Abstract:
A continuous drain hose for an electrical appliance having a water outlet is disclosed. The drain hose comprises a first cylindrical end portion being connectable to the water outlet, a second end portion being connectable to a drain pipe and comprising a bellows that is able to form a permanent bend when a temporary bending force is applied thereto, and a flexible corrugated portion connected between the first cylindrical end portion and the second end portion. The bellows is also permanently expandable or retractable when a temporary pulling or pressing force is applied thereto. The drain hose further comprises an elastic connection member, which integrally molded to the first cylindrical end portion and is sealably connected to the water outlet. The first cylindrical end portion comprises at least one annular ring externally formed thereon so as to prevent the molded elastic connection member from being disengaged from the first cylindrical end portion

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
         [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. P2003-0018984, filed on Mar. 26, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    The present invention relates to a drain hose, and more particularly, to a continuous drain hose that connects a water outlet of an electrical appliance (e.g., a cloth washing machine or dish washer)  
           [0004]    1. Discussion of the Related Art  
           [0005]    The washing machine is an appliance for progressing washing, rinsing, and spinning cycles to remove dirt stuck to laundry by using action of detergent and water. The washing machine is provided with a drain pump for pumping out washing or rinsing water from a tub to an exterior, and a drain hose connecting the drain pump and an external drain facility, such as drain pipe, for discharging the washing or rinsing water pumped by the drain pump to the exterior.  
           [0006]    In general, since the drain facility, such as the drain pipe, provided to a washing room of a building is arranged in a vertical direction, sometimes, a discharge side end portion of the drain hose is bent in a range of 90°˜180° for easy connection to the drain facility. In general, the drain hose of the washing machine is a rubber tube, with a hard rubber or metal tube inserted to a discharge side end portion of the rubber tube, which has the following drawbacks. First of all, a heavy rubber, or neoprene hose is expensive, liable to entangle, and excessively hard. Moreover, such a type of hose is extendable only by using special fittings and a clamp.  
           [0007]    Currently, the drain hose of the washing machine is a corrugated plastic hose formed by casting or molding. This type of plastic hose is inexpensive, not liable to entangle, and more flexible than the heavy neoprene hose. However, the discharge side end portion of this type of plastic hose can not be formed to have a permanently fixed shape due to a fabrication method of the plastic hose. Therefore, in general, for maintaining the 180° bend of the discharge side end portion of the plastic hose, a wire retainer is user. Nevertheless, the corrugated plastic hose has the following many problems.  
           [0008]    It is difficult for the light weighted plastic hose to maintain a state the discharge side end portion is inserted in the drain pipe against vibration of the hose and strong pulsation of water during the water is pumped out of the washing machine. The vibration of the hose in the drain pipe may also damage the hose due to friction. Moreover, the user may make mistake, or fails in assembly of the corrugated hose by using the wire retainer. Lastly, this type of drain hose structure is unable to extend a length when required  
           [0009]    In the meantime, recently, a drain hose assembly having a flexible and corrugated plastic hose, and a synthetic rubber nozzle connected to the plastic hose is also used. The plastic hose has a first end portion connected to the washing machine, and a second end portion having two annular barbs each projected along a circumferential surface. The nozzle has a third end portion with two recessed channel in an inside circumferential surface for receiving the two annular barbs for connection to the second end portion, and a fourth end portion of the discharge side end portion.  
           [0010]    The drain hose assembly, in which the second end portion of the plastic hose is inserted in the third end portion of the nozzle, maintains sealing as outside circumferential surfaces of the two annular barbs are in close contact with an inside circumferential surfaces of the two annular channels. In this instance, the nozzle is rotatable with respect to the plastic hose under a state the sealing is maintained. The nozzle is bent around 180° for easy connection to the drain pipe.  
           [0011]    This type of drain hose does not entangle, is easy to mount, and permits stable connection with the drain pipe. However, the foregoing drain hose assembly has the following problems. The engagement of the rubber nozzle and the plastic hose may deform at an engaged part when the engaged part is exposed to a high temperature washing water and detergent for a long time, which may cause leakage from the engaged part. When connection of the nozzle of the drain hose assembly of the nozzle and the hose to the drain pipe is difficult, it is required to turn the nozzle to an angle with respect to the hose until the connection becomes easy. In this instance, since the engaged part of the nozzle and hose is in close contact with each other for prevention of leakage of water, turning of the nozzle in an assembled state is difficult.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a drain hose for an electrical appliance having a water outlet that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.  
