Rain gutter system

Abstract

We provide a rain gutter system that can reduce vibrations in the vertical pipes. [Solution] The rain gutter system 1 comprises a piping section 3 connected to the rainwater outlet 2b from the building 10, and one or more fasteners 4a, 4b, 4c for fixing the piping section 3 to the wall surface 10b of the building 10. The piping section 3 comprises a vertical pipe 31 and a joint 50 connected to the vertical pipe 31. Of the one or more fasteners 4a, 4b, 4c, at least one of the fasteners 4b that fix the vertical pipe 31 is at least 10 mm and no more than 500 mm from the joint 50.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present disclosure relates to a rain gutter system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a piping structure. The piping structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a siphon drainage member, a main pipe, and a branch pipe. The main pipe includes a first vertical pipe (upright pipe) and a second vertical pipe, and an outer pipe into which the first vertical pipe is inserted is disposed above the second vertical pipe. This outer pipe is formed with a nominal diameter that is two sizes larger than that of the first vertical pipe.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes that by forming this outer pipe with a nominal diameter that is two sizes larger than that of the first vertical pipe, it is possible to suppress mutual contact when the first vertical pipe swings due to vibration or the like, and prevent the generation of noise. However, in the piping structure of Patent Document 1, the vibration of the first vertical pipe itself cannot be reduced. Therefore, depending on the amount of rainwater inflow, the vibration of the first vertical pipe may increase, mutual contact cannot be suppressed, and frequent contact may cause noise to occur.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a rain gutter system capable of reducing the vibration of the upright pipe.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A rain gutter system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a piping section connected to a rainwater outlet from a building, and one or more fasteners for fixing the piping section to the wall surface of the building, wherein the piping section comprises a vertical pipe and a joint connected to the vertical pipe, and at least one of the one or more fasteners that fixes the vertical pipe is at least 10 mm and no more than 500 mm from the joint. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Aspects of this disclosure can reduce vibrations in vertical pipes. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an example configuration of a rain gutter system according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of an example configuration of a rain gutter system according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of an example configuration of a rain gutter system according to Embodiment 3 [Figure 4] Schematic diagram of an example configuration of a rain gutter system according to Embodiment 4 [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of an example configuration of a rain gutter system according to Embodiment 5 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following explanation so that those skilled in the art can fully understand this disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims by means of these.

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships, such as up, down, left, and right, shall be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. The figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each element are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0011] In the following explanation, when it is necessary to distinguish between multiple components, prefixes such as "1st," "2nd," etc., will be added to the names of the components. However, if the components can be distinguished from each other by the symbols attached to them, prefixes such as "1st," "2nd," etc., may be omitted for the sake of readability.

[0012] [1. Embodiments] [1.1. Embodiment 1] [1.1.1. Structure] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a rain gutter system 1 according to Embodiment 1. The rain gutter system 1 is a type of piping system. The rain gutter system 1 receives rainwater from multiple roofs 10a of a building 10 and directs it to a drain 21 on the ground 20. The rainwater collected in the drain 21 flows out of the drain 21 through an underground pipe 22 into a rainwater pipe. The building 10 is a building of non-residential facilities such as shops, offices, factories, buildings, schools, welfare facilities or hospitals, and residential facilities such as detached houses, apartment buildings, or individual dwelling units in detached houses or apartment buildings. Non-residential facilities also include theaters, cinemas, public halls, amusement parks, complexes, department stores, hotels, inns, kindergartens, libraries, museums, art galleries, underground shopping malls, stations and airports. The building may include multiple roofs, eaves (small roofs) and main roofs. The roofs 10a may be flat roofs or corrugated metal roofs. In Figure 1, the roofs 10a are corrugated metal roofs.

[0013] The rain gutter system 1 in Figure 1 comprises a gutter 2, a piping section 3, and a number of fasteners 4a, 4b, and 4c (three in Figure 1) (hereinafter referred to as fastener 4 when there is no need to distinguish between them).

[0014] The gutter 2 receives rainwater from, for example, the roof 10a of building 10. The gutter 2 is installed beneath the roof 10a of building 10. As an example, the gutter 2 is positioned at the eaves of the roof. In particular, the gutter 2 is positioned to extend along the eaves of the roof. The gutter 2 is long and barrel-shaped. The gutter 2 in Figure 1 has a bottom wall 2a. The bottom wall 2a has a drain outlet 2b.

[0015] The piping section 3 is installed to drain rainwater from the outlet 2b. The piping section 3 has a flow path for the rainwater from the outlet 2b to flow through. The piping section 3 has an upstream end 3a and a downstream end 3b. The upstream end 3a of the piping section 3 is connected to the outlet 2b. The downstream end 3b of the piping section 3 is inserted into the manhole 21.

[0016] The piping section 3 in Figure 1 comprises a vertical pipe 31, a second vertical pipe 32, a fitting 50, and a drain 6.

