Gutter

Abstract

To provide a gutter capable of maintaining drainage performance for a long period of time and allowing gutter members to be fixed by simple construction.SOLUTION: A gutter according to an embodiment includes a flexible water-permeable hose 2 placed inside a gutter main body 1. The gutter main body 1 is U-shaped with an open top. The flexible water-permeable hose 2 includes a water-permeable hose wall 21 and a spiral reinforcement body 22 integrated with the outer periphery of the hose wall 21. The flexible water-permeable hose 2 is placed inside the gutter main body 1 in an elastically deformed state, and at least a part of the spiral reinforcement body 22 is pressed against a side surface 11 of the gutter main body 1 by the reaction force of the elastic deformation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a side gutter. [Background technology]

[0002] Gutters are installed on roads and buildings. Gutters allow rainwater and other water to drain away, preventing the foundations of roads and buildings from being submerged. In other words, they function as drainage channels. One type of gutter that is widely used is one that is constructed using so-called U-shaped gutters.

[0003] When gutters are used in environments where fallen leaves and sediment are likely to flow into them, such as forest roads and parks, the gutters can become clogged with sediment and the drainage function of the gutters is impaired. Covering the gutters can maintain the drainage performance of the gutters for a long period of time, but the cost of the covers and their installation is a burden. Furthermore, covering the gutters reduces the drainage performance of the surrounding area. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a gutter technology in which waste materials such as felled timber are placed in a cage inside a gutter, with the gaps between the waste materials used as drainage space, and it is disclosed that such a gutter allows for effective use of the waste materials. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-152436 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with gutters such as those described in Patent Document 1, when soil and fallen leaves flow into the gutters, they accumulate in the gaps between the debris, easily clogging the gutters and making it difficult to maintain drainage performance over a long period of time. Furthermore, with gutters such as those described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to align the debris with the curved path of the gutters, making installation cumbersome. Furthermore, with gutters such as those described in Patent Document 1, there is a risk that the debris will be washed away and lost when a large amount of drainage is involved.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gutter that can maintain drainage performance for a long period of time and that allows gutter members to be easily fixed by simple construction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] After extensive research, the inventor discovered that the above problem could be solved by placing a flexible water-permeable hose inside the main body of the gutter, taking advantage of the hose's elasticity, and thus completed the present invention.

[0008] The present invention is a gutter in which a flexible water-permeable hose is placed inside the gutter body, the gutter body being U-shaped with an open top, the flexible water-permeable hose including a water-permeable hose wall and a spiral reinforcement body integrated with the outer periphery of the hose wall, the flexible water-permeable hose being placed inside the gutter body in an elastically deformed state, and the reaction force of the elastic deformation pressing at least a part of the spiral reinforcement body against the side of the gutter body (first invention). Here, the term "water-permeable hose" refers to a hose whose walls are water-permeable.

[0009] The present invention also provides a gutter in which a flexible water-permeable hose is placed inside the gutter body, the gutter body being U-shaped with an open top, the flexible water-permeable hose including a water-permeable hose wall and a spiral reinforcement body integrated into the inner periphery of the hose wall or inside the hose wall, the flexible water-permeable hose being placed inside the gutter body in an elastically deformed state, and at least a part of the hose wall being pressed against the side of the gutter body by the reaction force of the elastic deformation (second invention).

[0010] In the first or second invention, preferably, the outer diameter of the flexible permeable hose when no load is applied is larger than the width of the inside of the gutter body (third invention). Also, in the first or second invention, preferably, the gutter path is bent or curved, and the flexible permeable hose, which is straight when no load is applied, is arranged in a bent state inside the gutter body (fourth invention). Also, in the first or second invention, preferably, a spacer member is arranged between the side of the gutter body and the flexible permeable hose (fifth invention). [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the gutter of the present invention (first invention and second invention), the gutter members can be easily fixed to the gutter body with simple construction, and drainage performance can be maintained for a long period of time. Furthermore, in the case of the third to fifth inventions, construction of the gutter becomes easier. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a side gutter according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a front view and a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a flexible water-permeable hose used in a side gutter of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 5A to 5C are cross-sectional views showing an example of a process for manufacturing the gutter of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the structure of a side gutter according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a side gutter according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using a roadside gutter as an example. The present invention is not limited to the individual embodiments shown below, and can be practiced by modifying the form.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a side ditch of the first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a front view and a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a flexible water-permeable hose 2 used in the side ditch of the first embodiment. The gutter is configured by placing a flexible permeable hose 2 inside a gutter body 1. The gutter may also include other components, such as components or materials for fixing the flexible permeable hose 2, or a cover (such as a grating or a perforated plate).