           [0013]    An object of the present invention is to provide a drain hose for an electrical appliance, such as washing machine or dish washer, having a water outlet, which can be bent easily for stable and convenient connection to a drain facility, and prevent leakage perfectly. Another object of the present invention is to provide a drain hose for an electrical appliance, such as washing machine or dish washer, having a water outlet, of an improved structure which can prevent disengagement of the hose and the drain facility due to pulsation caused by irregular discharge of water.  
           [0014]    Additional advantages, objects, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and in part will become apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.  
           [0015]    To achieve these objects and other advantages and in accordance with the purpose of the invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, a continuous drain hose for an electrical appliance having a water outlet (e.g., a clothes washing machine or dish washer) comprises a first cylindrical end portion connectable to the water outlet, a second end portion being connectable to a drain pipe and comprising a bellows that is able to form a permanent bend when a temporary bending force is applied thereto, and a flexible corrugated portion connected between the first cylindrical end portion and the second end portion. The bellows of the second end portion is also permanently expandable or retractable when a temporary pulling or pressing force is applied thereto.  
           [0016]    The drain hose may further comprise an elastic connection member integrally molded to the first cylindrical end portion, and the elastic connection member is sealably connectable to the water outlet. The first cylindrical end portion may comprise at least one annular ring externally formed thereon so as to prevent the molded elastic connection member from being disengaged from the first cylindrical end portion. The bellows of the second end portion may comprise a plurality of folds for forming the permanent bend, where the profile of each fold comprises an inclined wall extending from a left lower point to a middle peak point and a declined wall extending from the middle peak point to a right lower point. In the profile, the angle formed between the inclined wall and a vertical axis passing through the middle peak point is greater than the angle formed between the vertical axis and the declined wall. The second end portion may further comprise a cylindrical portion directly connected to the bellows and an elastic connection member, which is integrally molded to the cylindrical portion and is sealably connectable to the drain pipe. The cylindrical portion of the second end portion may comprise at least one annular ring externally formed thereon so as to prevent the molded elastic connection member from being disengaged from the second end portion.  
           [0017]    In another aspect of the present invention, a continuous drain hose for a clothes washing machine or dish washer having a water outlet comprises a first end portion being connectable to the water outlet and comprising a first bellows that is able to form a first permanent bend when a first temporary bending force is applied thereto, a second end portion being connectable to a drain pipe and comprising a second bellows being able to form a second permanent bend when a second temporary bending force is applied thereto, and a flexible corrugated portion connected between the first and second end portions.  
           [0018]    The first end portion may further comprise a cylindrical portion directly connected to the first bellows and an elastic connection member, which is integrally molded to the cylindrical portion and is sealably connectable to the water outlet. The cylindrical portion of the first end portion may comprise at least one annular ring externally formed thereon so as to prevent the molded elastic connection member from being disengaged from the first end portion. In addition, the second end portion of the drain hose may further comprise a cylindrical portion directly connected to the second bellows, and an elastic connection member, which is integrally molded to the cylindrical portion and is sealably connectable to the drain pipe. The cylindrical portion of the second end portion may comprise at least one right externally formed thereon so as to prevent the molded elastic connection member from being disengaged from the second end portion.  
           [0019]    In another aspect of the present invention, a continuous drain hose for a clothe washing machine or a dish washer having a water outlet comprises a first end portion being connectable to the water outlet and comprising a first bellows being able to form a first permanent bend when a first temporary bending force is applied thereto, a second end portion being connectable to a drain pipe and comprising a second bellows being able to form a second permanent bend when a second temporary bending force is applied thereto, and a third bellows being able to be permanently expanded or retractable when a first temporary pulling or pressing force is applied thereto. The drain hose further comprises a first flexible corrugated portion connected between the first end portion and the third bellows and a second flexible corrugated portion connected between the third bellows and the second end portion.  
           [0020]    Each of the first and second bellows is also permanently expandable or retractable when a second temporary pulling or pressing force is applied thereto, and on the other hand, the third bellows is able to form a third permanent bend when a third temporary bending force is applied thereto.  
