection plane viewed from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of internal hose 200.

[0059] Furthermore, the placement of the "reinforcement portion" is not limited to above and below the inner hose. For example, reinforcement portions in other directions in addition to top and bottom may also be included.

[0060] Furthermore, the "reinforcement portion" may be arranged, for example, in two points symmetrically at a 45-degree angle, without any top or bottom. Having reinforcing parts on the top and bottom helps to prevent the inner hose from sagging and from stretching out. For example, if the inner hose is made thin and lightweight, thereby reducing the impact of sagging due to its own weight, this is effective not just for the purpose of preventing the inner hose from sagging, but for preventing the inner hose from stretching out.

[0061] Furthermore, for example, the arrangement of the "reinforcement portion" may be in four directions (up, down, left, right) or even eight directions including a 45-degree angle, since line and point symmetry is expected to evenly distribute the load on the hose.

[0062] The reinforcing portion provided continuously on the bellows portion is effective in preventing changes in the overall length of the rubber hose due to stretching and sagging of the hose, regardless of whether it is at the top or bottom.

[0063] (Addendum) The above description of the embodiments discloses the following techniques.

[0064] (Technology 1) A washing machine equipped with a drain hose for directing water in a water tub provided inside a housing out of the water tub, wherein the drain hose has an internal hose and a hose fixing part to which the internal hose is connected, the hose fixing part being connected to a base frame at the bottom of the housing, and the internal hose has a reinforcing part that is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in a virtual projection plane from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in an unslackened state. This makes it possible to prevent water leakage due to damage to the internal hose.

[0065] (Technology 2) The washing machine according to Technology 1, wherein the reinforcing portion is formed on an upper portion of the internal hose. This makes it possible to prevent the internal hose from sagging and coming into contact with the floor or other parts of the washing machine within a given range, regardless of the internal hose's own weight or the load of remaining drainage. This prevents water leakage caused by wear or damage to the internal hose due to contact.

[0066] (Technology 3) The washing machine according to Technology 1 or 2, wherein the internal hose has a second reinforcing part at a position symmetrical to the reinforcing part and at a lower part of the internal hose, the second reinforcing part being continuous in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose when not slackened. This allows the inner hose to withstand the tension during the wash cycle, and resists plastic deformation caused by the extension of the bellows of the inner hose. Since the stress is applied uniformly from top to bottom, deformation such as bending of the inner hose can be suppressed. This prevents water leakage due to breakage caused by the inner hose being stretched or deformed.

[0067] (Technology 4) The washing machine according to Technology 1, wherein the reinforcing parts are provided at an upper part of the internal hose and a lower part of the internal hose. This makes it possible to prevent the internal hose from sagging and coming into contact with the floor or other parts of the washing machine within a given range, regardless of the internal hose's own weight or the load of remaining drainage. This prevents water leakage caused by wear or damage to the internal hose due to contact.

[0068] (Technology 5) The hose fixing component is a hollow member that fixes the internal hose to the frame, and the inner diameter of one end of the internal hose is connected so as to abut against the outer diameter of one end of the hose fixing component, in the washing machine described in any one of Technology 1 to Technology 4. This allows the hose fixing component to fit inside the inner hose, supporting the inner hose at a more central portion in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose, thereby preventing the inner hose from sagging due to its own weight and reducing water leakage caused by wear or damage to the inner hose due to contact.

[0069] (Technology 6) The internal hose has a bellows portion, and one end of the hose fixing part is fitted up to the position of the reinforcing part arranged in the bellows portion, A washing machine according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 5. This allows the range of expansion and contraction of the inner hose to be limited to the bellows portion when the tensile force of the inner hose is applied during the washing operation, thereby distributing the stress caused by the tensile force applied to the inner hose evenly and preventing damage to the inner hose.

[0070] (Technology 7) The washing machine according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 6, wherein a recess provided in the internal hose and a protrusion provided in the hose fixing component are combined and connected. This limits the direction in which the inner hose and the hose fixing part are connected, which prevents twisting of the inner hose and enhances the effectiveness of the reinforcing part in the bellows part of the inner hose, preventing sagging and breakage of the inner hose and reducing water leakage.