[0015] The gutter of the first embodiment is installed on the side of a road or the like, and is provided with a desired route and gradient to allow the drainage of rainwater, etc. The route of the gutter is not particularly limited, and may be straight, have bends, or be curved. In addition, the specific use of the gutter is not limited as long as it allows water, etc., to flow through it.

[0016] The gutter body 1 is U-shaped with an open top when installed on the ground. This type of gutter body 1 is also called a U-shaped gutter. Although not essential, the side walls of the gutter body 1 extend in a substantially vertical direction. The material constituting the gutter body 1 is not particularly limited, and may be a non-metallic material such as concrete, mortar, ceramic, or resin, or a metallic material such as cast iron or galvanized steel sheet.

[0017] Typically, but not necessarily, the gutter body 1 is installed so as to fit into a trench dug in the ground.

[0018] The flexible water-permeable hose 2 includes a water-permeable hose wall 21 and a spiral reinforcement 22 integrated with the outer periphery of the hose wall 21. The water-permeable hose wall 21 is flexible and contributes to the flexibility of the hose. The spiral reinforcement 22 contributes to maintaining the cylindrical shape of the flexible water-permeable hose 2 and also contributes to the elasticity of the flexible water-permeable hose 2, as described below.

[0019] The water-permeable hose wall 21 is made of, for example, a water-permeable sheet material. The water-permeable sheet material may be a woven fabric, a nonwoven fabric, a mesh material, or a net-like nonwoven fabric material (such as "Warif (registered trademark)"). Preferably, the water-permeable sheet material may be a so-called weed control sheet. Alternatively, the water-permeable sheet material may be a synthetic resin sheet material with many through holes or slits. The degree of water permeability may be such that water can pass freely through while fallen leaves, dust, pebbles, soil, and the like are prevented from passing through.

[0020] Although not essential, the water-permeable sheet material is preferably a weather-resistant and light-resistant material that can maintain its shape for a long period of time even when exposed to direct sunlight.

[0021] Although not required, for example, the water-permeable sheet material may be formed into strips of a predetermined width and spirally wound to form the water-permeable hose wall 21. The water-permeable sheet material may be spirally wound so that the strips overlap each other. Alternatively, the water-permeable sheet material may be formed into strips of a predetermined width and rolled up like sushi rolls to form a tubular shape to form the water-permeable hose wall 21. In the flexible water-permeable hose 2 in the first embodiment, the water-permeable hose wall 21 is formed by spirally winding strips of a net-like nonwoven fabric material so that the strips overlap each other.

[0022] The water-permeable hose wall 21 may also be formed by assembling a plurality of monofilaments extruded from a synthetic resin. For example, the water-permeable hose wall may be formed by integrating a set of monofilaments arranged at a predetermined interval so as to extend in the first spiral direction, with the first spiral direction being a clockwise spiral and the second spiral direction being a counterclockwise spiral, with a set of monofilaments arranged at a predetermined interval so as to extend in the second spiral direction, where the monofilaments intersect with each other, forming a mesh-like water-permeable hose wall.

[0023] The spiral reinforcement 22 is made of synthetic resin or metal and is integrated with the outer periphery of the hose wall 21. Depending on the materials of the hose wall 21 and the spiral reinforcement 22, known means or structures such as adhesion, welding, or crimping can be used for integration.

