Insect-proof caps for pipes

Abstract

This invention provides an insect-proof cap for pipes that can be attached to pipes of different diameters, minimizes gaps between the cap and the pipe, securely fastens the pipe with sufficient strength without damaging or breaking it during attachment or removal, effectively prevents insects from entering the pipe, and offers excellent drainage. [Solution] The device comprises a bottom plate portion 2 positioned to cover the end of the pipe, a locking portion 3 extending from the periphery 21 of the bottom plate portion 2 and provided along the outer wall of the pipe, with at least a portion of it being able to be locked to the outer wall of the pipe, and a plurality of openings 23, 24a, 24b provided to penetrate the bottom plate portion 2 and allow liquid discharged from the end of the pipe to be discharged to the outside, the locking portion 3 being provided to protrude toward the outer wall side of the pipe and having two or more claw bodies 31a, 32a, each with a different protruding height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an insect-proof cap for pipes.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an insect-proof cap for pipes has been proposed that is attached to the tip of a pipe such as an air conditioner drain hose, etc., and prevents pests such as cockroaches from entering the pipe from the outside while discharging drainage to the outside (for example, refer to Patent Documents 1 to 4).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a synthetic resin insect-proof cap for pipes having a configuration including a first group of standing portions having inner protrusions that lock to the outer wall of the pipe and a second group of standing portions having outer protrusions that lock to the inner wall of the pipe. According to the synthetic resin insect-proof cap for pipes described in Patent Document 1, with the above configuration, it is said that pipes of different diameters can be locked by locking to the pipe from both the inner wall side and the outer wall side.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses an insect-proof cap having a configuration in which a plurality of openings are provided in a main body portion and a bottom portion, and the main body portion is formed only from a synthetic resin material containing a pest repellent component, or a pest repellent sheet or bait made of a pest repellent component is disposed in the main body portion. According to the insect-proof cap described in Patent Document 2, with the above configuration, it is said that it can prevent pests from entering and drain water without clogging.

[0005] Patent Document 3 discloses a pipe end cap configured such that the center of gravity of the pipe end cap is located away from the pipe. According to the pipe end cap described in Patent Document 3, with the above configuration, it is said that the pipe can be held at a downward gradient and drained smoothly.

[0006] Patent Document 4 discloses an insect-proof cap for pipes made of synthetic resin, which is formed from a shallow, cylindrical cap bottom with numerous small holes to prevent insect intrusion, and numerous gripping plates integrally formed around its periphery at a constant pitch along the circumferential direction, with a design in which locking projections are formed at the tip of each gripping plate toward the inner diameter. According to the insect-proof cap for pipes made of synthetic resin of Patent Document 4, the cap can be attached to the pipe by fitting it to the pipe end until the cap bottom is close to or in contact with the pipe end opening, thereby gripping the pipe end portion in a manner that surrounds it with each gripping plate. Furthermore, according to Patent Document 4, if the pipe is a corrugated pipe, it can be gripped in a manner that prevents it from coming off by locking it into the recesses of the corrugation which have alternating protrusions and recesses in the longitudinal direction, and even with ordinary straight pipes, it can be gripped in a manner that prevents it from coming off by the gripping plates pressing against the circumferential surface of the pipe end. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-130005 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-104541 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-126041 [Patent Document 4] Design Registration No. 1292812 Gazette [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] In recent years, there has been a demand for insect-proof caps for pipes, as described above, to accommodate various pipe diameters, and various structures have been considered to meet this demand. In Patent Document 1, a structure is adopted that can be attached to pipes of multiple diameters by locking onto the pipe from both the inner and outer wall sides. However, in the case of a structure like that in Patent Document 1, which has an outer protrusion that locks onto the inner wall of the pipe and an inner protrusion that locks onto the outer wall, the structure becomes complicated, and there is a problem that the drainage performance of the drain is reduced by the inner protrusion.

[0009] On the other hand, if a structure is adopted that locks to the outer wall of the pipe, for example, by providing a claw-like body (claw part) that can lock to the outer wall through elastic deformation, it becomes possible to attach it to pipes of different diameters. However, if such a structure is adopted, the locking state will be loose, especially when attached to small-diameter pipes, which may make it difficult to lock with sufficient strength, and a gap may be created between the pipe and the insect-proof cap, making it easier for insects to enter through this gap. Conversely, by designing the locking part to match the size of small-diameter pipes, it is also possible to create a configuration that can be attached to large-diameter pipes through elastic deformation. However, with such a configuration, it becomes difficult to remove the insect-proof cap attached to large-diameter pipes, and there is a risk of damaging or breaking the pipe.

[0010] Furthermore, while insect-proof caps are equipped with openings that connect to the outside to allow drain water and other fluids discharged from the piping to drain, depending on the size and location of these openings, small insects, including cockroaches and other pests, may enter the piping. In such cases, there are concerns that the insects that enter may travel up the piping and enter equipment such as air conditioners, potentially damaging the equipment, or that the openings in the insect-proof caps may become clogged with insects, reducing drainage.

[0011] Furthermore, with conventional insect-proof caps, problems such as reduced drainage could occur when the tip touches the ground, as the opening could become blocked by the contact surface. Therefore, conventional insect-proof caps did not adequately combine all the necessary functions—ease of attachment and detachment, locking strength, insect-proof properties, and drainage—for pipes of different diameters. For this reason, there was a strong demand for an insect-proof cap that possessed all of the above functions.

