Pipe plug

Abstract

To provide a pipe plug that can easily close the end of a pipe and can be installed even on pipes that protrude only a small amount from the floor or wall. [Solution] A pipe plug for attachment to a pipe having a predetermined outer diameter and inner diameter, comprising: a cylindrical large-diameter portion made of a flexible material and having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the pipe; and a cylindrical small-diameter portion made of a flexible material and having an outer diameter 1 to 3 mm larger than the inner diameter of the pipe, coaxial with the large-diameter portion and protruding from the bottom surface of the large-diameter portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a plug for piping.

Background Art

[0002] When performing renovation work on plumbing facilities such as toilets and utility rooms in buildings or complex facilities, existing toilets, washbasins, piping and interior finishes are removed, and after interior work such as installing floor materials and wall materials, new toilets and washbasins are installed. When existing toilets and washbasins are removed, the ends of drain pipes embedded in the floor or wall surface are exposed. If the ends of the drain pipes are left open, the working environment will be deteriorated by sewage odors, so for example, measures such as sealing the ends of the drain pipes with tape are taken.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Since a plurality of drain pipes are embedded in the floor or wall surface of plumbing facilities, sealing the end of each drain pipe with tape is labor-intensive, which poses a problem of poor work efficiency. In addition, the ends of existing drain pipes were cut near the floor or wall surface at the time of new construction, and the amount of projection from the floor or wall surface is small. Therefore, if the tape is applied not only to the end of the drain pipe but also to the floor or wall surface, there is also a problem that it will interfere with the interior work.

[0005] In addition, a cup-shaped cap is also used as a member for protecting the end of the piping, but as described above, since the amount of projection at the end of the existing piping is not sufficient, it is difficult to attach the cup-shaped cap.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a pipe plug that can easily close the end of a pipe and can be attached to pipes that protrude only a small amount from the floor or wall. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The pipe plug according to the present invention is attached to a pipe having a predetermined outer diameter and inner diameter, and is made of a flexible material and comprises a cylindrical large-diameter portion having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the pipe, and a cylindrical small-diameter portion made of a flexible material having an outer diameter 1 to 3 mm larger than the inner diameter of the pipe, being coaxial with the large-diameter portion and protruding from the bottom surface of the large-diameter portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this invention, it is possible to provide a pipe plug that can easily close the end of a pipe and can be attached even to pipes that protrude only a small amount from the floor or wall. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Perspective view of a pipe plug according to the first embodiment [Figure 2] Front view of the pipe plug shown in Figure 1 [Figure 3A] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a pipe plug attached to a pipe embedded in the floor. [Figure 3B] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a pipe plug attached to a pipe embedded in a wall. [Figure 4] This diagram shows an example of printing applied to the large diameter portion of a pipe plug. [Figure 5A] A schematic cross-sectional view showing a conventional floor construction method. [Figure 5B] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the process following Figure 5A. [Figure 5C] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the process following Figure 5B. [Figure 5D] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the process following Figure 5C. [Figure 5E] Schematic cross-sectional view showing the process following Figure 5D. [Figure 5F] Schematic cross-sectional view showing steps subsequent to Figure 5E [Figure 6A] Schematic cross-sectional view showing a floor construction method according to the second embodiment [Figure 6B] Schematic cross-sectional view showing steps subsequent to Figure 6A [Figure 6C] Schematic cross-sectional view showing steps subsequent to Figure 6B [Figure 6D] Schematic cross-sectional view showing steps subsequent to Figure 6C [Figure 6E] Schematic cross-sectional view showing steps subsequent to Figure 6D [Figure 6F] Schematic cross-sectional view showing steps subsequent to Figure 6E [Figure 6G] Schematic cross-sectional view showing steps subsequent to Figure 6F [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a perspective view of a piping plug according to the first embodiment, and Figure 2 is a front view of the piping plug shown in Figure 1.

[0011] The piping plug 1 is a member used to close the end portion of the piping 12 protruding from a floor surface or wall surface during interior construction work of a building or complex facility. The piping 12 is, for example, a rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe referred to as "VP" or "fire-resistant VP". Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes are standardized in JIS K 6741:2016.