[0017] The vertical pipe 31 constitutes a part of the flow path of the piping section 3. The vertical pipe 31 has an upstream end 31a and a downstream end 31b. In this embodiment, the vertical pipe 31 is the downstream portion of the piping section 3. The vertical pipe 31 is straight. The cross-section perpendicular to the pipe axis of the vertical pipe 31 is circular. The material of the vertical pipe 31 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the vertical pipe 31, for example, the outer shape and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) of JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe". The vertical pipe 31 is fixed to the wall surface 10b of the building 10 so that the direction of the pipe axis of the vertical pipe 31 coincides with the vertical direction. The downstream end 31b of the vertical pipe 31 is the downstream end 3b of the piping section 3. In Figure 1, a drain pipe cover 34 is installed to prevent rainwater from flowing into the manhole 21 through the gap between the vertical pipe 31 and the manhole 21. The downstream end 3b is also the part of the piping section 3 that is open to the atmosphere.

[0018] The second vertical pipe 32 forms part of the flow path of the piping section 3. The second vertical pipe 32 has an upstream end 32a and a downstream end 32b. In the present embodiment, the second vertical pipe 32 is a part of the upstream side of the piping section 3. The second vertical pipe 32 is straight. The cross-section perpendicular to the pipe axis of the second vertical pipe 32 is circular. The material of the second vertical pipe 32 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the second vertical pipe 32, for example, the outer shape and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standards of rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) in JIS K 6741, "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes". The second vertical pipe 32 is fixed to the wall surface 10b of the building 10 such that the direction of the pipe axis of the second vertical pipe 32 coincides with the vertical direction (the vertical direction). The upstream end 32a of the second vertical pipe 32 is the upstream end 3a of the piping section 3.

[0019] The joint 50 is connected to the vertical pipe 31. In particular, the joint 50 is connected between the vertical pipe 31 and the second vertical pipe 32. In the present embodiment, the joint 50 is a socket that connects between the vertical pipe 31 and the second vertical pipe 32. The joint 50 has an upstream end 50a and a downstream end 50b. In the present embodiment, the joint 50 is straight. The cross-section perpendicular to the pipe axis of the joint 50 is circular. The upstream end 50a of the joint 50 is connected to the downstream end 32b of the second vertical pipe 32, and the downstream end 50b of the joint 50 is connected to the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31. Thus, the joint 50 in FIG. 1 connects the downstream end 32b of the second vertical pipe 32 to the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31 along the vertical direction. The joint 50 is not necessarily a member that directly connects the downstream end 32b of the second vertical pipe 32 to the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31, but may be a member that indirectly connects the downstream end 32b of the second vertical pipe 32 to the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31 via another member. The material of the joint 50 is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the joint 50 may be set in accordance with the standards of the socket defined in JIS K 6739.

[0020] The three fixtures 4a, 4b, and 4c fix the piping section 3 to the wall surface 10b of the building 10. The three fixtures 4a, 4b, and 4c are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the vertical direction. In FIG. 1, the vertical pipe 31 is fixed to the wall surface 10b of the building 10 by the fixtures 4b and 4c, and the second vertical pipe 32 is fixed to the wall surface 10b of the building 10 by the fixture 4a. The distance [mm] from the ground 20 to the lowermost fixture 4c is generally 200 mm or more and 300 mm or less. The pitch [mm] between the fixtures 4a, 4b, and 4c is generally 800 mm or more and 1200 mm or less, and in the case of being constant, it is 1000 mm or less. The distance between the piping section 3 and the wall surface 10b is generally 30 mm or more and 100 mm or less. The material of the fixtures 4a, 4b, and 4c may be determined according to the requirements for the rain gutter system 1, and for example, stainless steel or PBT resin may be used.

[0021] The drain 6 is arranged at the drain outlet 2b of the eaves gutter 2. The drain 6 reduces the generation of vortices and the entrainment of air at the drain outlet 2b. The drain 6 may contribute to the occurrence of the siphon phenomenon. The drain 6 may have a well-known configuration.

[0022] In the rain gutter system 1 described above, a gap may exist between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 50 at the connection location between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 50. When there is a gap between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 50, when rainwater flows through the piping section 3, the rainwater hits the inner peripheral surface of the vertical pipe 31 and vibration of the vertical pipe 31 occurs. If the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 50 come into contact due to the vibration of the vertical pipe 31, noise may occur.

[0023] Also, when the siphon phenomenon occurs, air inflow is considered as one factor causing vibration. When the siphon phenomenon occurs, the inside of the piping section 3 may be under negative pressure. Due to such negative pressure, air may flow into the inside from the gap between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 50, and vibration may occur due to the rupture of the air.

[0024] Considering these factors, it is thought that noise can be reduced by suppressing the vibration of the vertical pipe 31. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention investigated whether the vibration of the vertical pipe 31 or the second vertical pipe 32 could be reduced by changing the positions of the fixing devices 4a, 4b, and 4c that fix the piping section 3 to the wall surface 10b of the building 10. As a result, they found that the vibration of the vertical pipe 31 could be reduced when the distance D1 [mm] between the joint 50 and the fixing device 4b was between 10 mm and 500 mm, and the vibration of the second vertical pipe 32 could be reduced when the distance D2 [mm] between the joint 50 and the fixing device 4a was between 10 mm and 500 mm.