[0012] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and aims to provide an insect-proof cap for pipes that can be attached to pipes of different diameters, can be secured with sufficient strength while suppressing the formation of gaps with the pipe without damaging or breaking the pipe during attachment or detachment, effectively prevents insects from entering the pipe, and also has excellent drainage properties. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To solve the above problems, the inventors conducted extensive research. As a result, they first found that by adopting a configuration in which the locking portion has two or more claws with different protrusion heights, each protruding toward the outer wall of the pipe, it becomes possible to lock and attach the pipe to pipes of different diameters with sufficient strength while suppressing the occurrence of gaps, thus completing the present invention.

[0014] In other words, the present invention provides an insect-proof cap for a pipe, comprising: a bottom plate portion arranged to cover the end of a pipe; a locking portion extending from the periphery of the bottom plate portion and provided along the outer wall of the pipe, with at least a portion of which being able to be locked to the outer wall of the pipe; and a plurality of openings provided so as to penetrate the bottom plate portion and allowing liquid discharged from the end of the pipe to be discharged to the outside, wherein the locking portion is provided to protrude toward the outer wall side of the pipe and has two or more claws, each with a different protruding height.

[0015] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the insect-proof cap for piping is preferably configured such that the locking portion has two or more pairs of claws facing each other via the bottom plate, and each pair of claws has a different protruding height.

[0016] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the insect-proof cap for a pipe of the present invention further adopts a configuration including a cylindrical portion protruding from the bottom plate portion toward the side opposite to the locking portion.

[0017] In the above aspect, the insect-proof cap for a pipe of the present invention may adopt a configuration in which the cylindrical portion has a width smaller than the maximum width of the bottom plate portion when the bottom plate portion is viewed in plan, and a plurality of the opening holes are arranged in both the region inside the cylindrical portion and the region outside the cylindrical portion of the bottom plate portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the insect-proof cap for a pipe of the present invention, as described above, by adopting a configuration in which the locking portion is provided to protrude toward the outer wall side of the pipe and has two or more claw bodies with different protruding heights, it is possible to lock and attach with sufficient strength while suppressing the generation of gaps as much as possible for pipes with different diameters. Therefore, for pipes of various specifications with different diameters, it is possible to firmly lock and attach them without damaging or breaking the pipes during detachment and attachment, effectively prevent insects and the like from entering the pipes, and provide an insect-proof cap for a pipe with excellent drainage performance.

[0019] Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a state in which the insect-proof cap for a pipe is attached to the pipe. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a perspective view showing a state in which the insect-proof cap for a pipe shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from the opposite side in the axial direction. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a front view of the insect-proof cap for a pipe. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a rear view showing the inside of the insect-proof cap for a pipe. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a side view showing the whole insect-proof cap for a pipe. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 3B. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 3B. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a schematic view showing an example of an actual use state in which the insect-proof cap for a pipe is attached to a pipe. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a schematic view showing another example of an actual use state in which the insect-proof cap for a pipe is attached to a pipe. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention, and is a side view showing a modified example of the insect-proof cap for a pipe.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of an insect-proof cap for a pipe according to the present invention will be given and described in detail with appropriate reference to the drawings. Please note that, for the sake of clarity, the drawings used in the following description may show slightly enlarged versions of key features in order to illustrate the characteristics of the insect-proof cap for piping of the present invention, and the dimensional ratios of each component may differ from those of the actual components. Furthermore, the materials, dimensions, etc., exemplified in the following description are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to them. It can be implemented with appropriate modifications without altering the essence of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the insect-proof pipe cap 1 of this embodiment attached to the pipe 100, and Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the insect-proof pipe cap 1 shown in Figure 1 viewed from the opposite side in the axial direction. Figure 3A is a front view of the insect-proof pipe cap 1, and Figure 3B is a rear view showing the inside of the insect-proof pipe cap 1. Figure 4 is a side view showing the entire insect-proof cap 1 for piping. Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of AA shown in Figure 3B, and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view of BB shown in Figure 3B. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of actual use with the insect-proof pipe cap 1 attached to the pipe 100. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a real-world usage scenario in which the insect-proof pipe cap 1 is attached to the pipe 100.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, the insect-proof pipe cap 1 of this embodiment is generally configured to include a bottom plate portion 2 and a locking portion 3. Furthermore, the insect-proof pipe cap 1 shown in each of these drawings also includes a cylindrical portion 4 that protrudes from the bottom plate portion 2 toward the opposite side from the locking portion 3. Furthermore, the insect-proof cap 1 for piping in this embodiment has a locking portion 3 that protrudes toward the outer wall 101 side of the piping 100 (see dashed line in Figure 1 and Figure 6), and is configured to have two or more claw bodies 31a, 32a, each with different protruding heights h(h1, h2) (see also Figure 5A or Figure 5B).

[0024] <Piping that can be fitted with insect-proof caps> The insect-proof cap 1 for piping in this embodiment is used by being attached to the end 103 (see Figure 6) of a pipe 100 having a drainage function, such as a drain hose that is provided in an air conditioner (not shown) and leads the drain water generated by the heat exchanger of the air conditioner to the outside. In other words, the insect-proof cap 1 for piping prevents various insects, including pests such as cockroaches, from entering the pipe 100, thereby preventing drainage problems caused by clogging by insects, and preventing insects from traveling up the pipe 100 and affecting devices such as air conditioners.

[0025] The piping 100 is a flexible hose or pipe made of a synthetic resin material such as polyvinyl chloride, and in the example shown in Figure 6, it is configured in a roughly bellows shape with a plurality of protrusions 101a provided on the outer wall 101. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, for example, one end 102 of the piping 100 is connected to the air conditioner body and becomes the inlet side into which drain water flows, and the other end 103 becomes the outlet side into which drain water is discharged to the outside.