           [0021]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings;  
         [0023]    FIGS.  1 A˜ 1 D illustrate different embodiments of a second end portion of a drain hose of the present invention each showing a 180° bent second bellows, schematically;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate the embodiments in FIG. 1C each showing a 90° bend second bellows, schematically;  
         [0025]    FIGS.  2 A˜ 2 C illustrate different embodiments of a first end portion of a drain hose of the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a drain hose having embodiments of the FIGS. 1C and 2B applied thereto in use;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 illustrates a section of the drain hose in FIG. 3;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5A illustrates a section showing connection of a second cylindrical part and a second connection member in a drain hose having the embodiment in FIG. 1C applied thereto;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 5B illustrates a section showing connection of a second cylindrical part and a second connection member in a drain hose having the embodiment in FIG. 1D applied thereto;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6A illustrates a section showing connection of a first cylindrical part and a first connection member in a drain hose having the embodiment in FIG. 2B applied thereto;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged section of an “A” part in FIG. 4;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8 illustrates a back side perspective view of a washing machine having a drain hose holder provided thereto, additionally; and  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 9 illustrates a plan view of an embodiment of a drain hose holder. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0034]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.  
         [0035]    The drain hose of the present invention includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and a corrugated portion for connecting the first and second end portions. The first and second end portions may have a variety of forms, and free flexible bending means may be further provided in the middle of the corrugated portion. Accordingly, there may be a variety of embodiments of the drain hose as above elements make many combinations. Detailed embodiments of the elements will be described, with reference to the attached drawings.  
         [0036]    FIGS.  1 A˜ 1 D illustrate different embodiments of one end portion of a drain hose of the present invention, particularly, different embodiments of a second end portion connected to an external drain pipe  40  of the present invention. FIG. 1A illustrates an embodiment in which the second end portion of the drain hose only has a bellows, which is called as a second bellows  130  for convenience of description.  
         [0037]    Before starting description of the second bellows  130 , the corrugated portion connecting the first and second end portions will be described, briefly. For convenience of description, the corrugated portion will be called as a second corrugated portion. The second corrugated portion  220  is a corrugated tube of a flexible plastic having a plurality of corrugation on an outside circumference for improving strength of the tube. The corrugate tube is employed in many general washing machines as drain hoses of washing machine, of which detailed description will be omitted. In the present invention, the corrugation is omitted for simplicity and more clear distinction from the second bellows  130 .  
         [0038]    The bellows  130  is formed in succession to the second corrugated portion  220 . The second bellows  130  is able to form a permanent bend when a temporary bending force is applied. The permanent bend implies, not a perfect and irreversible bending, but a bending a form of which can be maintained even after the temporary bending force is removed. Therefore, the second bellows  130  can be bent freely by applying an external force thereto whenever required. Moreover, a length of the bellows  130  is also extendable. It is preferable that both the second corrugated portion  220  and the second bellows  130  are formed of plastic as one unit by molding or casting.  
         [0039]    Referring to FIG. 1A, in the embodiment the second end portion of the drain hose includes a second bellows  130  connected to the second corrugated portion  220  in succession, an end portion of the second bellows  130  is inserted in a drain pipe  40  to a depth and the second bellows  130  is bent to an optimal angle and form in using the drain hose. FIG. 1A illustrates a shape the second bellows  130  is bent by 180°.  
         [0040]    In the meantime, if a diameter of the drain pipe  40  is smaller than the second bellows  130 , after inserting a portion of the second bellows  130  in the second bellows  130 , the second bellows  130  may be clamped with a clamp or band for prevention of leakage.  
         [0041]    When one end portion of the drain hose connected to the drain pipe  40  has the foregoing structure, since the bellows  130  can be bent easily even if position and angle of the drain pipe  40  vary, mounting of the drain hose is very easy.  
         [0042]    In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1B, the second end portion of the drain hose of the present invention includes a second bellows  130  and a second cylinder portion  320 . Since the second corrugated portion  220  has the same structure and connection with the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1A, description of the second corrugated portion  220  will be omitted. Only the second cylinder portion  320  will be described.  