[0025] Therefore, in the rain gutter system 1 of this embodiment, the distance D1 [mm] between the joint 50 and the fastener 4b is between 10 mm and 500 mm. The fastener 4b is the closest of the fasteners 4b and 4c that fix the vertical pipe 31 to the wall surface 10b to the joint 50. The distance D1 may be the distance between the end of the joint 50 on the fastener 4b side (the downstream end 5b of the joint 50) and the end of the fastener 4b on the joint 50 side. In other words, the distance D1 is equal to the length of the portion of the vertical pipe 31 that is exposed between the joint 50 and the fastener 4b. This makes it possible to reduce vibration of the vertical pipe 31. Furthermore, in the rain gutter system 1 of this embodiment, the fastener 4b for fixing the piping section 3 to the wall surface 10b is used as a member for reducing vibration of the vertical pipe 31, so a separate vibration reduction part is not required, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0026] Furthermore, in the rain gutter system 1 of this embodiment, the distance D2 [mm] between the joint 50 and the fastener 4a is between 10 mm and 500 mm. The distance D2 may be the distance between the end of the joint 50 on the fastener 4a side (the upstream end 50a of the joint 50) and the end of the fastener 4a on the joint 50 side. In other words, the distance D2 is equal to the length of the portion of the vertical pipe 31 that is exposed between the joint 50 and the fastener 4a. This reduces the vibration of the second vertical pipe 32. Moreover, in the rain gutter system 1 of this embodiment, the fastener 4a for fixing the piping section 3 to the wall surface 10b is used as a component for reducing the vibration of the second vertical pipe 32, so that a separate vibration reduction part is not required, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0027] [1.1.2. Effects, etc.] The rain gutter system 1 described above comprises a piping section 3 connected to the rainwater outlet 2b from the building 10, and one or more fasteners 4 that fix the piping section 3 to the wall surface 10b of the building 10. The piping section 3 comprises a vertical pipe 31 and a joint 50 connected to the vertical pipe. Of the one or more fasteners 4, at least one of the fasteners 4 that fix the vertical pipe 31 (fastener 4b) is located at a distance of 10 mm to 500 mm from the joint 50. This configuration can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe 31.

[0028] In the rain gutter system 1, the piping section 3 further comprises a second vertical pipe 32, and the joint 50 is a socket connecting the vertical pipe 31 and the second vertical pipe 32. This configuration can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe 31.

[0029] In the rain gutter system 1, of the one or more fasteners 4, at least one of the fasteners 4 that secure the second vertical pipe 32 (fastener 4a) is located at a distance of 10 mm to 500 mm from the joint 50. This configuration can reduce vibration of the second vertical pipe 32.

[0030] [1.2. Embodiment 2] [1.2.1. Structure] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of the rain gutter system 1A of Embodiment 2. Here, descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 are omitted as appropriate. The rain gutter system 1A in Figure 2 comprises a gutter 2, a piping section 3A, and a plurality of fasteners 4.

[0031] The piping section 3A in Figure 2 comprises a vertical pipe 31, a second vertical pipe 32, a fitting 51, and a drain 6.

[0032] The fitting 51 is connected to the vertical pipe 31. In particular, the fitting 51 is connected between the vertical pipe 31 and the second vertical pipe 32. In this embodiment, the fitting 51 is a socket, specifically a sliding socket, that connects the vertical pipe 31 and the second vertical pipe 32. The fitting 51 has an upstream end 51a and a downstream end 51b. In this embodiment, the fitting 51 is straight. The cross-section of the fitting 51 perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. In particular, the depth of the socket at the upstream end 51a of the fitting 51 is greater than the depth of the socket at the downstream end 51b. As a result, the fitting 51 is slidably connected to the piping at the socket of the upstream end 51a. In this embodiment, the fitting 51 is slidably connected to the second vertical pipe 32. More specifically, the upstream end 51a of the fitting 51 is connected to the downstream end 32b of the second vertical pipe 32, and the downstream end 51b of the fitting 51 is connected to the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31. In this way, the fitting 51 connects the downstream end 32b of the second vertical pipe 32 to the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31 along the vertical direction. The material of the fitting 51 is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the fitting 51 may be set in accordance with the socket standards specified in JIS K 6739.

[0033] In the rain gutter system 1A of this embodiment, the distance D1 [mm] between the joint 51 and the fastener 4b is between 10 mm and 500 mm. This reduces vibration of the vertical pipe 31. Furthermore, in the rain gutter system 1A of this embodiment, there is no need for separate vibration reduction parts, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0034] Here, the joint 51 is slidably connected to the second vertical pipe 32. This is to absorb the vertical thermal expansion and contraction caused by the temperature difference in the piping section 3A. Due to the nature of absorbing thermal expansion and contraction, it is preferable to maintain the slidable connection. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention investigated whether it is possible to reduce the vibration of the second vertical pipe 32 while keeping it slidable relative to the joint 51 by changing the position of the fixing device 4a that fixes the second vertical pipe 32 to the wall surface 10b of the building 10. As a result, they found that when the distance D2 [mm] between the joint 51 and the fixing device 4a is 200 mm or more and 500 mm or less, it is possible to reduce the vibration of the second vertical pipe 32 while keeping it slidable.