[0024] Examples of synthetic resins that form the spiral reinforcement member 22 include vinyl chloride resin, polypropylene resin, polyethylene terephthalate resin, urethane resin, rubber, etc. Examples of metal materials that form the spiral reinforcement member 22 include iron plate, plated steel plate, aluminum plate, copper plate, stainless steel plate, etc.

[0025] The spiral reinforcement 22 is formed by forming synthetic resin or metal into a predetermined cross-sectional shape, and has both flexibility and elasticity, as well as strength sufficient to maintain the intended cylindrical shape. Therefore, the flexible water-permeable hose 2 integrated with the spiral reinforcement 22 is a nearly straight, cylindrical hose with a circular cross-section when no load is applied, but by applying an external force, the hose can be curved or bent, or the cross-section of the hose can be deformed into an ellipse. In other words, the flexible water-permeable hose 2 is elastically deformable. The elasticity of the spiral reinforcement 22 generates a reaction force (restoring force) that restores the flexible water-permeable hose 2 when it is deformed.

[0026] In the gutter of the above embodiment, the flexible water-permeable hose 1 is arranged inside the gutter body in an elastically deformed state. For example, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the flexible water-permeable hose 1 is arranged inside the gutter body 1 in a state where it is compressed in the width (W) direction of the gutter and has an elliptical hose cross section that is slightly elongated in the vertical direction. Note that the elastic deformation of the hose may be in the form of elastic deformation as in the embodiments described below.

[0027] In the gutter of the above embodiment, at least a part of the spiral reinforcement 22 is pressed against the side surface 11 of the gutter body 1 by the reaction force of the elastic deformation of the flexible water-permeable hose 1 .

[0028] It is preferable that the outer diameter D of the flexible water-permeable hose 2 under no load is larger than the inner width W of the gutter body 1 so as to ensure elastic deformation of the flexible water-permeable hose 1 and pressure of the spiral reinforcement body 22 against the side surface 11 of the gutter body.

[0029] The gutter of the above embodiment can be manufactured, for example, by the process shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the process for manufacturing the gutter of the first embodiment. A flexible permeable hose 2 having an outer diameter D slightly larger than the inner width W of the gutter main body 1 is pushed into the gutter main body 1, which has been buried in the ground beforehand. When the flexible permeable hose 2 is pushed in, it is positioned inside the gutter main body 1 in an elastically deformed state, and the reaction force (restoring force) of the elastic deformation presses the spiral reinforcement body 22 against the side surface 11 of the gutter main body 1, completing the installation of the gutter of the above embodiment.

[0030] The effects of the gutter of the above embodiment will be described. The gutter of the above embodiment can maintain drainage performance for a long period of time, and the flexible water-permeable hose 2 can be easily fixed to the gutter body 1 with simple construction.

[0031] In the gutter of the above embodiment, because the hose wall 21 of the flexible water-permeable hose 2 is permeable, fallen leaves and soil remain on the outside of the hose wall 21 and are less likely to enter the inside of the flexible water-permeable hose 2. Therefore, even if soil, fallen leaves, etc. flow into the gutter, the inside of the flexible water-permeable hose 2 tends to remain hollow, and water can flow into the flexible water-permeable hose 2 through the permeable hose wall 21 and continue to flow through the flexible water-permeable hose 2. Therefore, even if soil, etc. flows into the gutter, the drainage performance of the gutter can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0032] Although not essential, from the perspective of maintaining the drainage performance of the gutter over a long period of time, it is preferable that the height gap between the outer surface of the hose wall 21 of the flexible water-permeable hose 2 and the spiral reinforcement 22 is small, so that when the flexible water-permeable hose 2 is placed in the gutter body 1, the gap between the outer surface of the hose wall 21 and the side surface 11 of the gutter body is small. In this way, soil and sand that flows into the gutter are blocked at the point where the flexible water-permeable hose 2 contacts the side surface 11 of the gutter body, making it difficult for them to flow into the lower part of the gutter body 1. From this perspective, it is also preferable that the spiral reinforcement of the flexible water-permeable hose is provided on the inner periphery of or inside the hose wall, as in other embodiments described below.

