Fittings, gutter systems and buildings

The joint design with an expanded diameter portion and aligned axes addresses backflow and pressure issues in rain gutter systems, ensuring efficient drainage and cost-effectiveness.

JP7628408B2Active Publication Date: 2025-02-10SEKISUI CHEMICAL CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2020157066
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2020-09-18
Publication Date
2025-02-10
Estimated Expiration
2040-09-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional rain gutter joints experience backflow and pressure issues due to uniform pipe diameters and siphoning, leading to inefficient drainage during heavy rainfall.

Method used

A joint design with an expanded diameter portion in the main tube between connection ports, aligned axes, and perpendicular third connection port to prevent backflow and enhance drainage efficiency without additional components.

Benefits of technology

Prevents backflow and enhances drainage efficiency by managing pressure and aligning pipe axes, reducing material and effort costs while maintaining effective water flow.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a coupling which increases the diameter of a downstream main pipe, and thus can inhibit increase in pressure inside downstream pipes and prevent drained water from flowing reversely to branch pipes and spouting out.SOLUTION: A coupling 80 comprises: a first connection 81; a second connection 82; a main pipe 83 between the first connection 81 and the second connection 82; and a third connection 84 lateral to the main pipe 83. The main pipe 83 is provided with an increasing diameter part 85 in which the diameter increases from the first connection 81 toward the second connection 82.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fitting and gutter system. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, buildings are provided with gutters to catch rainwater that runs off the roof and direct it to the ground. A gutter is made up of a combination of multiple components, such as an eaves gutter, a water collector, a downspout, a downspout, a connecting pipe, an elbow joint, and a tee joint. In recent years, in order to increase the drainage capacity of gutters, a siphon gutter system has been proposed that fills the downspout with water to generate a water suction effect (the so-called siphon phenomenon), dramatically increasing the amount of drainage (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Among them, a joint (tee joint) is a component that connects a main pipe and a branch pipe. For example, a joint joins the drainage from the main roof of a building with the drainage from the eaves roof inside the joint. This allows rainwater that flows down the main roof and the eaves roof to be drained outside the building through a single downspout. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-120068 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in conventional joints, the diameters of the connections to the main pipe and the branch pipe were generally the same, or the connection to the branch pipe with a low flow rate, such as the eaves roof section, was generally smaller. Also, the upstream main pipe and the downstream main pipe generally had the same diameter.

[0006] In the event of a large amount of rainfall, such as a sudden downpour, the main pipe will be filled with wastewater due to the effect of the above-mentioned siphon gutter system. At this time, in the storm water drainage pipes and miscellaneous drainage pipes, the roof and the roof side, i.e., the upper part of the pipes, tend to have negative pressure, while near the ground and around the eaves roof, i.e., the lower part of the pipes, tend to have positive pressure.

[0007] When the main pipe is filled with wastewater due to the siphon effect, rainwater flows back into the branch pipe because of the positive pressure inside the pipe downstream of the joint. Furthermore, in some cases, rainwater may go back up the branch pipe and gush out.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a joint that can prevent backflow or spraying of drainage water into the branch pipe side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means. The fitting of the present invention comprises a first connection port, a second connection port, a main pipe provided between the first connection port and the second connection port, and a third connection port provided on the side of the main pipe, and the main pipe is provided with an enlarged diameter portion that enlarges in diameter from the first connection port toward the second connection port.

[0010] According to this invention, the main pipe is provided with an expanding portion that expands in diameter from the first connection port toward the second connection port. This makes the second connection port larger in diameter than the first connection port, making it possible to suppress an increase in the pressure inside the pipe below the second connection port located downstream. This makes it possible to prevent backflow and gush-out of wastewater into the branch pipe. Furthermore, since the joint has an expanded diameter portion, there is no need to prepare a separate expanded diameter member. In other words, there is no need to combine a large number of members, which reduces the labor and material costs.