[0026] When the insect-proof pipe cap 1 of this embodiment is attached to the pipe 100, as illustrated in Figure 7, from the viewpoint of efficiently discharging drain water and the like, the insect-proof pipe cap 1 is generally positioned parallel to the ground G, and the bottom plate portion 2, which has openings (see reference numerals 23, 24a, and 24b in Figure 1), is used in a position where it does not come into contact with the ground G. Furthermore, when using the insect-proof pipe cap 1 equipped with the cylindrical portion 4 described above, it can also be used with the bottom plate portion 2, which has openings 23, 24a, and 24b, facing downwards, and the tip 1a in contact with the ground G, and sufficient drainage efficiency can be obtained even in this case.

[0027] The insect-proof cap 1 for piping in this embodiment is attached to the pipe end 103 side of the pipe 100 by the claws 31a and 32a of the locking part 3 engaging with the recesses between adjacent protrusions 101a provided on the outer wall 101. Alternatively, the insect-proof cap 1 for piping is attached by the claws 31a and 32a of the locking part 3 engaging with any of the multiple protrusions 101a provided on the outer wall 101.

[0028] As mentioned above, drain hoses for air conditioners include, for example, pipes with an inner diameter of 14 mm and pipes with an inner diameter of 16 mm, and products on the market mainly have one of these two inner diameters.

[0029] Furthermore, examples of pipes to which the insect-proof cap 1 for piping of this embodiment can be attached include, in addition to the drain hose provided in the air conditioner described above, washing machine drain hoses, garden hoses, and the like.

[0030] <Overall composition of an insect-proof cap for pipes> The configuration of the insect-proof cap 1 for piping in this embodiment will be described in detail below. The insect-proof cap 1 for piping is obtained, for example, by injection molding of a resin material, and the bottom plate portion 2, locking portion 3, and cylindrical portion 4 described above are integrally formed. Furthermore, the insect-proof cap 1 for piping has a bottom plate portion 2 and a cylindrical portion 4 positioned at the tip 1a side, and is attached to the piping 100 by inserting the piping 100 from the rear end 1b side.

[0031] Although detailed illustrations are omitted in Figure 1 and other figures, the bottom plate portion 2 is positioned to cover the pipe end portion 103 of the piping 100. As described above, the bottom plate portion 2 not only covers the pipe end portion 103 of the piping 100, but also functions as a base from which the locking portion 3 and the cylindrical portion 4 extend.

[0032] In the examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the bottom plate portion 2 is circular in shape when viewed from above, and a locking portion 3, which will be described in detail later, is provided extending from its periphery 21 toward the inner surface 25. Furthermore, a cylindrical portion 4, which will be described in detail later, is provided to extend from the outer surface 22 side of the bottom plate portion 2.

[0033] In the example shown in Figure 3A, when the bottom plate portion 2 is viewed from above, the area on the outer surface 22 surrounded by the cylindrical portion 4 (the inner region) is defined as the inner region 22a, and the area outside the cylindrical portion 4 is defined as the outer region 22b.

[0034] Multiple openings 23, 24a, and 24b are provided so as to penetrate the bottom plate portion 2, and are configured to allow liquid discharged from the pipe end 103 (see Figure 6) of the piping 100 to be discharged to the outside. In the example shown in Figure 3A, the opening 23 is located in the inner region 22a of the outer surface 22 of the bottom plate portion 2, and the openings 24a and 24b are located in the outer region 22b of the outer surface 22 of the bottom plate portion 2.

[0035] In the illustrated example, the openings 23 are arranged in a grid pattern at a total of nine locations within the inner region 22a. Furthermore, the opening 24a is provided in the outer region 22b at a position corresponding to the locking piece 31 and claw body 31a provided on the locking portion 3, which will be described in detail later. Similarly, the opening 24b is provided in the outer region 22b at a position corresponding to the locking piece 32 and claw body 32a provided on the locking portion 3.

[0036] In this embodiment, the total opening area of ​​the multiple openings 23, 24a, 24b provided in the bottom plate portion 2 is not particularly limited, but for example, 70 mm 2 Preferably, the above conditions apply. The total opening area of ​​the openings 23, 24a, and 24b is 70 mm². 2 As a result of the above, it is possible to ensure excellent drainage.

[0037] Furthermore, when the bottom plate portion 2 is viewed from above, it is preferable that the shortest width of each opening hole 23, 24a, and 24b is 2 mm or more, and the maximum width including the diagonals is 6 mm or less. The minimum width of the openings 23, 24a, and 24b is 2 mm or more, ensuring sufficient drainage. Furthermore, the minimum width of the openings 23, 24a, and 24b is 2 mm or more, which allows for sufficient thickness of the core pins used to form the openings in the resin molding die, thereby ensuring the durability of the die and improving moldability. Furthermore, by ensuring that the maximum width of the openings 23, 24a, and 24b, including the diagonals, is 6 mm or less, it is possible to effectively prevent the entry of various insects, including pests such as cockroaches. In other words, by setting the dimensions of the openings 23, 24a, and 24b to approximate slit sizes that satisfy the above relationship, it is possible to maintain excellent drainage while also improving insect intrusion prevention, and further improving moldability.

