Rainwater distribution device

Abstract

To provide a rainwater distribution device that can automatically switch the outflow destination of rainwater to the other tank when one tank that first takes in rainwater becomes full, when there are two tanks for taking in rainwater. [Solution] A rainwater distribution device 10 includes an inner tubular portion 20 indirectly connected to a downspout 3, and an outer tubular portion 30 fitted onto the outside of the inner tubular portion 20 and rotatable in the circumferential direction along the outer circumferential surface of the inner tubular portion 20. The branch portion 40 has at least a first branch pipe 41 extending in one direction and a second branch pipe 42 extending in the opposite direction to the first branch pipe 41, and is connected to the downstream end 31 of the outer tubular portion 30. A float 50 that provides the required buoyancy is attached to the lower portion of at least one of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rainwater distribution device that can automatically switch the distribution destination of rainwater branched from a rain gutter. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, gardeners and agricultural businesses may store rainwater in tanks to water their gardens and crops. In addition, in areas where there are no fire hydrants nearby, rainwater may be stored in tanks to be used as emergency water in the event of a fire.

[0003] When rainwater is stored in a tank and used as a water resource, a device that diverts the rainwater from an existing rain gutter is known. For example, the website of Non-Patent Document 1 sells a rainwater diversion attachment 100 that can be attached to a downspout 3 of a house 1 (see FIG. 16).

[0004] To use the rainwater diversion attachment 100, first, a portion of the downspout 3 is cut near the ground 4 to fit the dimensions of the main body 101, and then the main body 101 is attached to the cutout portion.

[0005] As shown in Figure 17, the main body 101 is made up of an upper joint 102 that connects to the cut downspout upper part 3a, and a lower joint 104 that has a bypass pipe 103 that branches off from the downspout 3 and connects to the cut downspout lower part 3b. Rainwater 5 that falls on the roof 1a flows into the eaves gutter 2 and is collected, passes through the downspout 3 and flows down towards the ground 4, but is then caused to flow into the bypass pipe 103 by the rainwater branching attachment 100 and flows into the tank 6 from the opening 103a of the bypass pipe 103. This allows the rainwater 5 that falls on the roof 1a to be stored in the tank 6. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0006] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Gutter tank connection attachment", [online], Taneji Shoten, [searched July 22, 2024], Internet<https: / / amzn.asia / d / 09RpzXPC> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The volume of rainwater 5 obtained from a single rainfall is approximately 500 L or more but less than 1000 L for a typical house 1. For this reason, when using a tank 6 with a typical capacity of 500 L for storing rainwater 5, as shown in Figure 16, the tank 6 will consist of a first tank 6a that starts taking water first when it rains, and a second tank 6b that continues to take water after the first tank 6a is full.

[0008] However, the conventional rainwater branching attachment 100 does not have a mechanism for switching the distribution destination of the rainwater 5. For this reason, in the past, the tank 6 had to be switched manually, for example, by connecting a hose to the opening 103a of the bypass pipe 103, initially placing the tip of the hose inside the first tank 6a, and then moving the tip of the hose into the second tank 6b when the first tank 6a was about to become full.

[0009] Such manual switching of the tank 6 has the disadvantage of being time-consuming and labor-intensive. Also, if you are away all day, you will not be able to perform the switching work, and therefore will have to refrain from storing water in the tank 6. Furthermore, even if you are away for only a few hours, if you return home late and miss the timing to switch, there is a risk that the rainwater 5 will overflow from the first tank 6a and spill into the surrounding area, so you must always be aware of the time while you are out.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to realize a rainwater distribution device that, when there are two tanks for collecting rainwater, can automatically switch the destination of the rainwater to the other tank when the tank that initially collected the rainwater becomes full. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The rainwater distribution device of the present invention is an inner tubular portion connected directly or indirectly to the downspout; an outer cylindrical portion that is fitted onto the outside of the inner cylindrical portion and is rotatable in a circumferential direction along an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion; a tubular branch portion connected to a downstream end of the outer cylindrical portion and extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer cylindrical portion, the branching portion has at least a first branch pipe extending in one direction and a second branch pipe extending in a direction opposite to the first branch pipe, The first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are respectively formed with a first opening and a second opening through which rainwater is discharged, A float capable of providing a required buoyancy is attached to the lower portion of at least one of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe.

[0012] The present invention further includes a locking portion attached to an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion and a slit extending in a circumferential direction provided in the outer cylindrical portion, The outer cylindrical portion is inserted into the inner cylindrical portion with the shaft portion of the locking portion passing through the slit, The rotation angle of the outer cylindrical portion relative to the inner cylindrical portion may be restricted by the circumferential length of the slit.

[0013] In the present invention, the branch portion further includes a connection portion having a first connection portion and a second connection portion extending in opposite directions, The first branch pipe may be detachably attached to the first connecting portion, and the second branch pipe may be detachably attached to the second connecting portion.

[0014] The present invention further comprises an inner hole provided near the downstream end of the inner cylindrical portion, a first outer hole provided near the downstream end of the outer cylindrical portion and allowing rainwater to pass to the first branch pipe side, and a second outer hole provided near the downstream end of the outer cylindrical portion and allowing rainwater to pass to the second branch pipe side, When the branching portion is inclined toward the first branch pipe, the inner hole and the first outer hole overlap to form a flow path for rainwater toward the first branch pipe, and when the branching portion is inclined toward the second branch pipe, the inner hole and the second outer hole overlap to form a flow path for rainwater toward the second branch pipe.