[0035] Therefore, in the rain gutter system 1A of this embodiment, the distance D2 [mm] between the joint 51 and the fastener 4a is 200 mm or more and 500 mm or less. This makes it possible to reduce vibration of the second vertical pipe 32 while allowing the second vertical pipe 32 to slide and absorb thermal expansion. Furthermore, in the rain gutter system 1A of this embodiment, there is no need for separate vibration reduction parts, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0036] [1.2.2. Effects, etc.] In the rain gutter system 1A described above, the joint 51 is a sliding socket that is slidably connected to the second vertical pipe 32. Of the one or more fasteners 4, at least one of the fasteners 4 that fix the second vertical pipe 32 (fastener 4a) has a distance D2 to the joint 51 of 200 mm or more and 500 mm or less. This configuration allows the second vertical pipe 32 to slide while reducing vibration of the second vertical pipe 32.

[0037] [1.3. Embodiment 3] [1.3.1. Structure] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of the rain gutter system 1B according to Embodiment 3. Here, descriptions that overlap with Embodiment 1 or 2 are omitted as appropriate. The rain gutter system 1B comprises a gutter 2, a piping section 3B, and a plurality of fasteners 4.

[0038] The piping section 3B in Figure 3 includes a vertical pipe 31, a horizontal pipe 33, a vertical pipe (third vertical pipe) 35, fittings 52 (52-1, 52-2), and a drain 6.

[0039] The horizontal pipe 33 constitutes part of the flow path that intersects the vertical direction of the piping section 3B. The horizontal pipe 33 has an upstream end 33a and a downstream end 33b. In a rain gutter system, the horizontal pipe 33 is also called a connecting pipe. The horizontal pipe 33 is the part that allows rainwater to flow from the third vertical pipe 35 to the vertical pipe 31. In this embodiment, the horizontal pipe 33 is located between the third vertical pipe 35 and the vertical pipe 31. The horizontal pipe 33 is straight. The cross-section of the horizontal pipe 33 perpendicular to its axis is circular. The material of the horizontal pipe 33 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the horizontal pipe 33, for example, the outer diameter and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) of JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe". The upstream end 33a of the horizontal pipe 33 is the end of the horizontal pipe 33 that is connected to the third vertical pipe 35 (the left end in Figure 3). The downstream end 33b of the horizontal pipe 33 is the end of the horizontal pipe 33 that is connected to the vertical pipe 31 (the right end in Figure 3).

[0040] The third vertical pipe 35 constitutes part of the flow path of the piping section 3B. The third vertical pipe 35 is the part that directs rainwater from the outlet 2b to the horizontal pipe 33. In this embodiment, it is located between the outlet 2b and the horizontal pipe 33. The third vertical pipe 35 is straight. The cross-section of the third vertical pipe 35 perpendicular to its axis is circular. The material of the third vertical pipe 35 is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the third vertical pipe 35, for example, its outer shape and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) of JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe". The upstream end of the third vertical pipe 35 is the upstream end 3a of the piping section 3B.

[0041] The fittings 52-1 and 52-2 connect flow paths with different directions, such as a vertical pipe and a horizontal pipe. Fitting 52-1 is an elbow that connects the vertical pipe 31 and the horizontal pipe 33. Fitting 52-2 is an elbow that connects the third vertical pipe 35 and the horizontal pipe 33. Fittings 52-1 and 52-2 have a first socket 52a and a second socket 52b. In this embodiment, fittings 52-1 and 52-2 are L-shaped. The cross-section of fittings 52-1 and 52-2 perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. In this embodiment, the first socket 52a of fitting 52-1 is connected to the downstream end 33b of the horizontal pipe 33, and the second socket 52b of fitting 52-1 is connected to the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31. The first socket 52a of fitting 52-2 is connected to the downstream end of the third vertical pipe 35, and the second socket 52b of fitting 52-2 is connected to the upstream end 33a of the horizontal pipe 33. Fitting 52-2 is not necessarily a component that directly connects the downstream end of the third vertical pipe 35 to the upstream end 33a of the horizontal pipe 33, but may be a component that indirectly connects the downstream end of the third vertical pipe 35 to the upstream end 33a of the horizontal pipe 33 via another component. The material of fittings 52-1 and 52-2 is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of fittings 52-1 and 52-2 may be set in accordance with the standard for 90° bend elbows (so-called DLs) specified in JIS K 6739.

[0042] In the rain gutter system 1B described above, a gap may exist between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 52-1 at the connection point between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 52-1. The presence of this gap means that when rainwater flows through the piping section 3B, the rainwater strikes the inner surface of the vertical pipe 31, causing vibration of the vertical pipe 31. If this vibration causes the vertical pipe 31 to come into contact with the joint 52-1, noise may be generated.

[0043] Considering these factors, it is thought that noise can be reduced by suppressing the vibration of the vertical pipe 31. The inventors of the present invention investigated whether the vibration of the vertical pipe 31 could be reduced by changing the position of the fixing device 4a that fixes the vertical pipe 31 to the wall surface 10b of the building 10. As a result, they found that the vibration of the vertical pipe 31 could be reduced when the distance D3 [mm] between the joint 52-1 and the fixing device 4a was between 10 mm and 500 mm.