[0038] Here, the preferred maximum width of the openings 23, 24a, and 24b described above is applicable not only when each of these openings has a rectangular or other quadrilateral shape in plan view, but also when it has a circular, elliptical, triangular, polygonal shape with pentagons or more, or an irregular shape in plan view. That is, when an arbitrary line is drawn within the range of each of the plan view shapes described above, the length at the position where this line is longest can be conveniently considered as the maximum width. On the other hand, the preferred minimum width of the aforementioned openings 23, 24a, and 24b can be conveniently determined by considering the length of the shorter side as the minimum width, for example, when each of these openings is rectangular or roughly rectangular in plan view.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the openings 23 are a mix of rectangular, roughly rectangular, and roughly triangular shapes in plan view. However, regardless of the plan view shape, by optimizing the size of the openings 23 while considering the maximum and minimum widths mentioned above, it is possible to achieve both intrusion prevention and drainage.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the above shapes are given as examples of the plan view shapes of the openings 23, 24a, and 24b, but these plan view shapes are not limited to any specific shape. On the other hand, due to the structure of the resin molding die, which will be described in detail later, the openings 24a and 24b also function as the ejection positions on the die side corresponding to the undercut claws 31a and 32a. Therefore, it is particularly preferable that the openings 24a and 24b be rectangular or roughly rectangular in plan view. In the example shown in Figure 3A, etc., the openings 24a and 24b are roughly rectangular in plan view. Furthermore, if the openings 23, 24a, and 24b are rectangular or roughly rectangular in plan view, it becomes easier to optimize the minimum and maximum widths mentioned above, which is preferable from the viewpoint of easily obtaining the effect of improving insect intrusion prevention while maintaining excellent drainage.

[0041] Furthermore, the inner surface 25 of the bottom plate 2 also functions as a stopper against which the pipe end 103 of the piping 100 abuts.

[0042] The locking portion 3 extends from the periphery 21 of the bottom plate portion 2 and is provided to follow the outer wall 101 of the pipe 100 when the insect-proof cap 1 for piping is attached to the pipe 100, and at least a portion of it is capable of being locked to the outer wall 101 of the pipe 100. As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3A and 3B, the locking portion 3 has two or more claws that protrude toward the outer wall 101 side of the pipe 100. In the illustrated example, the locking portion 3 has a pair of claws 31a, 31a and a pair of claws 32a, 32a, which are arranged facing each other via the bottom plate portion 2.

[0043] Furthermore, the locking portion 3 provided in the insect-proof pipe cap 1 of this embodiment consists of a plurality of locking pieces 31, 32, and 33 arranged in a cylindrical shape. In the illustrated example, in addition to the locking pieces 31, 31 and 32, 32 which are provided in pairs facing each other, there are a total of four locking pieces 33 positioned between locking pieces 31 and 32. As a result, the locking portion 3 is configured to have an overall shape that is roughly cylindrical.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, claw bodies are provided on at least two of the multiple locking pieces. In the illustrated example, claw bodies 31a or 32a are provided at a total of four locations, one on each of the pair of locking pieces 31, 31 and the pair of locking pieces 32, 32.

[0045] Furthermore, the locking portion 3 in the example shown in Figure 4, etc., has a slightly tapered shape, rising from the bottom plate portion 2 and gradually increasing in diameter towards the rear end 1b. In addition, the locking portion 3 consists of locking pieces 31, 32, and 33 arranged adjacent to each other while maintaining a certain distance between them.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1, 2, 3A, and 3B, the locking portion 3 is preferably arranged in two or more pairs of claws facing each other via the base plate portion 2, and each pair of claws has a different protrusion height h(h1, h2) (see also Figure 5A or 5B). In the illustrated example, a pair of claws 31a, 31a are arranged facing each other via the base plate portion 2, and a pair of claws 32a, 32a are also arranged facing each other via the base plate portion 2. Furthermore, when a pair of claws 31a, 31a and a pair of claws 32a, 32a are connected by imaginary lines, these imaginary lines are perpendicular to each other. That is, when the base plate portion 2 is viewed from above, a total of four claws 31a, 31a, 32a, 32a are arranged to be spaced approximately 90° apart.

[0047] In the examples shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a have a larger protrusion height h than the pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a (see also the cross-sectional views in Figures 5A and 5B). That is, as in the examples shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the protrusion height h2 of the pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a is larger than the protrusion height h1 of the pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a. By setting the relationship between the protrusion heights h(h1,h2) of the pair of claw bodies 31a,31a and the pair of claw bodies 32a,32a as described above, for example, if the inner diameter of the pipe 100 is 14 mm, the pair of claw bodies 32a,32a, which have a larger protrusion height h2, can be locked into the recess between the protrusions 101a or into the protrusions 101a on the outer wall 101 of the pipe 100. On the other hand, if the inner diameter of the pipe 100 is 16 mm, the pair of claw bodies 31a,31a, which have a smaller protrusion height h1, can be locked into the recess between the protrusions 101a or into the protrusions 101a.

[0048] More specifically, if the pipe 100 has an inner diameter of 16 mm, the pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a selectively engage with some of the multiple protrusions 101a arranged along the length of the pipe 100. On the other hand, if the pipe 100 has an inner diameter of 14 mm, a pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a, which have a protrusion height h2 greater than that of the pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a, selectively engage with some of the multiple protrusions 101a.

[0049] In this embodiment, the size of the pipe 100 is described in terms of its inner diameter. For example, if the inner diameter of the pipe 100 is 14 mm, the outer diameter of the outer wall 101 including the protrusion 101a is approximately 18 to 20 mm. Also, if the inner diameter of the pipe 100 is 16 mm, the outer diameter of the outer wall 101 including the protrusion 101a is approximately 20 to 22 mm.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, when attaching the insect-proof cap 1 to a pipe 100 with an inner diameter of 16 mm, the pair of claws 31a, 31a engage with the protrusion 101a, and the pair of claws 32a, 32a with a larger protrusion height h2 also engage with the protrusion 101a. In such a case, the elastic deformation of the pair of claws 32a, 32a is greater than that of the pair of claws 31a, 31a, but the difference in protrusion height h (the difference between protrusion height h1 and protrusion height h2) is only about 0.5 to 1 mm, so no functional problems arise due to the difference in the magnitude of resin deformation.