[0015] The present invention may also be configured to include a sphere storage section having a concave cross section attached to the upper part of the inner circumferential surface of each of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, extending along the longitudinal direction of each of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, and a sphere stored inside the sphere storage section, which can roll freely inside the sphere storage section in the longitudinal direction of the sphere storage section depending on the inclination of the branch pipe.

[0016] The present invention provides a pipe having a shaft portion attached to a lower portion of an outer circumferential surface of a branch pipe and extending downward; a base portion provided in the center of the float and having an axial hole; A male thread may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion, and a female thread may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the shaft hole to be threadedly engaged with the male thread. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The rainwater distribution device of the present invention comprises an inner tube portion connected to a downspout, an outer tube portion inserted into the outside of the inner tube portion and capable of rotating circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube portion, and a tubular branch portion connected to the downstream end of the outer tube portion and extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer tube portion.

[0018] The branch section includes at least a first branch pipe extending in one direction and a second branch pipe extending in the opposite direction to the first branch pipe. The first branch pipe has a first opening through which rainwater is discharged, and the second branch pipe has a second opening through which rainwater is discharged. A float that provides the required buoyancy is attached to the bottom of both or either of the first and second branch pipes.

[0019] In the present invention, for example, one tank is installed below the first opening and the other tank is installed below the second opening. For example, if the branch portion is initially slightly inclined toward one of the tanks, when rain begins, rainwater that flows into the branch portion from the inner tube begins to flow toward the first branch pipe, which is slightly inclined and lower, causing the inclination toward the first branch pipe to become more pronounced, and rainwater begins to flow from the first opening into one of the tanks.

[0020] After that, the float floating on the surface of the rainwater in one of the tanks rises as the rainwater level rises, and as the float is pushed up, the first branch pipe to which the float is attached and the entire branch section become horizontal.

[0021] Furthermore, as rainwater 5 continues to flow into one tank, the branch section tilts so that the second branch pipe side is lower until the tank is filled with rainwater. After that, rainwater flowing into the branch section from the inner tube starts to flow toward the second branch pipe, which causes the tilt toward the second branch pipe to become more pronounced, and rainwater begins to flow out of the second opening into the other tank. In this invention, the rainwater distribution device is installed in a position where the branch section's operation as described above can be achieved.

[0022] Because the present invention has the above-mentioned structure, when there are two tanks for collecting rainwater, it is possible to automatically switch the outflow destination of the rainwater to the other tank when the tank that initially collected the rainwater becomes full.

[0023] The rainwater distribution device of the present invention has a simple structure, is durable, does not require a power source, and does not require expensive sensors. According to the present invention, it is possible to efficiently collect rainwater by automatically switching between two tanks. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a rainwater distribution device according to an embodiment attached to a downspout, as viewed from above. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a state in which the inner tubular portion and the downspout are indirectly connected via a rainwater branching attachment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an inner cylindrical portion of the rainwater distribution device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an outer tubular portion of the rainwater distribution device according to the embodiment and a connector connected to the outer tubular portion. [Figure 5] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view showing a first branch pipe and a first float, and FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view showing a second branch pipe and a third float. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view of the inner cylindrical portion, the outer cylindrical portion fitted onto the outside of the inner cylindrical portion, the branch portion connected to the downstream end of the outer cylindrical portion, and the float attached to the lower part of the branch pipe, viewed from the first opening side of the first branch pipe. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the connection portion as seen from the downstream side. [Figure 8A] (a) is a diagram showing the state in which the branch section is inclined toward the first branch pipe immediately after rainwater begins to flow into one of the tanks, and (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the float is pushed up as the water level of rainwater in one of the tanks rises, causing the branch section to become horizontal. [Figure 8B] (a) is a diagram showing the state in which one tank is filled with rainwater and the branch section is inclined toward the second branch pipe, and (b) is a diagram showing the state in which rainwater has started to flow from the second branch pipe to the other tank. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 6 in accordance with the first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 7 in accordance with the first modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 11] In a first variant of the embodiment, (a) is a diagram showing a state in which a rainwater flow path is not formed when the branching section is horizontal, (b) is a diagram showing a state in which a rainwater flow path is formed by the overlap of the inner hole and the first outer hole when the branching section is inclined toward the first branch pipe, and (c) is a diagram showing a state in which a rainwater flow path is formed by the overlap of the inner hole and the second outer hole when the branching section is inclined toward the second branch pipe. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 1 in accordance with a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 6 in accordance with a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 14A] FIG. 14A is a diagram showing a state similar to FIG. 8A in a second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 14B] FIG. 14B is a diagram showing a state similar to FIG. 8B in the second modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the float is closest to the branch pipe, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the float is separated from the branch pipe, in a third modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a conventional rainwater branching attachment attached to a rain gutter. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional rainwater branching attachment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0026] [Structure of this embodiment] This embodiment is a rainwater distribution device 10 that distributes rainwater 5 branched from a downspout 3 to two tanks 6a and 6b. As shown in Fig. 1, the rainwater distribution device 1 includes an inner tubular portion 20 that is indirectly connected to the downspout 3 via a rainwater branching attachment 60, an outer tubular portion 30 that is fitted onto the outside of the inner tubular portion 20 and can rotate in the circumferential direction of the inner tubular portion 20 along the outer circumferential surface 23 of the inner tubular portion 20, and a tubular branch portion 40 that is made up of three members: a first branch pipe 41, a second branch pipe 42, and a connecting portion 43.