         [0043]    The second cylinder portion  320  has opened opposite ends, and formed in continuation to the second bellows  130 . The second cylinder portion  320  has no corrugation on an outside thereof. The second cylinder portion  320  is formed of plastic. It is preferable that the second cylinder portion  320  is formed as one unit with the second bellows  130  and the second corrugated portion  220  by casting or molding.  
         [0044]    In the embodiment of the drain hose of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1B, a portion of or entire second cylinder portion  320  is inserted in the drain pipe  40 . In this instance, after inserting the second cylinder portion  320  in the drain pipe  40 , the second bellows  130  is bent to an optimal angle and form taking environmental structure into account. FIG. 2B also illustrates the second bellows  130  bent by 180°.  
         [0045]    In this embodiment too, if a diameter of the drain pipe  40  is smaller than a diameter of the second cylinder portion  320 , the second cylinder portion  320  and the drain pipe  40  may be connected by inserting a portion of the drain pipe  40  in the second cylinder portion  320  and clamping with a clamp or a band.  
         [0046]    The drain hose of a structure shown in FIG. 1B enables an easy connection to the drain pipe  40 , and prevents separation of the drain hose from the drain pipe  40  caused by vibration and pulsation occurred in discharge of water because the second cylinder portion  320  having a weight is inserted in the drain pipe  40 .  
         [0047]    The second end portion of the drain hose illustrated in FIG. 1B includes a second bellows  130 , a second cylinder portion  320 , and an elastic second connection member  420   a.  Detailed structures of, and connection between the second bellows  130  and the second cylinder portion  320  are the same with the description given with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B, of which description will be omitted, and the second connection member  420   a  will be described.  
         [0048]    The second connection member  420   a,  provided for easy connection of the drain hose to the drain pipe  40 , is a tube of an elastic rubber. The second connection member  420   a  has one end portion integrally molded with the second cylinder portion  320  and the other end portion sealably connected to the drain pipe  40 . Detailed structures and connection of the second connection member  420   a  and the second cylinder part  320  are shown in FIG. 5A, referring to which the detailed structures and connection of the second connection member  420   a  and the second cylinder part  320  will be described in detail.  
         [0049]    The second connection member  420   a  is formed of an elastic rubber molded at an end portion of the second cylinder portion  320  as one unit therewith. The second connection member  420   a  is cylindrical, and includes a plurality of reinforcing ribs  421   a  on an outside circumference for reinforcing strength. As shown in FIG. 5A, the reinforcing ribs  421   a  project from the outside circumferential surface of the second connection member  420   a  in a radial direction, are disposed at regular intervals along a circumferential direction thereof, and extend in a length direction thereof. For an example, the reinforcing ribs  421   a  project from upper and lower, and left and right sides of the outside circumferential surface of the second connection member  420   a,  to form a cross when the first connection member  420   a  is seen from a front. The reinforcing ribs  421   a  reinforce strength, and an elastic restoring force of the second connection member  420   a.    
         [0050]    The second connection member  420   a  and the second cylinder portion  320  are provided with structures for preventing separation from each other. That is, the second cylinder portion  320  has at least one annular ring  321  on an outside surface thereof, and the second connection member  420   a  has at least one annular groove  422   a  in an inside surface thereof for inserting the ring  321  therein. Therefore, even if a force is applied to the connection of the second connection member  420   a  and the second cylinder portion  320  in a length direction, the second connection member  420   a  and the second cylinder portion  320  are not separated from each other.  
         [0051]    The second connection member  420   a  also has a flange  423   a  for reinforcing a connection part to the second cylinder part  320 . As shown in FIG. 5A, the flange  423   a  is provided in the vicinity of a part which becomes thinner than other part due to the annular groove  422   a.  The flange  423   a  serves, not only for strength reinforcement, but also for an easy gripping of the drain hose to prevent the drain hose from slipping off the hand when the drain hose is connected to, or separated from the drain pipe  40 .  
         [0052]    In the meantime, for keeping positive and reliable connection and sealing between the drain pipe  40  and the second connection member  420   a  for a long time, a clamp or a band may be used in the connection between the second connection member  420   a  and the drain pipe  40 , additionally.  