[0044] In the rain gutter system 1B of this embodiment, the distance D3 [mm] between the joint 52-1 and the fastener 4a is between 10 mm and 500 mm. Distance D3 may be the distance between the end of the joint 52-1 on the fastener 4a side (the second receiving opening 52b of the joint 52-1) and the end of the fastener 4a on the joint 52-1 side. In other words, distance D3 is equal to the length of the portion of the vertical pipe 31 that is exposed between the joint 52-1 and the fastener 4a. This reduces vibration of the vertical pipe 31. Furthermore, in the rain gutter system 1B of this embodiment, there is no need for separate vibration reduction parts, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0045] [1.3.2. Effects, etc.] In the rain gutter system 1B described above, the piping section 3B further comprises a horizontal pipe 33, and the joint 52-1 is an elbow connecting the vertical pipe 31 and the horizontal pipe 33. Of the one or more fasteners 4, at least one of the fasteners 4 that fix the vertical pipe 31 (fastener 4a) is at a distance of 10 mm to 500 mm from the joint 52. This configuration can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe 31.

[0046] [1.4. Embodiment 4] [1.4.1. Structure] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of the rain gutter system 1C according to Embodiment 4. Here, descriptions that overlap with Embodiments 1 to 3 are omitted as appropriate. The rain gutter system 1C in Figure 4 comprises a gutter 2, a piping section 3C, and a plurality of fasteners 4.

[0047] The piping section 3C in Figure 4 comprises a vertical pipe 31, a horizontal pipe 33C, a bent pipe 36, a fitting 52, and a drain 6.

[0048] The horizontal pipe 33C constitutes part of the flow path that intersects the vertical direction of the piping section 3C. The horizontal pipe 33C has an upstream end 33a and a downstream end 33b. In a rain gutter system, the horizontal pipe 33C is also called a connecting pipe. The horizontal pipe 33C is the part that allows rainwater to flow from the vertical pipe 31 to the bent pipe 36. In this embodiment, the horizontal pipe 33C is located between the vertical pipe 31 and the bent pipe 36. The horizontal pipe 33C is straight. The cross-section of the horizontal pipe 33C perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. The material of the horizontal pipe 33C is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the horizontal pipe 33C, for example, the outer diameter and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) of JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe". The upstream end 33a of the horizontal pipe 33C is the end of the horizontal pipe 33C that connects to the vertical pipe 31 (the right end in Figure 4). The downstream end 33b of the horizontal pipe 33C is the end of the horizontal pipe 33C that connects to the bent pipe 36 (the left end in Figure 4).

[0049] The bent pipe 36 constitutes a part of the flow path of the piping section 3C. The bent pipe 36 changes the direction of the flow path. The bent pipe 36 is the part that directs rainwater from the horizontal pipe 33C to the manhole section 21. In this embodiment, the bent pipe 36 is located between the horizontal pipe 33C and the manhole section 21. The bent pipe 36 has a receiving opening 36a that is connected to the downstream end 33b of the horizontal pipe 33C. The bent pipe 36 is L-shaped. The cross-section of the bent pipe 36 perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. The downstream end of the bent pipe 36 is the downstream end 3b of the piping section 3. The bent pipe 36 is not necessarily a member that directly connects the downstream end 33b of the horizontal pipe 33C to the manhole section 21, but may be a member that indirectly connects the downstream end 33b of the horizontal pipe 33C to the manhole section 21 via another member. The material of the bent pipe 36 is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the bent pipe 36, for example, the outer diameter and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) in JIS K 6741 "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes".

[0050] The joint 52 is an elbow that connects a vertical pipe 31 and a horizontal pipe 33C, connecting flow paths with different directions, such as a vertical pipe and a horizontal pipe. The joint 52 has a first socket 52a and a second socket 52b. In this embodiment, the joint 52 is L-shaped. The cross-section of the joint 52 perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. The first socket 52a of the joint 52 is connected to the downstream end 31b of the vertical pipe 31, and the second socket 52b of the joint 52 is connected to the upstream end 33a of the horizontal pipe 33. The joint 52 is not necessarily a member that directly connects the downstream end 31b of the vertical pipe 31 to the upstream end 33a of the horizontal pipe 33, but may be a member that indirectly connects the downstream end 31b of the vertical pipe 31 to the upstream end 33a of the horizontal pipe 33 via another member. The material of fitting 52 is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of fitting 52 may be set in accordance with the standard for 90° bend elbows (so-called DL) specified in JIS K 6739.

[0051] In the rain gutter system 1C described above, a gap may exist between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 52 at the connection point between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 52. The presence of this gap means that when rainwater flows through the piping section 3C, the rainwater strikes the inner surface of the vertical pipe 31, causing vibration of the vertical pipe 31. If this vibration causes the vertical pipe 31 to come into contact with the joint 52, noise may be generated.

[0052] Another possible cause of vibration is the vertical impact of incoming rainwater on the inner surface of the joint 52. This causes the joint 52 to vibrate in a way that fills the gap between the parts, and this vibration is transmitted to the vertical pipe 31, causing the vertical pipe 31 to vibrate as well. If the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 52 come into contact due to these vibrations, noise may be generated.