[0027] The branch section 40 has a connecting section 43 connected to the downstream end 31 of the outer tubular section 30 and extends in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer tubular section 30. The outer tubular section 30 and the branch section 40 are perpendicular to each other. The first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42 extend in opposite directions with the connecting section 43 as the center. The end of the first branch pipe 41 is open, and as shown in FIG. 6, a first opening 41a is formed therein through which rainwater distributed to the first branch pipe 41 is discharged. Meanwhile, the end of the second branch pipe 42 is also open, and a second opening 42a is formed therein through which rainwater distributed to the second branch pipe 42 is discharged.

[0028] Two floats 50, each elliptical in plan view and having a required thickness in the vertical direction, are attached to the lower part of the branch pipe 40. The floats 50 consist of a first float 51 and a second float 52 attached at a distance from each other to both ends of the branch pipe 40. The first float 51 and the second float 52 have the same shape and size. The first float 51 is attached to the lower part of the first branch pipe 41 near the first opening 41a. Meanwhile, the second float 52 is attached to the lower part of the second branch pipe 42 near the second opening 42a. The floats 50 are attached so that their longitudinal direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the branch pipe 40.

[0029] The first float 51 and the second float 52 are hollow floating bodies made of resin, and are able to provide the required buoyancy. Specifically, the first float 51 and the second float 52 are designed in size so that they can provide enough buoyancy to keep the entire rainwater diversion device 10 connected to the downspout 3 floating on the water surface.

[0030] The rainwater diversion attachment 60 is a device that diverts rainwater from the vertically extending downspout 3. The rainwater diversion attachment 60 is made by cutting a portion of the downspout 3 to fit the vertical dimensions of the tubular main body 61, and attaching it to the cutout between the cut downspout upper part 3a and the downspout lower part 3b, as shown in FIG. 2. The attachment location of the rainwater diversion attachment 60 is located at a height of, for example, about 80 to 120 cm from the ground. As in FIG. 12, rainwater 5 that falls on the roof 1a of the house 1 flows into and is collected in the eaves gutter 2, flows down along the inner circumferential surface of the downspout upper part 3a, and is guided into the rainwater diversion attachment 60.

[0031] The rainwater branching attachment 60 is provided with a water intake channel A that branches rainwater toward the inner tubular portion 20 of the rainwater distribution device 10, and a drainage channel B that directs rainwater down toward the lower downspout portion 3b below the main body 61. A funnel portion 62 is provided in the center of the horizontal cross section of the main body 61, and a tubular portion 63 is provided below the funnel portion 62. The water intake channel A has an inlet on the outer side of the upper end of the tubular portion 63, and is formed in a space surrounded by the outer surface of the tubular portion 63, the inner surface of the main body 61, and a bottom 64. The water intake channel A communicates with a water intake pipe 65, and the upstream end 22 of the inner tubular portion 20 is connected to the water intake pipe 65. The drainage channel B, on the other hand, is formed inside the tubular portion 63. When there is heavy precipitation, rainwater that does not flow into the water intake channel A is taken in by the drainage channel B.

[0032] The inner tubular portion 20 is a member molded from resin and is formed into a cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 6, the inner tubular portion 20 has a downstream end portion 21 that is inserted into the inside of the branching portion 40. The downstream end portion 21 is open and communicates with the space inside the branching portion 40. The upstream end portion 22, which is the end opposite the downstream end portion 21, is connected to the rainwater branching attachment 60. A locking portion 24 is attached to the outer peripheral surface 23 of the inner tubular portion 20. The locking portion 24 can be, for example, a bolt and has a shaft portion 24a and a head portion 24b. The head portion 24b is disc-shaped and the diameter of the head portion 24b is greater than the diameter of the shaft portion 24.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, the outer tubular portion 30 is a cylindrical member molded from resin. The inner diameter of the outer tubular portion 30 is slightly longer than the outer diameter of the inner tubular portion 20. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the outer tubular portion 30 can be fitted onto the outside of the inner tubular portion 20. Furthermore, the outer tubular portion 30 can rotate circumferentially while fitted onto the inner tubular portion 20. The inner tubular portion 20 itself does not rotate because its upstream end 22 is fixed to the rainwater diversion attachment 60, but the outer tubular portion 30 can rotate freely in either circumferential direction. When the outer tubular portion 30 rotates circumferentially relative to the inner tubular portion 20, the inner circumferential surface 33 of the outer tubular portion 30 and the outer circumferential surface 23 of the inner tubular portion 20 slide against each other while in contact with each other.