[0011] The axis of the first connection port and the axis of the second connection port may be aligned on the same straight line.

[0012] According to this invention, the axis of the first connection port and the axis of the second connection port are positioned on the same straight line. This makes it possible for the flow of wastewater to be less biased to one area in the pipe than when the axis of the first connection port and the axis of the second connection port are not on the same straight line, i.e., are eccentric. This makes it easier for the wastewater to flow throughout the entire pipe. In other words, the wastewater can be drained more efficiently.

[0013] The enlarged diameter portion may be located on the main pipe closer to the first connection port than the third connection port.

[0014] According to this invention, the enlarged diameter portion is located closer to the first connection port than the third connection port, i.e., upstream. This allows the third connection port to be provided on the main pipe enlarged from the first connection port. This ensures that the main pipe has a capacity to receive wastewater flowing in from the third connection port in addition to the wastewater flowing in from the first connection port. This prevents the wastewater from being unable to completely flow in the main pipe. In other words, it prevents backflow into the branch pipe.

[0015] The third connection port may be provided perpendicular to the main pipe.

[0016] According to this invention, the third connection port is provided perpendicular to the main pipe. Therefore, the branch pipe, which is usually provided horizontally in a building, can be directly connected to the main pipe, which is provided vertically. This eliminates the need to combine multiple parts, and reduces labor and material costs.

[0017] The gutter system may also include the fitting, a first main pipe connected to the first connection port of the fitting, a second main pipe connected to the second connection port of the fitting, and a branch pipe connected to the third connection port of the fitting.

[0018] According to this invention, the first main pipe is connected to the first connection port, the second main pipe is connected to the second connection port, and the branch pipe is connected to the third connection port. In other words, the joint allows the drainage water from the first main pipe and the drainage water from the branch pipe to merge. The enlarged diameter section of the main pipe of the joint prevents the rise in pressure inside the pipe downstream of the merger. This makes it possible to prevent the wastewater from flowing back into the branch pipe, i.e., to prevent the wastewater from gush-out from the upstream part of the branch pipe. Furthermore, the above effects are achieved by joints alone. In other words, there is no need to combine a large number of components, and labor and material costs can be reduced. Therefore, a gutter system with excellent economical efficiency and ease of construction can be provided. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a joint that can prevent backflow or gush-out of drainage water into a branch pipe. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a building having a gutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the entire rain gutter system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a joint according to the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the joint shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] 5 is a cross-sectional view of the joint shown in FIG. 4 in the VV direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a modified example of a joint according to the present invention in which the diameters of the second and third connection ports are made equal. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a modified example of the joint shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of a modified example of the joint shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of drainage water within a joint in a gutter system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the flow of wastewater within a joint in the same system when the upstream main pipe and the downstream main pipe have the same diameter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, a joint according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the gutter system 100 installed on a building 1 comprises a first eaves gutter 10, a drainage member 20, a first main pipe 30, a second eaves gutter 40, a third main pipe 50, an elbow 60, a branch pipe 70, a fitting 80, and a second main pipe 90. Rainwater that flows into the first eaves gutter 10 flows down through the drainage member 20 into the first main pipe 30. Rainwater that flows into the second eaves gutter 40 flows down through the third main pipe 50 and elbow 60 into the branch pipe 70. The rainwater that flows down into the first main pipe 30 and the branch pipe 70 is collected at the joint 80. The rainwater collected by the joint 80 is drained via the second main pipe 90 to a drainage facility (not shown).

[0022] The first eaves gutter 10 collects rainwater that falls on the main roof 2 of the building 1. The rainwater collected by the first eaves gutter 10 flows down to the first main pipe 30 via the drainage member 20. Examples of the building 1 include factories, shopping centers, warehouses, large parking lots, etc. that are 15 m or higher above ground level. Therefore, the first eaves gutter 10 is installed at a location 15 m or higher above ground level, and may also be installed at a location 20 m or higher above ground level. The drainage member 20 is attached between the first eaves gutter 10 and the first main pipe 30, and between the second eaves gutter 40 and the third main pipe 50. When a large amount of rainwater is collected in the first eaves gutter 10, the drainage member 20 causes a siphon phenomenon in the piping of the first main pipe 30. This causes the inside of the piping of the first main pipe 30 to be filled with rainwater. This plays a role in improving drainage efficiency.