[0071] (Technology 8) A washing machine according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 7, comprising an external hose having one end connected to a drain outlet provided at the product installation location, and the other end of the external hose being connected to the hose fixing part. Conventionally, the external hose was connected to the internal hose, which could potentially come off the hose fixing part when connecting the external hose, but the hose fixing part is fixed to the frame with a fixing screw, so the external hose can be connected more securely. This reduces water leakage caused by setting up a drainage path when installing the washing machine. This also allows the outer hose to be connected regardless of the material of the inner hose, which allows for a wider range of materials to be selected for use in the inner hose.

[0072] (Technology 9) A washing machine according to any one of Technology 1 to Technology 8, comprising an external hose having one end connected to a drain outlet provided at the product installation location, one end of the hose fixing part being connected to one end of the internal hose, and the other end of the hose fixing part being connected to the other end of the external hose. This eliminates the need for reinforcing parts that have been required in the past, improving assembly workability and reducing costs.

[0073] (Technology 10) An internal hose for guiding water from a tank installed inside a housing to the outside of the tank, the internal hose having a reinforcing portion that is continuously provided in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in a virtual projection plane from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in an unslackened state. This makes it possible to prevent water leakage due to damage to the internal hose. [Industrial Applicability]

[0074] The present disclosure provides a drain hose that suppresses sagging and loss of elasticity of the inner hose, thereby suppressing water leakage due to damage to the inner hose. Therefore, the present disclosure is applicable to electrical appliances that involve vibration and drainage. [Explanation of symbols]

[0075] 10. Washing Machine 11. Housing 12 Frame 33, 233, 300 Internal hose 34 Hose fixing parts 35 fixing screws 37 External hose 39 Drain hose 41 Bellows 41A recess 42 Reinforcement 43 Convex shape 44 Concave shape 45 Reinforcement parts 46 Slit (recess) 47 Protrusion (convex part) 49 Second reinforcement part 50 Other end of inner hose 51 One end of the inner hose 51A Inside diameter of one end of inner hose 55 One end of hose fixing part 55A Outer diameter of one end of hose fixing part 56 Other end of hose fixing part 56A Outer diameter of the other end of the hose fixing part 58 Other end of external hose 58A Inner diameter of the other end of the external hose 59 Stopper part 242, 301 Upper reinforcement part (reinforcement part) 242A, 302 Lower reinforcement part (reinforcement part) 303 Left reinforcement part (reinforcement part) 304 Right reinforcement part (reinforcement part)

Claims

1. A washing machine having a drain hose for guiding water in a water tub provided inside a housing to the outside of the water tub, The drain hose has an inner hose and a hose fixing part to which the inner hose is connected, The hose fixing part is connected to a lower frame of the housing, The inner hose has a reinforcement portion, the reinforcing portion is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in a virtual projection plane viewed from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the internal hose in an unslackened state.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing portion is formed on an upper portion of the inner hose.

3. 3. The washing machine according to claim 2, wherein the inner hose has a second reinforcing portion at a position symmetrical to the reinforcing portion and continuous in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose in an unslackened state at a lower portion of the inner hose.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing portion is provided at an upper portion of the inner hose and a lower portion of the inner hose.

5. the hose fixing component is a hollow member that fixes the internal hose to the underframe, The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein an inner diameter of one end of the inner hose is connected to abut against an outer diameter of one end of the hose fixing component.

6. the inner hose has a bellows portion, The washing machine according to claim 5, wherein one end of the hose fixing component is fitted up to the position of the reinforcing portion disposed in the bellows portion.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein a recess provided on the internal hose and a protrusion provided on the hose fixing component are combined and connected.

8. An external hose is provided, one end of which is connected to a drain outlet provided at the product installation location; The washing machine according to claim 1 , wherein the other end of the external hose is connected to the hose fixing component.

9. An external hose is provided, one end of which is connected to a drain outlet provided at the product installation location; 5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein one end of the hose fixing component is connected to one end of the inner hose, and the other end of the hose fixing component is connected to the other end of the outer hose.

10. An internal hose for guiding water from a water tank provided inside the housing to the outside of the water tank, The inner hose has a reinforcement portion, an inner hose, wherein the reinforcing portion is provided continuously in the longitudinal direction of the inner hose in a virtual projection plane viewed from one direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the inner hose in an unslackened state.

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