[0034] With the inner cylindrical portion 20 inserted inside the outer cylindrical portion 30, the downstream end portion 31 is connected and fixed to the connecting portion 43 of the branching portion 40, as shown in Figure 6. The outer cylindrical portion 30 and the connecting portion 43 are in a fixed state. The longitudinal length of the outer cylindrical portion 30 is slightly shorter than the longitudinal length of the inner cylindrical portion 20 (see Figure 1). The upstream end portion 32 of the outer cylindrical portion 30 is located slightly downstream of the upstream end portion 22 of the inner cylindrical portion 20.

[0035] The outer tube portion 30 has a circumferentially extending slit 34 formed at a position corresponding to the locking portion 24 of the inner tube portion 20. The thickness of the cylindrical resin constituting the outer tube portion 30 is slightly shorter than the length of the shaft portion 24a protruding from the outer peripheral surface 23 of the inner tube portion 20. The outer tube portion 30 is inserted into the inner tube portion 20 with the shaft portion 24a of the locking portion 24 passing through the slit 34. As a result, the rotation angle of the outer tube portion 30 relative to the inner tube portion 20 is regulated by the circumferential length of the slit 34 (the length from one end 34a to the other end 34b of the slit 34 in FIG. 4). The diameter size of the head portion 24b is larger than the width of the slit 34 in the short direction. The head portion 24b prevents the outer tube portion 30 from coming off the inner tube portion 20.

[0036] The branching portion 40 includes a connecting portion 43 that is connected to the downstream end portion 31 of the outer tubular portion 30. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the connecting portion 43 is a cylindrical member formed by molding resin, and includes a first connecting portion 44 and a second connecting portion 45 that extend in opposite directions. An end portion 44a of the first connecting portion 44 is open, and an engaging protrusion 44b is provided around the outer peripheral surface near the end portion 44a. Similarly, an engaging protrusion 45b is provided around the outer peripheral surface near the open end portion 45a of the second connecting portion 45.

[0037] 5(a), and is detachably attached to the first connecting portion 44 of the connecting portion 43. An engaging recess 41b is formed on the inner circumferential surface near the end of the first branch pipe 41 opposite the first opening 41a, at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion 44b of the first connecting portion 44. As a result, in the attached state, the engaging protrusion 44b and the engaging recess 41b fit together, and the first branch pipe 41 is firmly fixed so that it will not easily come off from the first connecting portion 44 of the connecting portion 43.

[0038] 5(b), the second branch pipe 42 has a shape symmetrical to the first branch pipe 41, and is detachably attached to the second connecting portion 45 of the connecting portion 43. An engaging recess 42b is formed on the inner circumferential surface near the end of the second branch pipe 42 opposite the second opening 42a, at a position corresponding to the engaging protrusion 45b of the second connecting portion 45. As a result, in the attached state, the engaging protrusion 45b and the engaging recess 42b fit together, and the second branch pipe 42 is firmly fixed so that it will not easily come off from the second connecting portion 45 of the connecting portion 43.

[0039] By configuring the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42 to be detachable in this manner, if, for example, dead leaves or the like accumulate inside the branch section 40, the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42 can be pulled away from the connection section 43 and the inside of the branch section 40 can be cleaned.

[0040] [Actions and Effects of This Embodiment] The rainwater distribution device 10 comprises an inner tube portion 20 connected to the downspout 3 via a rainwater branching attachment 60, an outer tube portion 30 inserted onto the outside of the inner tube portion 20 and rotatable circumferentially along the outer peripheral surface of the inner tube portion 20, and a tubular branch portion 40 connected to the downstream end portion 31 of the outer tube portion 30 and extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer tube portion 30.

[0041] The branch section 40 has a first branch pipe 41 extending in one direction and a second branch pipe 42 extending in the opposite direction to the first branch pipe 41, and a first opening 41a and a second opening 42a through which rainwater is discharged are formed in the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42, respectively. Floats 60 that provide the required buoyancy are attached to the bottoms of both the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42.

[0042] When using the rainwater distribution device 10, the first tank 6a is placed below the first opening 41a, and the second tank 6b is placed below the second opening 42a, as shown in Fig. 8A. The first tank 6a and the second tank 6b are both 500 L in size.

[0043] Even if the user is not particularly aware of this, the branch section 40 is actually tilted to either the left or right in the initial state. Fig. 8A shows an example in which the branch section 40 is initially tilted slightly toward the first tank 6a. In this case, when rain begins, rainwater 5 flows from the inner tube 20 of the rainwater distribution device 10 to the connection section 43 via the rainwater branching attachment 60 and begins to flow toward the slightly lower first branch pipe 41. This causes the tilt toward the first branch pipe 41 to become more pronounced, and as shown in Fig. 8A(a), rainwater 5 begins to flow from the first opening 41a into the first tank 6a.

[0044] Thereafter, as shown in Figure 8A(b), the first float 51, which was floating on the surface of the rainwater 5 in the first tank 6a, rises as the water level of the rainwater 5 rises, and as the float 51 is pushed up, the first branch pipe 41 to which the float 51 is attached and the entire branch section 40 become horizontal.