[0033] Furthermore, in the gutter of the above embodiment, the flexible water-permeable hose 2 is placed inside the gutter main body 1 in an elastically deformed state, and the reaction force of the elastic deformation presses at least a portion of the spiral reinforcement 22 against the side surface 11 of the gutter main body 1, so that this pressing action secures the flexible water-permeable hose 2 to the inside of the gutter main body 1. In other words, the flexible water-permeable hose 2 is easily secured to the gutter main body 1. This fixation can prevent the flexible water-permeable hose 2 from being washed away. In addition to fixation by this pressing action, fixing members such as screws, adhesives, clips, etc. may also be used in combination.

[0034] Furthermore, in the gutter of the above embodiment, when placing the flexible water-permeable hose 2 inside the gutter body, the hose can be bent to match the bends and curves of the path of the gutter body 1, and the flexible water-permeable hose 2 can be pushed into the gutter body 1 while taking advantage of the hose's elasticity, thereby simplifying installation. Furthermore, due to the above-mentioned fixing action, when placing the long flexible water-permeable hose 2 inside the gutter body, the previously pushed-in section of the hose is prevented from popping out when the subsequent section is pushed in, making installation even easier.

[0035] In particular, when the unloaded outer diameter D of the flexible water-permeable hose 2 is larger than the inner width W of the gutter body 1, as in the gutter of the above embodiment, the hose undergoes radial elastic deformation at almost all points along its length, causing the spiral reinforcement 22 to be pressed against the side wall 11 of the gutter body, thereby making the hose more securely fixed.

[0036] The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made to the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be described below, focusing on differences from the above-described embodiment, and detailed descriptions of similarities will be omitted. Furthermore, these embodiments can be implemented by combining parts of them with each other or by substituting parts of them.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of a side gutter according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the path of the gutter body 1 is a curved path when seen in a plan view. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flexible permeable hose 2, which is straight when no load is applied, is bent and elastically deformed and placed inside the gutter body 1. The reaction force (restoring force) of the elastically deformed flexible permeable hose 2 presses the spiral reinforcement 22 against the inner corner 1a of the bent portion of the gutter body 1, and also presses the spiral reinforcement 22 against the portion 1b adjacent to the outer corner of the bent portion of the gutter body 1.

[0038] In the gutter of the second embodiment, the flexible water-permeable hose 2, which is straight when unloaded, is placed inside the gutter body in a bent state, and the reaction force of the flexible water-permeable hose 2 trying to return to its straight shape presses the spiral reinforcement 22 against the side of the gutter body 1, fixing the flexible water-permeable hose 2 to the gutter body 1. Furthermore, the drainage function of the gutter can be maintained for a long period of time.

[0039] Figure 4 shows an example in which the path of the gutter is bent, but even if the path of the gutter is curved, the same effect can be achieved by placing the flexible permeable hose 2, which is straight when unloaded, in a bent state inside the main body of the gutter. Furthermore, in the gutter of the second embodiment, the outer diameter D of the flexible water-permeable hose 2 when no load is applied may be smaller than the inner width W of the gutter body.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view showing the structure of a side gutter according to the third embodiment. In the gutter of the third embodiment, a spacer member 3 is placed between the side surface 11 of the gutter body 1 and the flexible permeable hose 2. By placing the spacer member 3, the flexible permeable hose 2 elastically deforms so as to be crushed in the width direction of the gutter body 1, and the spiral reinforcement body 22 is pressed against the side surface 11 of the gutter body 1.

[0041] The material and specific shape of the spacer member 3 are not limited as long as it can elastically deform the flexible permeable hose 2 and maintain that state. For example, the spacer member 3 may be a rectangular hollow member manufactured by blow molding a synthetic resin. For example, the spacer member 3 may be made of stone, rock, wood, or the like. The spacer member 3 may also be an elastic member. The gutter of the third embodiment can be completed by placing the flexible permeable hose 2 inside the gutter main body 1, pushing the hollow member 3 between the flexible permeable hose 2 and the gutter main body 1, and elastically deforming the flexible permeable hose 2 so that it collapses in the width direction of the gutter main body 1.