[0012] The piping plug 1 is composed of a cylindrical large-diameter portion 2 and a small-diameter portion 3. The small-diameter portion 3 is coaxial with the large-diameter portion 2 and is provided so as to protrude from the bottom surface of the large-diameter portion 2. The outer peripheral portion of the end face 5 of the small-diameter portion 3 is chamfered to facilitate insertion into the piping 12.

[0013] The outer diameter of the large-diameter section 2 is equal to the outer diameter of the pipe 12, and the outer diameter of the small-diameter section 3 is 1 to 3 mm larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 12. By making the outer diameter of the small-diameter section 3 slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 12, the repulsive force generated when the small-diameter section 3 is compressed during insertion into the pipe 12 prevents the pipe plug 1 from falling out.

[0014] Table 1 shows examples of setting the outer diameters of the large-diameter section 2 and the small-diameter section 3 when the piping 12 is a VP pipe. In the example in Table 1, the outer diameter of the large-diameter section 2 is equal to the standard outer diameter dimension specified in the above JIS standard, and the outer diameter of the small-diameter section 3 is 2 mm larger than the inner diameter (reference value) specified in the above JIS standard. [Table 1]

[0015] The thickness (axial length) of the large diameter section 2 should be such that the pipe plug 1 can be deformed without being destroyed even if stepped on while attached to the pipe 12. For example, it is preferably 10 to 30 mm, and more preferably 15 to 25 mm. The thickness (axial length) of the small diameter section 3 should be such that it can generate enough frictional force to prevent the pipe plug 1 from falling out when inserted into the pipe 12. For example, it is preferably 15 to 45 mm, and more preferably 25 to 30 mm. There are no functional problems if the thickness of the large diameter section 2 exceeds 30 mm or the thickness of the small diameter section 3 exceeds 45 mm, but there are concerns that the size of the pipe plug 1 will become larger and bulkier, and the amount of material required to manufacture the pipe plug 1 will increase, leading to increased costs.

[0016] The pipe plug 1 is formed from an elastically deformable material such as resin or rubber. Preferably, the forming material for the pipe plug 1 is a foamed resin such as expanded polystyrene, expanded polyethylene, expanded polypropylene, rigid or flexible urethane foam, PVC foam, or synthetic rubber foam. Foamed resins contain fine air bubbles and are lightweight and have excellent cushioning properties. Among foamed resins, chemically crosslinked closed-cell polyethylene foam is more preferable. Closed-cell polyethylene foam has extremely fine bubbles, is highly flexible and resilient, and has excellent cushioning, water resistance, and chemical resistance. As a closed-cell polyethylene foam, Sanwa Chemical Co., Ltd.'s "Sanpelka (registered trademark)" can be suitably used.

[0017] The method for forming the pipe plug 1 is not particularly limited, and any processing method suitable for the material used should be adopted. When closed-cell polyethylene foam is used as the material for forming the pipe plug 1, the pipe plug 1 can be formed by cutting, water jetting, trimming, bonding, heat fusion, vacuum forming, heat compression molding, etc., either individually or in appropriate combinations. The large diameter portion 2 and the small diameter portion 3 may be formed separately and connected by bonding or heat fusion, but in order to increase strength and durability, it is preferable to form the large diameter portion 2 and the small diameter portion 3 integrally by cutting or the like.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the pipe plug 1 can be attached to the pipe 12 by inserting the small-diameter portion 3 into the opening of the pipe 12 and pushing it in until the bottom surface 4 of the large-diameter portion 2 abuts against the end surface of the pipe 12. As described above, since the outer diameter of the large-diameter portion 2 of the pipe plug 1 is equal to the outer diameter of the pipe 12, the outer surface of the large-diameter portion 2 and the outer surface of the pipe 12 form a continuous circumferential surface. Also, since the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion 3 of the pipe plug 1 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the pipe 12, it adheres tightly to the inner circumferential surface of the pipe 12 when compressed, preventing the pipe plug 1 from falling out of the pipe 12. However, since the small-diameter portion 3 of the pipe plug 1 is only inserted into the inside of the pipe 12, the pipe plug 1 can be easily removed from the pipe 12 by simply pulling out the small-diameter portion 3.

[0019] Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pipe plug attached to a pipe embedded in the floor, and Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a pipe plug attached to a pipe embedded in a wall.