         [0053]    For using the drain hose of the present invention having the second end portion that has the structure as shown in FIG. 1C, a portion of the drain pipe  40  is inserted in the second connection member  420   a,  and bent appropriately to suit to an environmental structure. FIG. 1C illustrates an example the second bellows  130  is mounted in a state the second bellows  130  is bent by 180°.  
         [0054]    In this case, the second connection member  420   a  expands in a radial direction elastically when the drain pipe  40  is inserted into the second connection member  420   a,  such that the second connection member  420   a  squeezes the drain pipe  40  in the radial direction when insertion of the drain pipe  40  is finished, to make an inside circumferential surface of the second connection member  420   a  a perfect close contact with the outside circumferential surface of the drain pipe  40 .  
         [0055]    In the meantime, though not shown, in a case the diameter of the drain pipe  40  is greater than the diameter of the second connection member  420   a,  the drain hose may be mounted in a form similar to a form illustrated in FIG. 1B. That is, the drain hose is mounted by inserting the second connection member  420   a  of rubber in the drain pipe  40  to a depth, and bending the second bellows  130  appropriately. When the drain hose is mounted thus, because the second connection member  420   a  of rubber is heavier than plastic, the portion of the second connection member  420   a  inserted in the drain pipe  40  is not separated from the drain pipe  40  even if vibration and pulsation is occurred when water is discharged from the washing machine.  
         [0056]    Therefore, if the second end portion of the drain hose has a structure illustrated in FIG. 1C, more positive connection and sealing can be maintained for a long time, together with the advantages of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1A.  
         [0057]    In the meantime, FIG. 1D illustrates an embodiment, in which a second end portion of the drain hose of the present invention includes a second bellows  130 , a second connection member  420   b.  Different from the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1C, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1D has a unique structure in which no second cylinder portion  320  is provided therewith, and the second connection member  420   b  is directly connected to the second bellows. In this embodiment, a structure of the second bellows  130  is the same with the structure described with reference to FIG. 1A, description of which will be omitted. Connection between the second bellows  130  and the second connection member  420   b  will be described.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 5B illustrates a connection between a second connection member  420   b  and a second bellows  130 , well. Referring to FIG. 5B, the second connection member  420   b  is provided with ribs  421   b  and a flange  423   b  identical to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5A, of which structures are the same with the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5A, and description of which will be omitted. However, as shown in FIG. 5B, in the present invention, one end of the second connection member  420   b  is directly connected to the second bellows  130 . It is preferable that the second connection member  420   b  is molded as one unit with the second bellows  130 . As shown in FIG. 5B, once the second connection member  420   b  and the second bellows  130  are molded thus as one unit, an outside surface of the corrugated second bellows  130  serves the same with the annular ring  321  in FIG. 5A, to prevent the second bellows  130  and the second connection member  420   b  from being separated by a force applied in the length direction.  
         [0059]    If the second end portion of the drain hose of the present invention has a structure illustrated in FIG. 1D, the drain hose is mounted by inserting the second connection member  420   b  in the drain pipe  40  or inserting a portion of the drain pipe  40  in the second connection member  420   b,  and bending the second bellows  130 , appropriately. As such a mounting structure and advantages are similar to the mounting structure and advantages described with reference to FIG. 1C, detailed description will be omitted.  
         [0060]    In the meantime, FIGS.  1 A˜ 1 D illustrate examples each showing the drain hose with the second bellows bent in a range of 180°. However, the drain hose of the present invention can be mounted, with the second bellows  130  bent to different angles suitable to different environments, such as a position of the drain pipe  40 . Such examples of mounting the drain hose, with the second bellows  130  bent to different angles, for an example, 90° , are illustrated in FIGS. 1E and 1F.  
         [0061]    In the meantime, FIGS.  2 A˜ 2 C illustrate different embodiments of first end portion of the drain hose, which will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment in which a first end portion to be connected to a water outlet  30  of the washing machine includes a first bellows  110  and a first cylinder portion  310 . Structures of the first bellows  110  and the first cylinder portion  310  are the same with the structures of the second bellows  130  and the second cylinder portion  320  described with reference to FIG. 2A. The unexplained reference numeral  210  in FIG. 2A denotes a portion of the corrugated tube.  