[0051] The difference in protruding height h(h1,h2) between the pair of claws 31a,31a and the pair of claws 32a,32a in the locking portion 3 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately designed while taking into account the specifications of the pipe 100 to be fitted. As illustrated in the above description, if the pipe 100 has two diameters, one with an inner diameter of 14 mm and the other with an inner diameter of 16 mm, the difference in protruding height between each of the claws 31a and claws 32a can be set to about 1 mm. However, even with a difference of about 0.5 mm, a flexible insect-proof pipe cap 1 can be realized regardless of the diameter of the pipe 100, as described above.

[0052] On the other hand, if the difference in protrusion height between each claw body 31a and claw body 32a is 1 mm, there is a slight possibility that the pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a will spread too far outward from the insect-proof cap 1 for the pipe, potentially causing deformation or damage. From the standpoint of avoiding such deformation or damage, it is more preferable to set the difference in protrusion height h(h1, h2) between the pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a and the pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a at the locking portion 3 to approximately 0.5 mm.

[0053] As mentioned above, since air conditioner drain hoses primarily use pipes with an inner diameter of 14 mm or 16 mm, conventionally, in order to accommodate the attachment of insect-proof caps to two types of pipes with different diameters, it was necessary to design the claw body with two different protrusion heights and make each a separate product. However, due to the structure of the resin molding die described above, the claw bodies 31a, 32a and the opening holes 24a, 24b are linked in size. For example, if the claw body is made larger for the purpose of improving locking strength, the opening hole will also become larger, which may make it easier for insects such as cockroaches to enter. On the other hand, if the insect-proof cap is simply designed to be attached to the outer wall of the pipe, and the same type of insect-proof cap is used on pipes of various diameters, the attachment may be loose when attached to smaller diameter pipes, making it difficult to secure it with sufficient strength. Furthermore, a looser attachment can create a gap between the pipe and the insect-proof cap, which may allow insects to easily enter.

[0054] In contrast, when a configuration is adopted in which a pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a and a pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a each have different protruding heights h(h1, h2), such as the insect-proof cap 1 for piping in this embodiment, the locking strength is not reduced and gaps can be minimized even when attached to pipes 100 of various specifications with different diameters. As a result, the insect-proof cap 1 for piping can be locked to the pipe 100 with sufficient strength, and insects and the like can be effectively prevented from entering the pipe 100.

[0055] Furthermore, the pair of claws 31a, 31a and the pair of claws 32a, 32a each have a so-called barb structure that protrudes toward the inside of the insect-proof cap 1 for piping, as shown in the example in Figure 5A or Figure 5B. This allows them to easily fit into the recesses between the protrusions 101a on the outer wall 101 of the pipe 100, resulting in excellent locking strength.

[0056] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 1, the base side of each of the pair of locking pieces 31, 31 and the pair of locking pieces 32, 32, as well as the four locking pieces 33, that is, the position on the bottom plate portion 2 side, is continuously connected by the cylindrical wall 34. The cylindrical wall 34 is provided at the bottom plate portion 2 side, which prevents drainage from leaking through the gaps between each locking piece. Furthermore, the presence of the cylindrical wall 34 allows for a stable attachment position of the insect-proof cap 1 to the pipe 100.

[0057] As described above, it is preferable that the locking piece 31 and claw body 31a are provided at positions corresponding to the opening hole 24a provided in the bottom plate portion 2, and the locking piece 32 and claw body 32a are provided at positions corresponding to the opening hole 24b. Thus, although a detailed explanation of the specific structure is omitted, when integrally molding the insect-proof cap 1 for piping using a resin molding die (not shown), the opening holes 24a and 24b also function as the die-side extraction positions corresponding to the undercut claw bodies 31a and 32a.

[0058] Furthermore, from the above viewpoint, it is preferable to design the locking piece 31 and claw body 31a, and the locking piece 32 and claw body 32a such that the plan view size of the openings 24a and 24b in the bottom plate portion 2 is such that it can ensure both the above-mentioned insect intrusion prevention and drainage.

[0059] In the examples shown in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, the four locking pieces 33 constituting the locking portion 3 do not have claws, so the locking pieces 33 do not lock onto the protrusions 101a on the outer wall 101 of the pipe 100. On the other hand, the four locking pieces 33 contact the top of the protrusions 101a, thereby suppressing the formation of gaps between the locking portion 3 and the pipe 100, and thus contributing to preventing insects such as cockroaches from entering the pipe 100. Furthermore, by providing the locking pieces 33, the entire insect-proof pipe cap 1 can be made robust, and improvements in ease of attachment and detachment to the pipe 100 and protection of the pipe 100 can also be obtained.

[0060] The cylindrical portion 4 protrudes from the outer surface 22 of the bottom plate portion 2 toward the opposite side from the locking portion 3, and in the examples shown in Figures 1, 2, 3A and 3B, etc., it is configured in a generally cylindrical shape. Furthermore, as described above, the cylindrical portion 4 in the illustrated example has a smaller diameter than the bottom plate portion, thereby dividing the outer surface 22 of the bottom plate portion 2 into an inner region 22a surrounded by the cylindrical portion 4 and an outer region 22b outside the cylindrical portion 4.

[0061] As described above, the insect-proof pipe cap 1 of this embodiment can ensure excellent drainage when used in a position where the insect-proof pipe cap 1 is horizontally grounded to the ground G, as illustrated in Figure 7, and the bottom plate portion 2 does not come into contact with the ground G. Furthermore, because the insect-proof pipe cap 1 is equipped with a cylindrical portion 4, even if the bottom plate portion 2 comes into contact with the casing of the air conditioner's outdoor unit, surrounding blocks, or the exterior wall of a house in the illustrated usage position, the multiple openings 23, 24a, 24b provided in the bottom plate portion 2 will not be completely blocked, thus ensuring excellent drainage in the same manner as described above.