[0020] In renovation work on water facilities such as toilets and kitchenettes in buildings and complexes, when existing toilets, sinks, pipes, and interior finishes are removed, the ends of the pipes 12 become exposed from the slab 10 that makes up the floor, as shown in Figure 3A. In addition, as shown in Figure 3B, the ends of the pipes 12 may also be exposed from the wall.

[0021] By fitting the small-diameter portion 3 of the pipe plug 1 onto the ends of these pipes 12, the pipes 12 can be easily sealed. This prevents sewage odors from rising from the drainage pipes 12, thereby improving the working environment for interior construction work. The pipe plug 1 according to this embodiment does not require an overlap, like a cup-shaped cap (see, for example, Figure 5A), so it can be attached even to pipes 12 that protrude only a small amount from the floor or wall surface. Furthermore, when sealing pipes 12 with tape, the sealing work is time-consuming, and if tape is applied around the pipes 12, it can get in the way during interior construction work. However, by using the pipe plug 1 according to this embodiment, the problems associated with applying tape can be resolved.

[0022] Furthermore, when the pipe plug 1 is made of foamed resin, particularly closed-cell polyethylene foam, its light weight makes it easy to carry at the construction site, and it can be used repeatedly. Also, when the pipe plug 1 is made of foamed resin, particularly closed-cell polyethylene foam, the small-diameter portion 3 and the inner surface of the drain pipe have good adhesion, so odors from the drain pipe can be shut out, which greatly improves the site environment.

[0023] Figure 4 shows an example of printing applied to the large-diameter portion of a pipe plug.

[0024] Various information can be displayed on the upper surface of the large-diameter portion 2 of the pipe plug 1 by printing or other means. In the example shown in Figure 4, the upper surface of the large-diameter portion 2 is printed with a mark 21 indicating the specifications of the pipe 12 to be installed, a mark 22 warning against stepping on it, and a mark 23 indicating the name of the construction company or the owner of the pipe plug 1. By providing these marks 21 to 23 on the upper surface of the large-diameter portion 2, the usability of the pipe plug 1 can be improved, and necessary information during the construction period can be presented in an easy-to-read manner. Note that the display content shown in Figure 4 is just an example, and the display content may be changed as appropriate. For example, information regarding the product name and manufacturer of the pipe plug 1 may be displayed.

[0025] The color of the pipe plug 1 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that it be a different color from the pipe 12 in order to improve visibility at the construction site, and it is even preferable that it be a color that is easily noticeable at the construction site, such as red or yellow. When the pipe plug 1 is highly visible, the risk of damage due to being stepped on, etc., and the risk of forgetting to install it (for example, forgetting to install the cleaning port component) can be further reduced.

[0026] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given of sealing a drain pipe with a pipe plug 1 during renovation work on plumbing facilities, but the pipe plug 1 can also be used in new construction work. In this embodiment, a method for installing a cleanout in the floor of a plumbing facility will be described as an example.

[0027] Figures 5A to 5F are schematic cross-sectional diagrams illustrating conventional floor construction methods, and more specifically, they show a method for installing a cleaning opening in the floor of a newly constructed building.

[0028] Figure 5A shows the pipe 92 fixed to the slab 90. The pipe 92 is positioned to pass through a through-hole 91 in the slab 90 from top to bottom, and is fixed to the slab 90 by filling the gap between the inner surface of the through-hole 91 and the outer surface of the pipe 92 with a hole-filling material 93. The upper end of the pipe 92 protrudes above the top surface of the slab 90, and the upper end of the pipe 92 is protected by attaching a cup-shaped cap 94. In some cases, protection can be more easily carried out by covering the upper end of the pipe 92 with duct tape or masking tape instead of using the cap 94 shown in Figure 5A.

[0029] Next, as shown in Figure 5B, a base layer 95 is applied to the upper surface of the slab 90 to a predetermined thickness. Self-leveling material or mortar can be used as the base layer 95. By applying the base layer 95, a highly accurate flat surface can be formed on the slab 90.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figures 5C and 5D, flooring material 96 is laid on the substrate 95. Flooring material 96 is a long sheet material made of resin such as polyvinyl chloride, polyolefin, synthetic rubber, or polyester. As shown in Figure 5C, flooring material 96 is placed on the substrate 95 so as to cover the pipes 92 and caps 94 protruding from the slab 90, and then attached to the substrate 95 using adhesive while aligning its position. An opening is formed in the portion of flooring material 96 corresponding to the pipes 92 by cutting it out, and the pipes 92 are inserted through this opening, so that flooring material 96 is attached around the pipes 92 as shown in Figure 5D.