         [0063]    If the first end portion of the drain hose has a structure as shown in FIG. 2A, the drain hose can be used more favorably in a situation the washing machine is installed within a narrow space, which will be described in more detail.  
         [0064]    The washing machine, in general installed in a washing room, or the like, of a building, with a back or side of the washing machine close to a wall of the washing room, for better utilization of space. Once the washing machine is installed close to the wall of the washing room, the drain hose connected to the back or side of the washing machine is folded or pressed, to block a water passage, frequently. For solving this problem, it is required to provide a gap between the washing machine and the wall of the washing room enough to secure a least bending radius at which the drain hose does not fold, in which the space utilization is poor.  
         [0065]    The foregoing problem can be solved completely if the drain hose of the present invention including the first end portion with the first bellows  110  illustrated in FIG. 2A is used. That is, since the first bellows  110  is bent freely, and has a bending diameter substantially smaller than a general corrugated drain hose, even if the washing machine is installed close to the wall of a washing room, the drain hose is not pressed or folded, thereby enhancing space utilization.  
         [0066]    In the meantime, by fastening a connection part of the water outlet  30  and the first cylinder part  310  with a clamp or a band, sealing of the connection part can be improved.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment in which a first end portion of the drain hose includes a first bellows  110 , a first cylinder portion  310 , and a first connection member  410   a.  Structures of the first bellows  110  and the first cylinder portion  310  are the same with the foregoing embodiments, of which description will be omitted. A structure of the first connection member  410   a,  and connection between the first cylinder portion  310  and the first connection member  410   a  will be described.  
         [0068]    Referring to FIG. 6A, structures for firm connection of the first connection member  410   a  and the first cylinder part  310  are provided to the first connection member  410   a  and the first cylinder part  310 . That is, even if the first connection member  410   a  and the first cylinder part  310  are molded as one unit, since the first connection member  410   a  and the first cylinder part  310  are formed of different material of rubber and plastic, the following structures are provided for securing a reliability of the connection, positively.  
         [0069]    The first cylinder portion  310  of plastic has at least one annular ring projected from an outside circumferential surface. The first connection member  410   a  of elastic rubber has a groove  412   a  in an inside circumferential surface for inserting and seating the annular ring  311  of the first cylinder portion  310 . Therefore, once the first connection member  410   a  and the first cylinder part  310  are molded together with the foregoing structures, the connection between the first connection member  410   a  and the first cylinder part  310  is not loosened easily even if a force caused by various reasons, such as vibration and pulsation of water, is applied to the first connection member  410   a  and the first cylinder part  310  in a length direction, and seals the connection, effectively.  
         [0070]    The first connection member  410   a  of elastic rubber has at least one rib  411   a  on an outside surface for reinforcing strength and elastic force. The rib  411   a  in FIG. 6A shows an example of the rib  411   a  projected from the outside surface in a circumferential direction of the first connection member  410   a.  This type of projection of the rib  411   a,  increasing a radial direction thickness of the first connection member  410   a  locally, has effects that strength of the first connection member  410   a  itself is increased, and the elastic force of the first connection member  410   a  come into close contact with the outside surface of the water outlet  30  is reinforced when the first connection member  410   a  is inserted in, and fixed to the water outlet  30  of the washing machine. The rib  410  also serves to prevent slipping when gripped by a hand.  
         [0071]    Referring to FIG. 6A, the first connection member  410   a  has a flare portion  413   a  having a diameter increased gradually like a horn at the other end for connection to the water outlet  30 , for easy insertion of the water outlet  30  into the first connection member  410   a.    
         [0072]    In the meantime, though not shown, a clamp or a band may be used additionally for firmer connection of the first connection member  410   a  and the water outlet  30  and improving sealing of the connection part. If the clamp or band is used, the plurality of annular ribs  421   a  on the outside surface of the second connection member  420   a  can fix a fastening position of the clamp or the band, and prevents slipping of the clamp or the band in the length direction.  
         [0073]    The embodiment of the first end portion of the drain hose illustrated in FIG. 2B having the foregoing structure can provide more reliable connection owing to the first connection member  410   a  of rubber, while the embodiment still has all the advantages the foregoing embodiments have. That is, in insertion of the outside circumferential surface of the water outlet  30  to an inside circumferential surface of the first connection member  410   a  for connecting the first end portion of the drain hose and the water outlet  30 , the first connection member  410   a  expands elastically, such that the inside circumferential surface of the first connection member  410   a  and the outside circumferential surface of the water outlet  30  come into close contact with by the elastic force in a state the insertion is finished, to secure a higher air tightness at the connection part.  