[0023] The first main pipe 30 transports rainwater flowing down from the first eaves gutter 10 toward the joint 80. The first main pipe 30 is installed vertically to the building 1. The upstream end of the first main pipe 30 is connected to the first eaves gutter 10. In this embodiment, the nominal diameter of the first main pipe 30 is preferably 75 mm as specified in JIS K 6741 (2007).

[0024] The second eaves gutter 40 collects rainwater that falls on the eaves roof 3 of the building 1. The rainwater collected by the second eaves gutter 40 flows down to the branch pipe 70 via the third main pipe 50 and elbow 60. The second eaves gutter 40 is installed at a location at a height of 10 m or less from the ground surface, and may be at a height of 6 m or less from the ground surface. The second eaves gutter 40 is installed so that there is a difference of 10 m or more in height from the first eaves gutter 10.

[0025] The third main pipe 50 transports rainwater flowing down from the second eaves gutter 40 toward the elbow 60. The third main pipe 50 is installed vertically to the building 1. The upstream end of the third main pipe 50 is connected to the second eaves gutter 40. The elbow 60 transports rainwater flowing down from the third main pipe 50 to the branch pipe 70. The upstream end of the elbow 60 is connected to the downstream end of the third main pipe 50. In this embodiment, the elbow 60 transports rainwater flowing down from the third main pipe 50 directly above to the branch pipe 70 installed horizontally. That is, the bending angle of the elbow 60 (the angle formed by the pipe axes of the two receiving ports) is approximately 90°. The bending angle of the elbow 60 may be 90° or more, and for example, the bending angle of the elbow 60 can be 120° or 135°.

[0026] The branch pipe 70 transports the rainwater that flows down from the elbow 60 to the joint 80. The branch pipe 70 is installed horizontally in the building 1. The upstream end of the branch pipe 70 is connected to the downstream end of the elbow 60. In this embodiment, the nominal diameter of the third main pipe 50, elbow 60, and branch pipe 70 is preferably 75 mm, which is the same as that of the first main pipe 30, or a nominal diameter smaller than that of the first main pipe 30. The second main pipe 90 transports the rainwater flowing down from the joint 80 to a drainage facility (not shown). In this embodiment, the second main pipe 90 has a nominal diameter larger than that of the first main pipe 30, and preferably has a nominal diameter of, for example, 100 mm as specified in JIS K 6741 (2007).

[0027] The joint 80 collects the rainwater flowing down from the first main pipe 30 and the branch pipe 70. The rainwater collected by the joint 80 is transported to the second main pipe 90. The joint 80 is installed at a height of 9 m or less above ground level, and preferably at a height of 5 m or less. As shown in FIG. 3, the joint 80 has a first connection port 81, a second connection port 82, a main pipe 83, a third connection port 84, and an enlarged diameter portion 85.

[0028] 9, a downstream end of the first main pipe 30 is connected to the first connection port 81. The first main pipe 30 is appropriately inserted into the first connection port 81 to an extent that does not interfere with the expanded diameter portion 85 of the joint 80. An upstream end of a second main pipe 90 is connected to the second connection port 82. The second main pipe 90 is appropriately inserted into the second connection port 82 to an extent that it does not interfere with the flow path of the third connection port 84 in the joint 80. Further, the axis of the first connection port 81 and the axis of the second connection port 82 are positioned on the same straight line. Stoppers may be provided inside first connection port 81, second connection port 82 and third connection port 84, respectively, to restrict the insertion of first main pipe 30, second main pipe 90 and branch pipe 70.