[0062] Furthermore, the insect-proof pipe cap 1 of this embodiment includes a cylindrical portion 4, so that even when the bottom plate portion 2 is in contact with the ground G, as shown in Figure 6, the multiple openings 23, 24a, and 24b provided in the bottom plate portion 2 are not blocked by the ground G, thus ensuring excellent drainage.

[0063] Furthermore, by including the cylindrical portion 4, an even more excellent insect-repellent effect can be obtained through the action described below. In other words, in the case where the insect-proof pipe cap 1 is in contact with the ground G horizontally, as in the example shown in Figure 7, even if pests try to enter through the opening 23 provided in the inner region 22a of the outer surface 22, the cylindrical part 4 acts as a step for the pests that have crawled along the ground G, making it more difficult for them to enter compared to the case where the cylindrical part 4 is not provided. On the other hand, when the insect-proof pipe cap 1 is attached to the pipe 100, the opening area of ​​the openings 24a and 24b provided in the outer region 22b of the outer surface 22 is narrowed by the outer wall 101, so the effective opening size becomes a size that makes it difficult for pests to enter.

[0064] In the illustrated example, the cylindrical portion 4 has a smaller diameter than the bottom plate portion 2, but this is not the only option. For example, a configuration in which the cylindrical portion 4 extends from the periphery 21 of the bottom plate portion 2 and has the same diameter as the bottom plate portion 2 may be adopted. Even when a configuration in which the bottom plate portion 2 and the cylindrical portion 4 have the same diameter is adopted, the openings 23, 24a, and 24b are not blocked by the ground G, so a certain level of drainage can be obtained. On the other hand, it is more preferable for the cylindrical portion 4 to have a smaller diameter than the bottom plate portion 2, as shown in the illustrated example, in particular, because it improves drainage from the openings 24a and 24b located in the outer region 22b of the outer surface 22.

[0065] The resin material used in the insect-proof cap 1 for piping is not particularly limited, but any common synthetic resin material such as polypropylene can be used without any restrictions, taking into consideration mechanical strength, ease of elastic deformation in the locking part 3, etc.

[0066] When attaching the insect-proof cap 1 for piping, configured as described above, to the pipe 100, first insert the end 103 side of the pipe 100 from the rear end 1b. Next, by further pushing the pipe 100 toward the insect-proof cap 1 for the pipe, the pair of claws 31a, 31a or the pair of claws 32a, 32a provided on the locking portion 3 are elastically deformed toward the outside of the insect-proof cap 1 for the pipe, causing them to ride up onto one of the multiple protrusions 101a provided on the outer wall 101 of the pipe 100. Subsequently, the deformation of the pair of claws 31a, 31a or the pair of claws 32a, 32a is released, causing at least one of the pair of claws 31a, 31a or the pair of claws 32a, 32a to engage with the protrusion 101a. By following the procedure described above, the insect-proof cap 1 for piping can be easily attached to the pipe 100 while being securely locked in place.

[0067] In this embodiment, an example is described in which the bottom plate portion 2 is circular in plan view and the locking portion 3 is configured as a cylinder overall. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, the bottom plate portion may be polygonal in shape such as a triangle or rectangle in plan view, and the overall shape of the locking portion may be a polygonal cylinder. Furthermore, in the case of such a shape, the internal structure of the locking portion can be optimized so that no large gap is created between it and the piping.

[0068] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 4, the locking portion 3 is formed in a tapered shape that gradually expands in diameter from the bottom plate portion 2 towards the rear end 1b, but it is not limited to this shape. For example, the locking portion may be made with an internal structure that does not create a large gap between it and the piping, and then a shape that gradually expands in diameter in multiple stages towards the rear end may be adopted. Alternatively, the degree of freedom of elastic deformation in the locking portion may be increased, and the overall shape of the locking portion may be a straight cylindrical shape without a tapered or expanding shape.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the plan view shape of the openings 23, 24a, and 25b is not particularly limited. Of these, the plan view shape of the opening 23 may be other shapes, such as a circular shape or a polygon with five or more sides, while taking into consideration the above-mentioned requirements that it be sized to prevent insects such as cockroaches from passing through and to ensure drainage.

[0070] Furthermore, in the examples shown in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B, the locking portion 3 has a pair of locking pieces 31, 31 and a pair of locking pieces 32, 32, and each of these locking pieces is provided with a claw, resulting in a configuration where locking pieces and claws are provided in a total of four locations. However, this embodiment is not limited to such a configuration. For example, by arranging a total of three or more pairs of locking pieces and claws, each locking piece and claw may be provided in a total of six or more locations.

[0071] Furthermore, in this embodiment, considering both the insect intrusion prevention and drainage properties mentioned above, it is also possible to configure the opening to be made larger in size and then arrange a mesh material or the like to cover the opening.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment, by adopting a configuration that optimizes the size and arrangement of each opening, or a configuration that includes a cylindrical part, it becomes possible to obtain a very excellent insect-repellent effect without using conventional insect repellent components (see Patent Document 2 above).

[0073] <Effects and Effects> As described above, the insect-proof cap 1 for piping of this embodiment employs a configuration in which the locking portion 3 has two or more claws 31a, 32a that protrude toward the outer wall 101 side of the pipe 100. This allows the cap to be locked and attached with sufficient strength to pipes 100 having different diameters, while minimizing the occurrence of gaps. Furthermore, if a configuration is adopted that includes a cylindrical portion 4 protruding from the bottom plate portion 2 toward the opposite side from the locking portion 3, the openings 23, 24a, and 24b will not be blocked when the bottom plate portion 2 is in contact with the ground, and sufficient drainage can be ensured. Therefore, a pipe insect-proof cap 1 can be securely attached to pipes 100 of various specifications with different diameters without damaging or breaking the pipes during attachment or detachment, while also effectively preventing insects from entering the pipes 100 and providing excellent drainage.