[0042] In the gutter of the third embodiment, the reaction force of the elastically deformed flexible water-permeable hose 2 returning to its original shape presses the spiral reinforcement 22 against the side surface of the gutter main body 1, fixing the flexible water-permeable hose 2 to the gutter main body 1. Furthermore, the drainage function of the gutter is maintained for a long period of time.

[0043] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the flexible water-permeable hose 2 has been described mainly as including a spiral reinforcement 22 integrated with the outer periphery of the water-permeable hose wall 21. However, the spiral reinforcement 22 may also be integrated with the inner periphery of the hose wall or within the hose wall. For example, the spiral reinforcement 22 may be joined to the inner periphery of the hose wall by adhesive bonding, fusion, or other means. Furthermore, the spiral reinforcement 22 may be sandwiched between the materials constituting the hose wall (e.g., strips, resin layers, fiber layers, etc.), thereby integrating the spiral reinforcement within the hose wall. In these cases, only the hose wall is exposed on the outer surface of the flexible water-permeable hose, and the spiral reinforcement is not. Therefore, when the flexible water-permeable hose is placed inside the gutter body 1 in an elastically deformed state, at least a portion of the hose wall 21 is pressed against the side surface of the gutter body due to the reaction force of the elastic deformation.

[0044] Even when the spiral reinforcement 22 is located on the inner periphery of the water-permeable hose wall 21 or inside the hose wall, the reaction force of the elastic deformation presses at least a portion of the hose wall 21 against the side surface of the gutter body, thereby fixing the flexible water-permeable hose 2 to the gutter body 1. Furthermore, the water-permeable hose wall 21 allows the drainage function of the gutter to be maintained for a long period of time.

[0045] When installing the gutter according to the above series of embodiments, other components may be placed inside the gutter body 1 in addition to the flexible permeable hose 2. For example, wire mesh or gates to prevent fallen leaves and the like from moving in the direction of flow in the gutter, or weirs, blocks, pillars, and the like to adjust the water level may be placed inside the gutter body 1. The gutter may also be connected to a manhole or the like. The path of the gutter may be bent at the manhole.

[0046] Furthermore, the roads on which the gutters of the above series of embodiments are used may be roadways, sidewalks, or bicycle paths, and the form of these roads may be paved roads made of concrete or asphalt, roads covered with gravel, or roads with exposed soil. Furthermore, the use of the gutters in the above series of embodiments is not limited to around roads or buildings, but may also be provided at the boundary between forests or woods, at the boundary between mountains and plains, around farmland, pastures, and workplaces. [Industrial Applicability]

[0047] The gutter of the above embodiment can be used for roads and the like, and has high industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1. Gutter body 11 Side 2 Flexible permeable hose 21 Hose Wall 22 Spiral reinforcement 3 Spacer member

Claims

1. A gutter in which a flexible permeable hose is arranged inside a gutter body, The gutter body is U-shaped with an open top. The flexible water-permeable hose includes a water-permeable hose wall and a spiral reinforcement body integrated around the outer periphery of the hose wall; The flexible permeable hose is arranged inside the gutter body in an elastically deformed state, At least a part of the spiral reinforcement body is pressed against the side surface of the gutter body by a reaction force of the elastic deformation. Gutter.

2. A gutter in which a flexible permeable hose is arranged inside a gutter body, The gutter body is U-shaped with an open top. The flexible water-permeable hose includes a water-permeable hose wall and a spiral reinforcement body integrated into the inner periphery of the hose wall or the inside of the hose wall; The flexible permeable hose is arranged inside the gutter body in an elastically deformed state, At least a part of the hose wall is pressed against the side surface of the gutter body by a reaction force of the elastic deformation. Gutter.

3. The outer diameter of the flexible permeable hose when unloaded is larger than the inner width of the gutter body. The gutter according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The path of the gutter when viewed in plan is bent or curved, The flexible permeable hose, which is straight when unloaded, is placed inside the gutter body in a bent state. The gutter according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A spacer member is disposed between the side surface of the gutter body and the flexible permeable hose. The gutter according to claim 1 or 2.

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