[0045] Furthermore, as the rainwater 5 continues to flow into the first tank 6a, the branching section 40 tilts so that the second branch pipe 42 side is lower, as shown in Fig. 8B(a), until the first tank 6a is filled with rainwater 5. After that, the rainwater 5 that flows from the inner cylindrical section 20 into the connecting section 43 starts to flow toward the second branch pipe 42, which causes the tilt toward the second branch pipe 42 to become more pronounced, and as shown in Fig. 8B(b), the rainwater 5 starts to flow out from the second opening 42a to the second tank 6b. In this embodiment, the rainwater distribution device 10 is installed at a position relative to the first tank 6a and the second tank 6b where the above-described operation of the branching section 40 can be achieved.

[0046] The rainwater distribution device 10 has the above-described structure and the branching section 40 rotates at appropriate times, so that when there are two tanks for taking in rainwater 5, such as the first tank 6a and the second tank 6b, the outflow destination of the rainwater can be automatically switched to the second tank 6b when the first tank 6a, which initially took in rainwater, becomes full.

[0047] The rainwater distribution system 10 of this embodiment has a simple structure, is durable, does not require a power source, and does not require expensive sensors. The rainwater distribution system 10 can automatically switch between two tanks to efficiently store rainwater.

[0048] [First Modification of the Embodiment] In this modification, as shown in Fig. 9, a first outer hole 35 is provided near the downstream end 31 of the outer tubular portion 30, allowing rainwater to pass toward the first branch pipe 41. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 10, a second outer hole 36 is provided at a position opposite the first outer hole 35. The second outer hole 36 is provided near the downstream end 31 of the outer tubular portion 30, allowing rainwater to pass toward the second branch pipe 42. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 10, one inner hole 25 is provided near the downstream end 21 of the inner tubular portion 20. The inner hole 25 is provided directly below the inner tubular portion 20. The circumferential width of the inner hole 25 is greater than the circumferential width of the first outer hole 35 and greater than the circumferential width of the second outer hole 36.

[0049] The vicinity of the downstream end 31 of the outer cylindrical portion 30 is connected to the branching portion 40 and extends into the branching portion 40, and in this modified example, a first outer hole 35 and a second outer hole 36 are formed in the region extending into this interior. Moreover, the vicinity of the downstream end 21 of the inner cylindrical portion 20 extends into the branching portion 40, and in this modified example, an inner hole 25 is formed in the region extending into this interior.

[0050] The positional relationship between the inner hole 25 of the inner tubular portion 20 and the first and second outer holes 35, 36 of the outer tubular portion 30 changes as follows depending on the tilt state of the branch portion 40 as it rotates: First, as shown in Figures 10 and 11(a), when the branch portion 40 is in a generally horizontal position, the first outer hole 35 is located diagonally downward to the left in the outer tubular portion 30, and the second outer hole 36 is located diagonally downward to the right. Therefore, they do not overlap with the inner hole 25 located directly below the inner tubular portion 25, and the flow path for rainwater is blocked.

[0051] In contrast, when the branching section 40 is tilted toward the first branch pipe 41, the inner hole 25 and the first outer hole 35 overlap, forming a flow path for rainwater toward the first branch pipe 41, as shown in Figure 11(b). When the branching section 40 is tilted toward the second branch pipe 42, the inner hole 25 and the second outer hole 36 overlap, forming a flow path for rainwater toward the second branch pipe 42, as shown in Figure 11(c).

[0052] In this way, in this modification, the formation of a flow path to the first branch pipe 41 or the second branch pipe 42 can be linked depending on the inclination of the branch section 40. This makes it possible to prevent rainwater remaining in the branch pipe 40 from flowing out from the first opening 41 a or the second opening 42 a when the inclination of the branch pipe 40 is small. Then, when rainfall begins, it becomes possible to accurately distribute the rainwater 5 that has reached the inside of the branch pipe 40 from the inner cylindrical section 20 to the first tank 6 a and the second tank 6 b.

[0053] [Second Modification of the Embodiment] In this modification, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, a sphere storage section 72 is attached to the upper part of the inner circumferential surface of each of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42. The sphere storage section 72 extends along the longitudinal direction of each of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42. The longitudinal direction of each of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42 is parallel to the extension direction of the sphere storage section 72. The cross section of the sphere storage section 72 is concave, more specifically, an arc-shaped concave. The sphere storage section 72 is made of stainless steel or resin.

[0054] A sphere 71 is stored inside the sphere storage section 72. As shown in FIG. 13 , the sphere 71 is placed on the arc-shaped inner circumferential surface of the sphere storage section 72. The sphere 71 is made of stainless steel, but may also be made of steel with a corrosion-resistant plating. The sphere 71 can roll freely in the longitudinal direction of the sphere storage section 72 within the space surrounded by the inner circumferential surfaces of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42 and the inner circumferential surface of the sphere storage section 72. Therefore, the sphere 71 can roll freely inside the sphere storage section 72 in the longitudinal direction of the sphere storage section 72 according to the inclination of the branch section 40.

[0055] The effect of this modification is as follows: When rainwater 5 flows from the inner tube 20 of the rainwater distribution device 10 into the connecting part 43 via the rainwater branching attachment 60 and starts to flow toward the first branch pipe 41, if the branch part 40 starts to tilt slightly toward the first branch pipe 41, the sphere 71 will roll toward the first opening 41a in the space inside the sphere storage part 72, as shown in Figure 14A(a). As a result, in this modification, the tilting action of the branch part 40 toward the first branch pipe 41 is assisted, making it possible to tilt the branch pipe 40 more smoothly.