[0031] Next, as shown in Figure 5E, the pipe 92 is cut at a height that is flush with the top surface of the flooring material 96.

[0032] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 5F, a cleaning port can be formed in the floor by fitting the cleaning port member 97 to the upper end of the pipe 92. Since the cleaning port is in communication with the main drain pipe, it is used to clean the drain pipe by inserting a cleaning hose or cleaning machine, or to investigate the cause of blockages or the internal condition of the drain pipe by inserting an endoscope camera.

[0033] However, the conventional floor construction methods described above had the following problems.

[0034] As shown in Figure 5C, when the upper end of the pipe 92 is covered with a cup-shaped cap 94, a certain amount of overlap H is required so that the cap 94 can be stably attached to the pipe 92. As a result, the amount of the pipe 92 protruding from the floor surface when the flooring material 96 is laid will also exceed the overlap H, which can lead to problems such as poor workability of the flooring material 96, and an increased diameter of the opening for inserting the pipe 92 due to misalignment of the flooring material 96 relative to the pipe 92, resulting in an unsightly appearance.

[0035] Furthermore, in conventional construction methods, as shown in Figure 5E, the protruding portion of the pipe 92 is cut after the flooring material 96 is laid so that it is flush with the flooring material 96. This method has problems such as damaging the flooring material 96 or scattering cutting debris on the flooring material 96.

[0036] Therefore, the objective of this embodiment is to provide a floor construction method that does not damage the flooring material when cutting pipes, and that offers excellent workability and aesthetic appeal when laying the flooring material.

[0037] Figures 6A to 6G are schematic cross-sectional views illustrating a floor construction method using a pipe plug according to the embodiment, and more specifically, they show a method for installing a cleanout in the floor of a newly constructed building.

[0038] Figure 6A shows the state in which the pipe 12 is fixed to the slab 10. The pipe 12 is positioned to pass through the through hole 11 provided in the slab 10 from top to bottom, and is fixed to the slab 10 by filling the gap between the inner surface of the through hole 11 and the outer surface of the pipe 12 with a hole-filling material 13. The upper end of the pipe 12 protrudes above the upper surface of the slab 10, and the upper end of the pipe 12 is protected by attaching a pipe plug 1.

[0039] Next, as shown in Figure 6B, a base layer 15 is applied to the upper surface of the slab 10 to a predetermined thickness. Self-leveling material or mortar can be used as the base layer 15. By applying the base layer 15, a highly accurate flat surface can be formed on the slab 10.

[0040] Next, as shown in Figure 6C, the protruding portion of the pipe 12 is cut. At this time, the pipe 12 is cut so that the height of the pipe 12 protruding vertically upward from the floor surface (substrate 15 in the example of Figure 6C) is equal to the finished height after the flooring material 16 is laid on the floor surface (the height shown by the dashed line in Figure 6C). As shown in Figure 6D, the small diameter portion 3 of the pipe plug 1 is inserted into the opening at the upper end of the cut pipe 12, and the pipe plug 1 is attached to the upper end of the pipe 12.

[0041] Next, as shown in Figure 6E, the flooring material 16 is spread out on the floor surface in order to install it. The flooring material 16 is a long sheet material made of resin such as vinyl chloride, polyolefin, synthetic rubber, or polyester.

[0042] There are two methods for installing the flooring material 16: one is to install it with the pipe plug 1 attached to the pipe 12, as shown in Figure 6E(a), and the other is to install it with the pipe plug 1 removed from the pipe 12, as shown in Figure 6E(b). In either method, as shown in Figure 6E, the flooring material 16 is spread on the base 15 to cover the pipe 12, and then attached to the base 15 using adhesive while aligning it. An opening is formed in the part of the flooring material 16 corresponding to the pipe 12 by cutting it out, and the pipe 12 is inserted through the opening, so that the flooring material 16 is attached around the pipe 12, as shown in Figure 6F.