[0053] Considering these factors, it is thought that noise can be reduced by suppressing the vibration of the vertical pipe 31. The inventors of the present invention investigated whether the vibration of the vertical pipe 31 could be reduced by changing the position of the fixing device 4c that fixes the vertical pipe 31 to the wall surface 10b of the building 10. As a result, they found that the vibration of the vertical pipe 31 could be reduced when the distance D4 [mm] between the joint 52 and the fixing device 4c was between 10 mm and 500 mm.

[0054] In the rain gutter system 1C of this embodiment, the distance D4 [mm] between the joint 52 and the fastener 4c is between 10 mm and 500 mm. The distance D4 may be the distance between the end of the joint 52 on the fastener 4c side (the first receiving opening 52a of the joint 52) ​​and the end of the fastener 4c on the joint 52 side. In other words, the distance D4 is equal to the length of the portion of the vertical pipe 31 that is exposed between the joint 52 and the fastener 4c. This reduces vibration of the vertical pipe 31. Furthermore, in the rain gutter system 1C of this embodiment, there is no need for separate vibration reduction parts, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0055] [1.4.2. Effects, etc.] In the rain gutter system 1C described above, the piping section 3C further comprises a horizontal pipe 33C, and the joint 52 is an elbow connecting the vertical pipe 31 and the horizontal pipe 33C. Of the one or more fasteners 4, at least one of the fasteners 4 that fix the vertical pipe 31 (fastener 4c) is located at a distance of 10 mm to 500 mm from the joint 52. This configuration can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe 31 even when rainwater is impacting it vertically.

[0056] [1.5. Embodiment 5] [1.5.1. Structure] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of the rain gutter system 1D according to Embodiment 5. Here, descriptions that overlap with Embodiments 1 to 4 are omitted as appropriate. The rain gutter system 1D comprises a veranda gutter 2, a second veranda gutter 2A, a piping section 3D, and a plurality of fasteners 4.

[0057] The second gutter 2A receives rainwater from, for example, the eaves of building 10. The second gutter 2A is installed under the eaves of building 10. The second gutter 2A is long and barrel-shaped. The second gutter 2A in Figure 5 has a second bottom wall 2Aa. The second bottom wall 2Aa has a second outlet 2Ab.

[0058] The piping section 3D in Figure 5 includes a vertical pipe 31, a second vertical pipe 32, a horizontal pipe 37, a third vertical pipe 38, fittings 52D and 53, and a drain 6.

[0059] The horizontal pipe 37 constitutes part of the flow path that intersects the vertical direction of the piping section 3D. The horizontal pipe 37 has an upstream end 37a and a downstream end 37b. In a rain gutter system, the horizontal pipe 37 is also called a connecting pipe. The horizontal pipe 37 is the part that allows rainwater to flow from the third vertical pipe 38 to the vertical pipe 31. In this embodiment, the horizontal pipe 37 is located between the vertical pipe 31 and the third vertical pipe 38. The horizontal pipe 37 is straight. The cross-section of the horizontal pipe 37 perpendicular to its axis is circular. The material of the horizontal pipe 37 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the horizontal pipe 37, for example, the outer diameter and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) of JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe". The upstream end 37a of the horizontal pipe 37 is the end of the horizontal pipe 37 that connects to the third vertical pipe 38 (the left end in Figure 5). The downstream end 37b of the horizontal pipe 37 is the end of the horizontal pipe 37 that connects to the vertical pipe 31 (the left end in Figure 5, right).

[0060] The third vertical pipe 38 constitutes part of the flow path of the piping section 3D. The third vertical pipe 38 is the part that directs rainwater from the second outlet 2Ab to the horizontal pipe 37. In this embodiment, it is located between the second outlet 2Ab and the horizontal pipe 37. The third vertical pipe 38 is straight. The cross-section of the third vertical pipe 38 perpendicular to its axis is circular. The material of the third vertical pipe 38 is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the third vertical pipe 38, for example, its outer shape and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) of JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes".

[0061] The joint 52D connects flow paths with different directions, such as a vertical pipe and a horizontal pipe. In this embodiment, the joint 52D is an elbow connecting the horizontal pipe 37 and the third vertical pipe 38. The joint 52D has a first socket 52a and a second socket 52b. In this embodiment, the joint 52D is L-shaped. The cross-section of the joint 52D perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. The first socket 52a of the joint 52D is connected to the downstream end of the third vertical pipe 38, and the second socket 52b of the joint 52D is connected to the upstream end 37a of the horizontal pipe 37. The fitting 52D is not necessarily a component that directly connects the downstream end of the third vertical pipe 38 to the upstream end 37a of the horizontal pipe 37, but may be a component that indirectly connects the downstream end of the third vertical pipe 38 to the upstream end 37a of the horizontal pipe 37 via another component. The material of the fitting 52D is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the fitting 52D may be set in accordance with the standard for 90° bend elbows (so-called DLs) specified in JIS K 6739.

[0062] The joint 53 merges different flow paths. In this embodiment, the joint 53 has a first receiving port 53a facing upstream, a second receiving port 53b facing downstream, and a third receiving port 53c facing sideways. The joint 53 merges rainwater from the first receiving port 53a with rainwater from the third receiving port 53c and discharges it out from the second receiving port 53b. The joint 53 is T-shaped. The joint 53 is a so-called T-pipe (tee). The joint 53 is located between the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31 and the downstream end 32b of the second vertical pipe 32 and is connected to the horizontal pipe 37. More specifically, the downstream end 32b of the second vertical pipe 32 is connected to the first socket 53a, the upstream end 31a of the vertical pipe 31 is connected to the second socket 53b, and the downstream end 37b of the horizontal pipe 37 is connected to the third socket 53c. The material of the joint 53 is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the joint 53 may be set in accordance with the Y standard specified in JIS K 6739.