[0056] Thereafter, the first float 51, which had been floating on the surface of the rainwater 5 in the first tank 6a, rises as the water level of the rainwater 5 rises. The float 51 is pushed up, causing the first branch pipe 41 to which the float 51 is attached and the entire branch section 40 to become horizontal. Furthermore, as the rainwater 5 continues to flow into the first tank 6a, the branch section 40 begins to tilt slightly so that the second branch pipe 42 side is lower until the first tank 6a is filled with rainwater 5. During this time, as shown in FIGS. 14A(b) and 14B(a), the sphere 71 rolls toward the second opening 42a in the space inside the sphere storage section 72. This assists the branch section 40 in tilting toward the first branch pipe 42, making it possible to tilt the branch pipe 40 more smoothly. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14B(b), the inclination toward the second branch pipe 42 becomes more pronounced, and the rainwater 5 continues to flow smoothly from the second opening 42a into the second tank 6b.

[0057] In this modified example, a tilt assist mechanism 70 is attached to the branching section 40 to assist the branching section 40 in tilting when the branching section 40 begins to tilt toward the first branch pipe 41 or the second branch pipe 42 due to the rise of the float 50. As described above, the tilt assist mechanism 70 is composed of the sphere storage section 72 and the sphere 71 stored inside the sphere storage section 72.

[0058] [Third Modification of the Embodiment] This modified example includes a shaft 81 attached to the lower part of the outer circumferential surface of each of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42. As shown in Fig. 15, the shaft 81 extends vertically downward in the installed rainwater distribution device 10. In addition, a male thread 81a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 81.

[0059] Furthermore, this modified example is provided with a base portion 82 having an axial hole 83 in the center of the top of the float 50. The axial hole 83 opens at the center of the top surface of the float 50. The inner peripheral surface of the axial hole 83 is formed with a female thread 82a that screws into the male thread 81a. Note that while Fig. 15 only shows the first branch pipe 41 and the first float 51, the second branch pipe 42 and the second float on the opposite side also have the same structure as Fig. 15.

[0060] This modified example is equipped with a height position adjustment mechanism 80 consisting of a shaft portion 81 extending downward from the underside of the branch pipe 40 and a base portion 82 having a shaft hole 83 that screws into the shaft portion 81. By providing the height position adjustment mechanism 80, this modified example makes it possible to optimally adjust the distance between the branch pipe 40 and the float 50 within the range of the vertical length of the shaft portion 81 depending on the conditions at the installation site of the rainwater distribution device 10.

[0061] For example, if the ground at the installation site is slightly inclined, resulting in a 5 cm difference in elevation between the first tank 6a and the second tank 6b, with the second tank 6b being lower, the first float 51 attached to the first branch pipe 41 is fixed in a position in contact with the bottom of the first branch pipe 41 as shown in FIG. 15(a), while the second float 52 attached to the second branch pipe 42 is fixed in a position 5 cm away from the bottom of the second branch pipe 42, as shown in FIG. 15(b). This allows this modification to accommodate a 5 cm difference in elevation at the installation site. Note that when installing the rainwater distribution device 10, the user can adjust the height of the float 50 simply by rotating the float 50 a few times.

[0062] [Other variations] In the above-described embodiment, the inner tubular portion 20 may be connected directly to the downspout 3 without using the rainwater branching attachment 60. For example, the portion of the inner tubular portion 20 near the upstream end 22 may be curved in an L-shape so that the upstream end 22 faces upward, and the L-shaped portion including the upstream end 22 may be inserted directly into the downspout 3 only when necessary, causing rainwater flowing inside the downspout 3 to branch toward the inner tubular portion 20.

[0063] In the above-described embodiment, the branching portion 40 may be configured such that the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42 are integral with the connecting portion 43 and cannot be separated.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, the float 50 may be attached to the lower portion of at least one of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42. For example, if the float 51 is attached only to the first branch pipe 41 side, it is installed so that the first branch pipe 41 side is always lower when rainwater intake starts. Conversely, if the float 52 is attached only to the second branch pipe 42 side, it is installed so that the second branch pipe 42 side is always lower when rainwater intake starts.

[0065] However, even if the operation is decided as described above, human error is possible, so it is preferable to attach the float 50 to both the lower part of the first branch pipe 41 and the lower part of the second branch pipe 42, as shown in the above embodiment.

[0066] In the above-described embodiment, the first opening 41a may be provided in the lower part of the first branch pipe 41. The second opening 42a may be provided in the lower part of the second branch pipe 42.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the tilt assist mechanism 70 may be provided outside the branching portion 40 .