[0043] The worker can choose which of the construction methods shown in Figure 6E(a) and (b) to adopt. However, with the pipe plug 1 removed, the amount of pipe 12 protruding from the floor surface is equivalent to the thickness of the flooring material 16, making it easier to lay the flooring material 16. However, if the thickness of the large diameter section 2 is within the preferred range described above, the amount of protrusion from the floor surface is sufficiently reduced even with the pipe plug 1 attached to the pipe 12. In this case, a skilled worker can lay the flooring material 16 without removing the pipe plug 1. This method offers superior workability because it does not require removing the pipe plug 1 beforehand.

[0044] After removing the pipe plug 1, a cleaning opening can be formed in the floor by fitting the cleaning opening member 17 into the opening at the upper end of the pipe 12, as shown in Figure 6G.

[0045] Furthermore, after the flooring material 16 is laid, it is preferable to leave the pipe plug 1 attached to the upper end of the pipe 12, as shown in Figure 6F, until the cleaning port component 17 is installed. By attaching the pipe plug 1 to the pipe 12 after the flooring material 16 is laid, the pipe 12 can be protected until the cleaning port component 17 is installed. In addition, the presence of the pipe plug 1 on the pipe 12 makes it easy to visually confirm that the cleaning port component 17 has not yet been installed.

[0046] In the floor construction method using the pipe plug 1 according to this embodiment, unlike the conventional construction method (see Figure 5E), the excess pipe 12 is cut at a predetermined finished height after the subfloor treatment is performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent damage to the floor material 16 (finishing material) when cutting the pipe. In addition, since the pipe 12 is cut before the floor material 16 is laid, it is also possible to avoid soiling the floor material 16 with cutting debris after the floor material 16 is finished. Furthermore, in the case of a cup-shaped cap as shown in Figures 5A to 5D, it is not possible to use it to protect the pipe 12 after it has been cut because there is not enough overlap. However, with the pipe plug 1 according to this embodiment, it is possible to install it regardless of the amount of protrusion of the pipe 12, and the pipe 12 can be protected even after it has been cut.

[0047] Furthermore, when laying the flooring material 16, as shown in Figure 6E, the protrusion height from the floor surface is suppressed in both the state where the pipe plug 1 is removed from the pipe 12 and the state where the pipe plug 1 is attached to the pipe 12. Therefore, unlike the conventional construction method (Figure 5C), the flooring material 16 is easy to install and the alignment accuracy between the opening cut out for inserting the pipe 12 and the pipe 12 can be improved. Since the gap between the opening in the flooring material 16 and the pipe 12 can be reduced, it is possible to use a cleaning port component without a flange or with a small flange, and in this case, the area of ​​the cleaning port component becomes smaller, improving the aesthetic appearance of the floor surface.

[0048] Therefore, according to the pipe plug 1 and the floor construction method using the same as described herein, it is possible to prevent damage to the flooring material when cutting pipes and to improve the workability and aesthetic appearance of the finished flooring material during installation.

[0049] In this embodiment, an example of attaching the pipe plug 1 to the upper end of the pipe 12 which serves as a cleaning port has been described. However, the pipe plug 1 according to this embodiment can also be attached to pipes to which toilets, washbasins, etc., are connected, and whose openings are exposed from the floor or wall surface. [Industrial applicability]

[0050] This invention can be used in renovation work for toilets and kitchenettes in buildings and other multi-purpose facilities. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0051] 1. Pipe plug 2. Large diameter section 3 Small diameter section 4. Bottom 12 Piping 15. Primer 16 Flooring 17 Cleaning port components

Claims

1. A pipe plug that is attached to a pipe having a predetermined outer diameter and inner diameter, A cylindrical large-diameter portion formed from an elastically deformable material and having an outer diameter equal to the outer diameter of the pipe, A pipe plug made of an elastically deformable material, having an outer diameter 1 to 3 mm larger than the inner diameter of the pipe, and comprising a cylindrical smaller diameter portion that is coaxial with the larger diameter portion and protrudes from the bottom surface of the larger diameter portion.

2. The pipe plug according to claim 1, wherein the pipe plug is made of foamed resin.

3. The piping plug according to claim 2, wherein the foamed resin is closed-cell polyethylene foam.

4. The piping plug according to claim 1, wherein the large-diameter portion and the small-diameter portion are integrally formed.

Images