         [0074]    [0074]FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment in which a first end portion of the drain hose includes a first bellows  110 , and a first connection member  410   b.  Description of structures of the first bellows  110  and the first connection member  410   a  is given previously, and therefore, will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 6B, in this embodiment, the first connection member  410   b  is molded as one unit with the first bellows  110 . Neither the groove  412   a,  nor the annular ring  311  suggested in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 6 a  is provided. In this embodiment, since the first connection member  410   b  is connected to the water outlet  30  in a principle the same with a principle of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2B, a reliability of a sealed connection state can be improved.  
         [0075]    As described with reference to FIGS.  1 A˜ 2 C, the second end portion and the first end portion of the drain hose of the present invention can be realized into a variety of embodiments. The second end portion and the first end portion, connected with a flexible corrugated portion, form the drain hose of the present invention. Therefore, though not shown every drain hose one by one, the drain hose of the present invention can be realized into a variety of embodiments having the second end portion and the first end portion joined to opposite ends of the corrugated portion.  
         [0076]    The present invention is not limited to this, but another bellows extendable freely in a length direction may be provided in the middle of the corrugated portion, which will be called as a third bellows for distinguishing this from the first and second bellows. In a case the third bellows is provided in the middle of the corrugated portion, the corrugated portion has a first corrugated portion and a second corrugated portion connected to opposite ends of the third bellows. Therefore, the drain hose of the present invention having the third bellows provided thereto includes a first end portion, a first corrugated portion, a third bellows, a second corrugated portion, a second bellows, and a second end portion, which are connected in succession.  
         [0077]    For clearer description of an overall structure of the drain hose of the present invention, one embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 or  4  illustrates one embodiment of the drain hose  100  including a first end portion of the embodiment in FIG. 2B, a second end portion of the embodiment in FIG. 1C, and the first corrugated portion  210 , the third bellows  120 , and the third bellows  120  connected in succession, which connect the first end portion and the second end portion. The drain hose has a first cylinder portion  310 , the first corrugated portion  210 , the third bellows  120 , the second corrugated portion  220 , and a second cylinder portion formed of plastic as one unit, and the first connection member  410   a  and the second connection member  420   a  molded as one unit so as to be connected to the first cylinder portion  310  and the second cylinder portion  320 . The drain hose  100  thus fabricated has the following advantages.  
         [0078]    The first end portion, to be connected to a short water outlet  30  connected to the drain pump  20  of the washing machine  100 , can be connected with easy even in a narrow space without folding or pressing of the drain hose  100 , because the first bellows  110  can be bent freely. Of course, the first connection member  410   a  of rubber, to be connected to the water outlet  30  directly, enables an easy connection, and enhances sealing of the connection part to prevent leakage of water.  
         [0079]    Since the second bellows  130  can be bent freely, the second end portion, to be connected to an external drain pipe  40 , is very convenient as no inconvenient work, such as turning of the drain hose or the like is not required. Of course, the second bellows  130  can be mounted with easy even in a narrow space because the second bellows  130  has a bending radius substantially smaller than a general drain hose. Moreover, the second connection member  420   a  of rubber to be connected to the drain pipe  40  directly, not only enables an easy connection, but also enhances sealing of the connection part, to prevent water leakage.  
         [0080]    The third bellows  120  is extendable freely in a length direction. Therefore, in a case the drain pipe  40  and the washing machine  100  can not, but installed far away from each other, the third bellows  120  can be extended for securing a required length. Also, when the drain pipe  40  and the washing machine  100  are installed very close, the third bellows  120  may be contracted in the length direction to the maximum, so as not to use an unnecessary space. Because the third bellows  120  is extendable/contractible in the length direction as well as bendable freely, the drain hose  100  can be mounted very easily even in a case the drain hose  100  can not but be bent in the middle due to environmental structure. Of course, the third bellows  120  is extendable/contractible in the length direction, and alike the first or second bellows  110  or  130 , is bendable freely.  