[0068] However, if the tilt assist mechanism 70 is attached to the upper part of the outer circumferential surface of the branch section 40, the surface on which the sphere 71 rolls will be the outer circumferential surface of the first branch pipe 41 or the second branch pipe 42. In this case, the outer circumferential surface of the first branch pipe 41 or the second branch pipe 42 is convex, which may cause the sphere 71 to roll unstably. Furthermore, if the tilt assist mechanism 70 is attached to the lower part of the outer circumferential surface of the branch section 40, there is a risk that the sphere storage unit 72 may come into contact with and interfere with the first tank 6a or the second tank 6b when the branch pipe 40 tilts. In addition, if the tilt assist mechanism 70 is provided on the outside of the branch section 40, the sphere storage unit 72 will be noticeable from an external perspective. For these reasons, it is preferable to attach the tilt assist mechanism 70 to the upper part of the inner circumferential surface of each of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42, as shown in the second modified example described above.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the first, second, and third modifications may be appropriately combined as deemed necessary. In other words, the disclosure of the present invention includes (1) a combination of the first and second modifications, (2) a combination of the second and third modifications, (3) a combination of the first and third modifications, and (4) a combination of the first, second, and third modifications.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, the shape and size of each component are not limited to those shown in the drawings, and can of course be modified as appropriate. For example, according to the third modification, the first float 51 and the second float 52 can be removed from the branch pipe 40, so several types of long floats with gradually increasing vertical sizes may be prepared in advance, and the float 50 may be replaced with a long float of the optimal size depending on the installation environment.

[0071] [Note] The configurations of the above-described embodiment and modified examples, including configurations other than those described in the claims, will be described below.

[0072] (Appendix 1) an inner tubular portion 20 connected directly or indirectly to the downspout 3; an outer cylindrical portion 30 that is fitted onto the outside of the inner cylindrical portion 20 and is rotatable in a circumferential direction along an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 20; a tubular branch portion 40 connected to the downstream end portion 31 of the outer cylindrical portion 30 and extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer cylindrical portion 30; The branching portion 40 has at least a first branch pipe 41 extending in one direction and a second branch pipe 42 extending in a direction opposite to the first branch pipe 41, The first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42 are respectively formed with a first opening 41a and a second opening 42a through which rainwater is discharged, The rainwater distribution device 10 has a float 50 attached to the lower part of at least one of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42, which is capable of obtaining a required buoyancy.

[0073] (Appendix 2) a locking portion 24 attached to the outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion 20; a slit 34 extending in a circumferential direction provided in the outer cylindrical portion 30; The outer cylindrical portion 30 is fitted into the inner cylindrical portion 20 with the shaft portion 24a of the locking portion 24 passing through the slit 34, The rainwater distribution device (10) according to appendix 1, wherein the rotation angle of the outer cylindrical portion (30) relative to the inner cylindrical portion (20) is restricted by the circumferential length of the slit (34).

[0074] (Appendix 3) The rainwater distribution device 10 described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the branch portion 40 further comprises a connection portion 43 having a first connection portion 44 and a second connection portion 45 extending in opposite directions, the first branch pipe 41 being detachably attached to the first connection portion 44, and the second branch pipe 42 being detachably attached to the second connection portion 35.

[0075] (Appendix 4) an inner hole 25 provided near the downstream end 21 of the inner cylindrical portion 20; a first outer hole 35 provided near the downstream end 31 of the outer tubular portion 30 and allowing rainwater to pass to the first branch pipe side 41; a second outer hole 36 provided near the downstream end 31 of the outer tubular portion 30 and allowing rainwater to pass to the second branch pipe side 42; The rainwater distribution device 10 described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein when the branching portion 40 is inclined toward the first branch pipe 41, the inner hole 25 and the first outer hole 35 overlap to form a flow path for rainwater toward the first branch pipe 41, and when the branching portion 40 is inclined toward the second branch pipe 42, the inner hole 25 and the second outer hole 36 overlap to form a flow path for rainwater toward the second branch pipe 42.

[0076] (Appendix 5) a sphere receiving portion 72 having a concave cross section, which is attached to an upper portion of each inner circumferential surface of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42 and extends along the longitudinal direction of each of the first branch pipe 41 and the second branch pipe 42; A rainwater distribution device 10 as described in Appendix 1 or 2, comprising a sphere 71 stored inside the sphere storage section 72 and capable of rolling freely inside the sphere storage section 72 in the longitudinal direction of the sphere storage section 72 depending on the inclination of the branch section 40.

[0077] (Appendix 6) a shaft portion 81 attached to a lower portion of the outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe 40 and extending downward; a base portion 82 provided in the center of the float 50 and having an axial hole 83; Equipped with A male screw 81a is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion 81. The rainwater distribution device (10) according to appendix 1 or 2, wherein an internal thread (82a) is formed on the inner circumferential surface of the shaft hole (83) to be threadedly engaged with the external thread (81a).

[0078] (Appendix 7) The rainwater distribution device (10) according to Appendix 2, wherein the engaging portion (24) comprises a shaft portion (24a) and a disk-shaped head portion (24b), and the diameter size of the head portion (24b) is larger than the width of the slit (34) in the short direction.

[0079] (Appendix 8) A rainwater distribution device 10 as described in Appendix 4, wherein the inner hole 25 is provided directly below the inner tubular portion 20, and the circumferential width of the inner hole 25 is greater than the circumferential width of the first outer hole 35 and greater than the circumferential width of the second outer hole 36.

[0080] (Appendix 9) The rainwater distribution device (10) according to Appendix 1, wherein the vicinity of the downstream end (31) of the outer tubular portion (30) is connected to the branching portion (40) and extends into the branching portion (40).

[0081] (Appendix 10) The rainwater distribution device (10) according to Appendix 1, wherein the vicinity of the downstream end (21) of the inner tubular portion (20) extends to the inside of the branching portion (40).