[0074] <Modified version of the present invention> Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the insect-proof cap for piping of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various changes and modifications as long as they do not depart from the principle of the present invention and the scope of the appended claims.

[0075] For example, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which the locking portion 3, as shown in Figure 1, etc., is configured in which a plurality of locking pieces 31, 32, 33 are spaced apart and arranged in a cylindrical shape. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the locking portion can also be configured in a cylindrical shape that is continuously formed in the circumferential direction. In such a case, by making the locking portion or the entire insect-proof cap for piping from a flexible elastic material such as rubber, the cylindrical locking portion can be expanded and contracted, making it easier to attach and detach it to the pipe 100 and to lock the claw body.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example is described in which each locking piece and claw body in the locking portion 3 is arranged in two pairs, and each pair of claw bodies has a different protrusion height. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, it is also possible to have a configuration in which the locking pieces and claw bodies are provided one at a time for each different protrusion height, rather than in pairs. In such a case, for example, a configuration in which locking pieces with claw bodies of different protrusion heights are provided one at each of two locations. Alternatively, a configuration in which locking pieces with two different types of claw bodies with different protrusion heights are provided one and two at each of three locations.

[0077] Even when each claw body has a different protruding height, as described above, it is possible to attach it to any of the multiple types of pipes 100 with different inner diameters with a constant locking strength. On the other hand, in the present invention, as shown in the above embodiment of the insect-proof cap 1 for piping, it is preferable to arrange the locking pieces and claws in the locking portion 3 in two or more pairs, each with a different protruding height for each pair of claws, from the viewpoint of obtaining higher locking strength and a stable mounting position.

[0078] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which a cylindrical portion 4 is provided on the bottom plate portion 2, the invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, it is also possible to adopt a configuration without a cylindrical portion, such as the insect-proof pipe cap 1A shown in Figure 8. Even when such a configuration is adopted, sufficient drainage can be obtained by using the insect-proof pipe cap 1A in a position where it is horizontally in contact with the ground (see also the ground contact position of the insect-proof pipe cap 1 shown in Figure 7). [Examples]

[0079] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples of the insect-proof cap for piping of the present invention. However, the configuration of the insect-proof cap for piping of the present invention is not limited to the specifications and conditions described in the following examples.

[0080] <Examples 1, 2> In Examples 1 and 2, tests were conducted under the following conditions to confirm the fit to the piping (locking and installation) and the ability to prevent cockroach intrusion.

[0081] [1] Samples of insect-proof pipe caps prepared in Examples 1 and 2 In Examples 1 and 2, samples of insect-proof caps for pipes were prepared having the structure shown in Figures 1, 2, 3A, and 3B (common specifications for both Examples 1 and 2). In this case, the dimensions of the pair of claws and the opening were set as follows. Specifically, in Examples 1 and 2, the difference between the protruding height h1 of the pair of claws 31a, 31a and the protruding height h2 of the pair of claws 32a, 32a was set to 0.5 mm (see also Figure 5A or Figure 5B). Furthermore, using polypropylene bulk material, we created a sample of an insect-proof cap for pipes by machining this bulk material. (1) The protruding height h1 of a pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a is 1 mm (distance between the pair: 17.5 mm) (2) The protruding height h2 of a pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a is 1.5 mm (distance between the pair: 16.5 mm) (3) Total opening area of ​​openings 23, 24a, and 24b: 79 mm 2 (It has a total of 13 openings, each with a minimum width of 2 mm or more (for openings that are rectangular or roughly rectangular in plan view), and a maximum width of 6 mm or less including the diagonals.)

[0082] [2] Test conditions and methods Using the samples from Examples 1 and 2 specified above, each test was conducted under the conditions and methods described below, and the evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0083] (1) Fitting For use in Example 1, an air conditioner drain hose with an inner diameter of 16 mm (manufactured by Inaba Electric Industry Co., Ltd.; outer diameter: 21 mm; length: 300 mm) was prepared. For use in Example 2, an air conditioner drain hose with an inner diameter of 14 mm (manufactured by Inaba Electric Industry Co., Ltd.; outer diameter: 19 mm; length: 300 mm) was prepared. Next, samples of the insect-proof caps for pipes from Examples 1 and 2 were attached to the end of the pipe. With the pipe in this state, one end was grasped and shaken a total of 10 times to check whether the insect-proof caps for pipes had come off or not. In the above test, if the insect-proof cap for the pipe did not come off, it was evaluated as "○", and if it did come off, it was evaluated as "×". The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0084] (2) Prevents cockroach intrusion German cockroaches (sex: male (adult); body length: 12 mm) were prepared as test insects, and the effectiveness of preventing invasion was confirmed using the following procedure. First, the above-mentioned air conditioner drain hose was used as piping, and similarly, samples of the insect-proof caps for piping from Examples 1 and 2 were attached to the ends of the piping. In addition, a transparent plastic sheet was wrapped around the outer circumference of the insect-proof caps for piping. Next, a German cockroach was placed inside a space wrapped in plastic sheeting, and the cockroach was trapped by sealing it with the stopper of a vial. The system was observed for 3 minutes under the conditions described above to check for any infestation of insects entering the pipes by passing through the opening of the insect-proof cap. Then, if no German cockroaches were found to have entered the pipe without passing through the opening, it was evaluated as "○", and if German cockroaches were found to have entered the pipe by passing through the opening, it was evaluated as "×". The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below.