         [0081]    In the meantime, FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged section of a portion of the third bellows. This sectional structure is applicable, not only to the third bellows  120 , but also to the first, and second bellows  110  and  130 .  
         [0082]    Referring to FIG. 7, the third bellows  120  includes a plurality of folds each having a middle peak and a lower point for forming the permanent bend. The fold has an inclined wall  121  extended from a left lower point toward a middle peak point, and a declined wall  125  extended from the middle peak point toward a right lower point.  
         [0083]    The fold has the following features. First, a first angle θ 1  between a vertical axis passing through the middle peak point and the inclined wall  121  is greater than a second angle θ 2  between the vertical axis and the declined wall  125 . A horizontal length D 1  of the inclined wall  121  is different from a horizontal length D 2  of the declined wall  125 .  
         [0084]    Referring to FIG. 7, an embodiment of the fold in which the horizontal length D 2  of the inclined wall  121  is shorter than the horizontal length D 1  of the declined wall  125  will be described.  
         [0085]    The section of the third bellows  120  illustrated in FIG. 7 is symmetry with respect to an axis of the third bellows  120  illustrated in FIG. 4. Such a structure of the third bellows  120  undergoes a length reduction as bellows are contracted when the declined wall  125  comes into close contact with the inclined wall  121 . Opposite to this, when the declined wall  125  comes apart from the inclined wall  121 , the third bellows  120  undergoes extension of the length to a form as shown in FIG. 7. The third bellows  120  is extendable in the length direction freely under the foregoing principle.  
         [0086]    In the meantime, if the third bellows  120  is in a state in which the inclined, and declined walls  121  and  125  come into close contact with each other in one side portion of the axis and the inclined, and declined walls  121  and  125  come apart from each other in the other side portion of the axis, the third bellows  120  bends toward the side the inclined, and declined walls  121  and  125  come into close contact with each other.  
         [0087]    The principles of extension and bending of the third bellows  120  are applicable to the first and second bellows  110  and  130 , too.  
         [0088]    In the meantime, referring to FIG. 8, the present invention provides a structure for attaching the drain hose  100  close to a side of the washing machine  100  during transportation and movement of the washing machine  100 . To do this, the washing machine  100  is provided with a plurality of hose holder  500  on one side surface, for an example, on a back surface.  
         [0089]    Referring to FIG. 9, the hose holder  500  includes a holding part  510  having an arc form of inner circumferential surface, and a fixing pin  520  to be inserted in, and fixed to one surface of the washing machine  100 .  
         [0090]    The holding part  510  of an elastic material enables forced push-in of the drain hose  100  through an opened one side of the holding part  510 , to seat the drain hose  100  on the arc form of inner circumferential surface. In this instance, opposite ends of the holding part  510  move apart to opposite directions elastically, and, since the opposite ends of the holding part  510  return to original positions elastically after the drain hose  100  is inserted into the arc form of inner circumferential surface, the drain hose  100  can not escape from the holding part  510 , but caught by the opposite ends of the holding part  510 . As shown in FIG. 9, the fixing pin  520  has a wedge shaped head, for forced insertion into a hole in one surface of the washing machine.  
         [0091]    A plurality of the hose holders  500  are provided to the one surface of the washing machine  10  for holding many part of the drain hose  100 . Once the hose holders  500  are thus provided to the one surface of the washing machine  10 , transportability of the washing machine  10  is improved and damage to the drain hose  100  can be reduced as the drain hose  100  can be attached close to the washing machine in an orderly fashion.  
         [0092]    As has been described, the drain hose of the present invention has the following advantages. First, the freely bendable bellows provided to opposite ends of the drain hose permits very easy mounting of the drain hose under any circumstances. Second, the freely extendable bellows provided in the middle of the drain hose permits to provide an optimal length required for mounting the drain hose, always. Third, the connection members of rubber at opposite ends of the drain hose prevent leakage of water and secure reliability of connection. Fourth, the molding of all elements including the connection members, the bellows, and the corrugated portion as one unit permits to prevent leakage of water effectively, as there is no mechanical connection part. The advantages of the present invention include all the effect and advantages described in the detailed description of the preferred embodiment in addition to above.  
         [0093]    It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.