[0082] (Appendix 11) A rainwater distribution device 10 as described in Appendix 4, in which the vicinity of the downstream end 31 of the outer tube portion 30 is connected to the branching portion 40 and extends into the interior of the branching portion 40, and the first outer hole 35 and the second outer hole 36 are formed in the area extending into the interior.

[0083] (Appendix 12) A rainwater distribution device 10 as described in Appendix 4, wherein the vicinity of the downstream end 21 of the inner tubular portion 20 extends to the inside of the branching portion 40, and the inner hole 25 is formed in the area extending to the inside.

[0084] (Appendix 13) a tilt assist mechanism (70) is attached to the branching portion (40) to assist the tilting action of the branching portion (40) when the branching portion (40) begins to tilt toward the first branch pipe (41) or the second branch pipe (42) due to the rise of the float (50); The rainwater distribution device (10) according to Appendix 5, wherein the tilt assist mechanism (70) comprises the sphere storage section (72) and the sphere (71) stored inside the sphere storage section (72).

[0085] (Appendix 14) a height position adjustment mechanism 80 for adjusting the distance between the first branch pipe 41 and the first float 51 and the distance between the second branch pipe 42 and the second float 52, respectively, in order to absorb the difference in height between the first tank 6a that stores the rainwater flowing out from the first opening 41a and the second tank 6b that stores the rainwater flowing out from the second opening 42a; The rainwater distribution device (10) according to Appendix 6, wherein the height position adjustment mechanism (80) comprises the shaft portion (81) and the base portion (82) having the shaft hole (83). [Industrial Applicability]

[0086] The present invention can be widely used as a rainwater distribution device in homes and other places, where a portion of the rainwater flowing down a downspout is branched and then suitably distributed and stored in two tanks for use as gardening water, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 3 Downpipe 5 Rainwater 6 Tank 6a First Tank 6b Second Tank 10 Rainwater distribution system 20 Inner cylinder 21 Downstream end 22 upstream end 23 Outer surface 24 Locking part 24a Shaft 24b Head 25 inner hole 30 outer cylinder 31 Downstream end 32 upstream end 34 Slit 35 1st outer hole 36 2nd outer hole 40 Branch 41 First Branch Pipe 41a 1st opening 42 Second branch pipe 42a 2nd opening 43 Connection 44 First connection part 45 Second connection part 50 float 51 First Float 52 Second Float 70 Tilt assist mechanism 71 Sphere 72 Sphere storage section 80 Height position adjustment mechanism 81 Shaft 81a male thread 82 Base 82a female thread 83 Shaft hole

Claims

1. an inner tubular portion connected directly or indirectly to the downspout; an outer cylindrical portion that is fitted onto the outside of the inner cylindrical portion and is rotatable in a circumferential direction along an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion; a tubular branch portion connected to a downstream end of the outer cylindrical portion and extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the outer cylindrical portion, the branching portion has at least a first branch pipe extending in one direction and a second branch pipe extending in a direction opposite to that of the first branch pipe, The first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are respectively formed with a first opening and a second opening through which rainwater is discharged, A rainwater distribution device in which a float capable of providing a required buoyancy is attached to the lower part of at least one of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe.

2. a locking portion attached to an outer peripheral surface of the inner cylindrical portion; a slit extending in a circumferential direction provided in the outer cylindrical portion, the outer cylindrical portion is inserted into the inner cylindrical portion with the shaft portion of the locking portion passing through the slit, The rainwater distribution device according to claim 1 , wherein a rotation angle of the outer cylindrical portion relative to the inner cylindrical portion is restricted by a circumferential length of the slit.

3. 3. The rainwater distribution device according to claim 1, wherein the branching portion further comprises a connecting portion having a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion extending in opposite directions, the first branch pipe being detachably attached to the first connecting portion, and the second branch pipe being detachably attached to the second connecting portion.

4. an inner hole provided near a downstream end of the inner cylindrical portion; a first outer hole provided near a downstream end of the outer tubular portion and allowing rainwater to pass toward the first branch pipe; a second outer hole provided near the downstream end of the outer tubular portion and allowing rainwater to pass through to the second branch pipe side; 3. The rainwater distribution device according to claim 1, wherein when the branching portion is inclined toward the first branch pipe, the inner hole and the first outer hole overlap to form a flow path for rainwater toward the first branch pipe, and when the branching portion is inclined toward the second branch pipe, the inner hole and the second outer hole overlap to form a flow path for rainwater toward the second branch pipe.

5. a sphere receiving portion having a concave cross section and extending along the longitudinal direction of each of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe, the sphere receiving portion being attached to an upper portion of an inner circumferential surface of each of the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe; A rainwater distribution device as described in claim 1 or 2, comprising a sphere stored inside the sphere storage section and capable of rolling freely inside the sphere storage section in the longitudinal direction of the sphere storage section depending on the inclination of the branch section.

6. a shaft portion attached to a lower portion of an outer circumferential surface of the branch pipe and extending downward; a base portion provided in a central portion of the float and having an axial hole; Equipped with A male thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the shaft portion, The rainwater distribution device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an internal thread is formed on the inner surface of the axial hole to be threadedly engaged with the external thread.

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