[0085] <Comparative Examples 1, 2> In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the fitting and intrusion prevention properties were confirmed under the same conditions and procedures as in Examples 1 and 2, except that the protrusion height h1 of a pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a was set to 1 mm and the spacing between them was 17.5 mm, and the protrusion height h2 of a pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a was set to 1 mm and the spacing between them was 17.5 mm (common specifications for both Comparative Examples 1 and 2). That is, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, samples of insect-proof caps for pipes were prepared and evaluated without creating a difference between the protrusion height h1 of a pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a and the protrusion height h2 of a pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a. In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the total opening area of ​​openings 23, 24a, and 24b was adjusted to be the same as that of the sample in the example. As described above, samples of insect-proof caps for pipes were prepared with a total of 13 openings, each with a minimum width of 2 mm or more (for openings that are rectangular or roughly rectangular in plan view) and a maximum width including the diagonals of 6 mm or less. The evaluation results for Comparative Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Table 1 below, along with the evaluation results for Examples 1 and 2 described above.

[0086] <Evaluation Results> Table 1 below shows a list of the evaluation conditions and results for Examples 1 and 2 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 described above.

[0087] [Table 1]

[0088] As shown in Table 1, in Examples 1 and 2, where the difference between the protruding height h1 of the pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a and the protruding height h2 of the pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a was 0.5 mm, the insect-proof caps for piping did not come off, and the fit was rated as "○" in both cases. Furthermore, in Examples 1 and 2, no entry into the piping was observed as the German cockroach did not pass through the opening, so both received a "○" rating for intrusion prevention.

[0089] In Examples 1 and 2, by providing a difference in the protruding height of the claw body, it was possible to attach the device to the piping consisting of a drain hose for an air conditioner with high locking strength, resulting in the excellent fit evaluation results described above. Furthermore, by designing the openings in the bottom plate 2 to the specifications described above, German cockroaches were unable to pass through, resulting in an evaluation result demonstrating excellent intrusion prevention. This is thought to be because, when the maximum width of the opening, including the diagonals, is 6 mm or less, the interfemoral size of the middle legs of a German cockroach is usually larger than 6 mm. Therefore, even if the head of a German cockroach entered the opening, the abdominal side of the middle legs could not pass through the opening.

[0090] On the other hand, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, where no difference was made between the protruding height h1 of the pair of claw bodies 31a, 31a and the protruding height h2 of the pair of claw bodies 32a, 32a, the insect-proof caps for the pipes came off, and in both cases the fit was rated as "×". In other words, in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, because no difference in protruding height was made between the respective claw bodies, the locking strength to the piping consisting of the drain hose for the air conditioner was lower, resulting in the insect-proof caps for the pipes coming off.

[0091] In Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the specifications of the openings provided in the bottom plate 2 were the same as in Examples 1 and 2. As a result, German cockroaches were not able to pass through the openings and enter the piping, and therefore, in both cases, the intrusion prevention performance was rated as "○".

[0092] From the results of the above-described embodiments, it has become clear that by adopting a configuration in which the openings in the bottom plate are divided into multiple sections, as in the insect-proof pipe cap of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the entry of insects such as cockroaches while ensuring drainage. At the same time, it has become clear that by adopting a configuration in which the locking portion extending from the periphery of the bottom plate has two or more claws with different protruding heights, high locking strength and excellent fitability can be obtained. [Industrial applicability]

[0093] The insect-proof cap for pipes of the present invention can be attached to pipes of different diameters, and can securely fasten to the pipe with sufficient strength without damaging or breaking it during attachment or removal, while minimizing gaps between the cap and the pipe. Furthermore, it effectively prevents insects from entering the pipe while also providing excellent drainage. Therefore, the insect-proof cap for pipes of the present invention is very suitable for applications such as efficiently draining water while preventing insects such as cockroaches from entering, by attaching it to the pipe ends of pipes such as air conditioner drain hoses, washing machine drain hoses, and watering hoses. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1.1A... Insect-proof cap for pipes 1a...Tip 1b…rear end 2…Bottom plate part 21... Periphery 22...Outer surface 22a...Inner region (inner area) 22b...Outer area (outer area) 23, 24a, 24b... Openings (multiple openings) 25…Inner surface 3… Locking part 31, 32, 33… locking pieces 31a, 32a...claw body 34…Cylindrical wall 4…Cylindrical part 100... Piping 101... Exterior wall 101a... protruding part 102...One end 103...Pipe end

Claims

1. A bottom plate portion positioned to cover the end of the pipe, A locking portion is provided extending from the periphery of the bottom plate portion and along the outer wall of the pipe, and at least a portion of it is capable of being locked to the outer wall of the pipe, It comprises a plurality of openings provided so as to penetrate the bottom plate portion, and capable of discharging liquid discharged from the pipe end of the piping to the outside, The locking portion is provided so as to protrude toward the outer wall side of the pipe, and is characterized by having two or more claws, each with a different protruding height.

2. The locking portion is characterized in that two or more pairs of claws are arranged facing each other via the bottom plate, and each pair of claws has a different protruding height, as described in claim 1.

3. Furthermore, the insect-proof cap for piping according to claim 1 or 2 is characterized by having a cylindrical portion that protrudes from the bottom plate portion toward the opposite side from the locking portion.

4. The cylindrical portion is configured such that the maximum width when the bottom plate is viewed from above is smaller than the maximum width of the bottom plate. The insect-proof cap for piping according to claim 3, characterized in that the bottom plate portion has a plurality of openings arranged in both the area inside the cylindrical portion and the area outside the cylindrical portion.

Images