[0063] In the rain gutter system 1D described above, a gap may exist between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 53 at the connection point between the vertical pipe 31 and the joint 53. The presence of this gap means that when rainwater flows through the piping section 3D, the rainwater strikes the inner surface of the vertical pipe 31, causing vibration of the vertical pipe 31. If this vibration causes the vertical pipe 31 to come into contact with the joint 53, noise may be generated.

[0064] Considering these factors, it is thought that noise can be reduced by suppressing the vibration of the vertical pipe 31. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention investigated whether the vibration of the vertical pipe 31 or the second vertical pipe 32 could be reduced by changing the positions of the fixing devices 4a, 4b, and 4c that fix the piping section 3D to the wall surface 10b of the building 10. As a result, they found that the vibration of the vertical pipe 31 could be reduced when the distance D1 [mm] between the joint 53 and the fixing device 4b was between 10 mm and 500 mm, and the vibration of the second vertical pipe 32 could be reduced when the distance D2 [mm] between the joint 53 and the fixing device 4a was between 10 mm and 500 mm.

[0065] Therefore, in the rain gutter system 1D of this embodiment, the distance D1 [mm] between the joint 53 and the fastener 4b is between 10 mm and 500 mm. The fastener 4b is the closest of the fasteners 4b and 4c that fix the vertical pipe 31 to the wall surface 10b to the joint 53. The distance D1 may be the distance between the end of the joint 53 on the fastener 4b side (the second receiving opening 53b of the joint 53) and the end of the fastener 4b on the joint 53 side. In other words, the distance D1 is equal to the length of the portion of the vertical pipe 31 that is exposed between the joint 53 and the fastener 4b. This makes it possible to reduce vibration of the vertical pipe 31. Furthermore, in the rain gutter system 1D of this embodiment, there is no need for separate vibration reduction parts, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, in the rain gutter system 1D of this embodiment, the distance D2 [mm] between the joint 53 and the fastener 4a is between 10 mm and 500 mm. The distance D2 may be the distance between the end of the joint 53 on the fastener 4a side (the first receiving opening 53a of the joint 53) and the end of the fastener 4a on the joint 53 side. In other words, the distance D2 is equal to the length of the portion of the second vertical pipe 32 that is exposed between the joint 53 and the fastener 4a. This reduces vibration of the second vertical pipe 32. Moreover, in the rain gutter system 1D of this embodiment, there is no need for separate vibration reduction parts, which reduces manufacturing costs.

[0067] [1.5.2. Effects, etc.] In the rain gutter system 1D described above, the piping section 3D further comprises a second vertical pipe 32 and a horizontal pipe 37, and the joint 53 is a tee connecting the vertical pipe 31, the second vertical pipe 32, and the horizontal pipe 37. Of the one or more fasteners 4, at least one of the fasteners 4 that fix the vertical pipe 31 (fastener 4b) is at a distance of 10 mm to 500 mm from the joint 53. This configuration can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe 31.

[0068] In the rain gutter system 1D, of the one or more fasteners 4, at least one of the fasteners 4 that secure the second vertical pipe 32 (fastener 4a) is located at a distance of 10 mm to 500 mm from the joint 53. This configuration can reduce vibration of the second vertical pipe 32.

[0069] [2. Variant] The embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. The embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiments are shown below. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0070] In one modified example, at least one of the materials for the vertical pipe 31, the second vertical pipe 32, the horizontal pipe 33, the horizontal pipe 33C, and the horizontal pipe 37 does not necessarily have to be rigid polyvinyl chloride. The materials for the vertical pipe 31, the second vertical pipe 32, the horizontal pipe 33, the horizontal pipe 33C, and the horizontal pipe 37 may be determined according to the requirements of the rain gutter system, and may be synthetic resins such as polyethylene, or metal instead of synthetic resins.

[0071] In one modified example, the dimensions of the vertical pipe 31, the second vertical pipe 32, the horizontal pipe 33, the horizontal pipe 33C, and the horizontal pipe 37 do not necessarily have to be set in accordance with the provisions of JIS K 6741.

[0072] In one modified example, the rain gutter system does not necessarily have to include a gutter 2. For example, if the building 10 has a structure that includes a downspout such as a balcony, the piping section 3 may be connected to the downspout 2b of the building 10.

[0073] In one modified example, fittings 52, 52-1, and 52-2 may be 45° elbows as specified in JIS K 6739.

[0074] In one modified example, the joint 53 may be a sliding tee. Here, the joint 53 is slidably connected to the second vertical pipe 32. This is to absorb the vertical thermal expansion and contraction caused by the temperature difference in the piping section 3D. Due to the nature of its purpose of absorbing thermal expansion and contraction, it is preferable to maintain the slidable connection, and by having a distance D2 [mm] between the joint 53 and the fixing device 4a of 200 mm or more and 500 mm or less, it is possible to reduce the vibration of the second vertical pipe 32 while allowing the second vertical pipe 32 to slide and absorb thermal expansion and contraction.

[0075] In one modified example, the rain gutter system 1D does not necessarily have to have a second gutter 2A. For example, if the building 10 has a structure that includes a downspout such as a balcony, the third vertical pipe 38 may be connected to the second downspout 2Ab of the building 10.

[0076] In one modified example, the piping section may have a different configuration from the above embodiment and modified example. The piping section may have other piping components. The number of vertical pipes, horizontal pipes, fasteners, fittings, and drains in the piping section is not particularly limited.

[0077] [3. Appearance] As will be apparent from the above embodiments and modifications, this disclosure includes the following aspects.

[0078] The first embodiment is a rain gutter system comprising a piping section connected to a rainwater outlet from a building, and one or more fasteners for fixing the piping section to the wall surface of the building. The piping section comprises a vertical pipe and a joint connected to the vertical pipe. Of the one or more fasteners, at least one of the fasteners for fixing the vertical pipe is located at a distance of 10 mm or more and 500 mm or less from the joint.

[0079] A second embodiment is a rain gutter system based on the first embodiment. The piping section further comprises a second vertical pipe. The joint is a socket connecting the first vertical pipe and the second vertical pipe. This embodiment can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe.

[0080] A third embodiment is a rain gutter system based on the second embodiment. Of the one or more fasteners, at least one of the fasteners that secure the second vertical pipe is located at a distance of 10 mm or more and 500 mm or less from the joint. This embodiment can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe.

[0081] A fourth embodiment is a rain gutter system based on the second embodiment. The joint is a sliding socket that is slidably connected to the second vertical pipe. Of the one or more fasteners, at least one of the fasteners that secure the second vertical pipe is located at a distance of 200 mm or more and 500 mm or less from the joint. This embodiment can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe.

[0082] A fifth embodiment is a rain gutter system based on the first embodiment. The piping section further comprises a horizontal pipe. The joint is an elbow connecting the vertical pipe and the horizontal pipe. This embodiment can reduce vibration of the vertical pipe.

[0083] The sixth aspect is a rain gutter system based on the first aspect. The piping section further comprises a second vertical pipe and a horizontal pipe. The joint is a tee connecting the vertical pipe, the second vertical pipe, and the horizontal pipe.

[0084] The seventh embodiment is a rain gutter system based on the sixth embodiment. Of the one or more fasteners, at least one of the fasteners for fixing the second vertical pipe has a distance of 10 mm or more and 500 mm or less to the joint. [Industrial applicability]

[0085] This disclosure is applicable to rain gutter systems. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0086] 1,1A,1B,1C,1D Rain gutter system 2 eaves gutter 2A 2nd eaves gutter 2a Bottom wall 2Aa Second bottom wall 2b Drop-off 2Ab Second drain outlet 3,3A,3B,3C,3D Piping section 31 Vertical pipe 32 Second vertical pipe 33,33C,37 Horizontal pipe 3a, 31a, 32a, 33a, 37a Upstream end 3b,31b,32b,33b,37b Downstream end 4,4a,4b,4c Fixtures 50 Fittings (Sockets) 51 Fittings (Slide Sockets) 52 Fittings (Elbows) 53 Fittings (Tees) 50a, 51a Upstream end 50b, 51b Downstream end 52a First receiving opening 52b Second opening 53a First receiving opening 53b Second opening 53c Third opening 10 Buildings 10b Wall

Claims

1. The piping section connected to the rainwater outlet from the building, One or more fasteners for fixing the aforementioned piping section to the wall surface of the building, Equipped with, The aforementioned piping section is Vertical pipe and A fitting connected to the aforementioned vertical pipe, Equipped with, Of the one or more fasteners mentioned above, at least one of the fasteners that secures the vertical pipe has a distance of 10 mm or more and 500 mm or less to the joint. Rain gutter system.

2. The aforementioned piping section further comprises a second vertical pipe, The aforementioned joint is a socket that connects the first vertical pipe and the second vertical pipe. The rain gutter system according to claim 1.

3. Of the one or more fasteners mentioned above, at least one of the fasteners for fixing the second vertical pipe has a distance of 10 mm or more and 500 mm or less to the joint. The rain gutter system according to claim 2.

4. The fitting is a slide socket that is slidably connected to the second vertical pipe. Of the one or more fasteners mentioned above, at least one of the fasteners for fixing the second vertical pipe has a distance of 200 mm or more and 500 mm or less to the joint. The rain gutter system according to claim 2.

5. The aforementioned piping section further comprises a horizontal pipe, The aforementioned joint is an elbow that connects the vertical pipe and the horizontal pipe. The rain gutter system according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned piping section further comprises a second vertical pipe and a horizontal pipe, The aforementioned joint is a tee that connects the vertical pipe, the second vertical pipe, and the horizontal pipe. The rain gutter system according to claim 1.

7. Of the one or more fasteners mentioned above, at least one of the fasteners for fixing the second vertical pipe has a distance of 10 mm or more and 500 mm or less to the joint. The rain gutter system according to claim 6.

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