[0029] The main pipe 83 is located between the first connection port 81 and the second connection port 82. An enlarged diameter section 85 is provided between the main pipe 83 and the first connection port 81. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the nominal diameter of the first main pipe connected to the first connection port 81 is 75 mm, whereas the nominal diameter of the second main pipe 90 connected to the second connection port 82 is 100 mm as specified by JIS K 6741 (2007).

[0030] That is, the nominal diameter of the main pipe 83 is expanded by the expanded diameter section 85 relative to the first connection port 81. This ensures the capacity to receive rainwater flowing into the joint 80 from the branch pipe 70 in addition to the rainwater flowing into the joint 80 from the first main pipe 30. Further, the diameter of the portion of main pipe 83 below enlarged diameter portion 85 is equal to that of second connection port 82. That is, main pipe 83 and second connection port 82 are integrally formed.

[0031] The third connection port 84 is provided on the side of the main pipe 83. The downstream end of the branch pipe 70 is connected to the third connection port 84. The branch pipe 70 is appropriately inserted into the third connection port 84 to an extent that it does not interfere with the flow path inside the main pipe 83 at the joint 80. In addition, while the first main pipe 30 and the second main pipe 90 are provided vertically to the structure 1, the branch pipe 70 is provided horizontally to the structure 1. In other words, the third connection port 84 is provided vertically to the main pipe 83 at the joint 80.

[0032] In this embodiment, the nominal diameter of the third connection port 84 is 75 mm, which matches the nominal diameter of the branch pipe 70 described above. The enlarged diameter portion 85 is located between the first connection port 81 and the main pipe 83. The enlarged diameter portion 85 has a tapered shape. The enlarged diameter portion 85 is provided so as not to interfere with the third connection port 84 of the main pipe 83. In other words, the enlarged diameter portion 85 is located closer to the first connection port 81 than the third connection port 84, i.e., upstream.

[0033] The joint 80 is preferably made of a synthetic resin such as hard polyvinyl chloride resin, polycarbonate, ABS, AES, etc. The joint 80 is preferably made by injection molding.

[0034] Next, the flow of rainwater inside the joint 80 will be described with reference to FIG. When the amount of rainfall is small, the inside of the first main pipe 30 and the inside of the branch pipe 70 are not filled with rainwater. In this case, even if the rainwater joins at the joint 80, the second main pipe 90 is not filled with rainwater. In other words, the rainwater flows through the second main pipe 90 without any problems.

[0035] Here, when the amount of rainfall is large, the drainage member 20 provided in the first eaves gutter 10 causes a siphon phenomenon inside the first main pipe 30. That is, the inside of the first main pipe 30 becomes filled with rainwater. At this time, the main pipe 83 in the joint 80 has a larger diameter than the first connection port 81 due to the enlarged diameter portion 85. That is, the main pipe 83 has a capacity to receive rainwater flowing into the joint 80 from the branch pipe 70 in addition to the rainwater flowing into the joint 80 from the first main pipe 30. As a result, the rainwater that joins at the joint 80 flows through the second main pipe 90, which has the same diameter as the main pipe 83, without backflow.

[0036] Here, we consider the flow of rainwater when a fitting 80b that does not have an enlarged diameter section 85 is used, as shown in Figure 10, i.e., when the first connection port 81b, the second connection port 82b, and the main pipe 83b have the same diameter, and the first main pipe 30 and the second main pipe 90 have the same diameter. When the amount of rainfall is small, backflow does not occur due to rainwater not completely flowing through the second main pipe 90, as in the case where the joint 80 is used.

[0037] However, when the amount of rainfall is large and the inside of the first main pipe 30 and the inside of the branch pipe 70 are filled with rainwater, the main pipe 83b and the second main pipe 90 at the joint 80b only have the capacity for the rainwater that flows in from the first main pipe 30. In other words, the rainwater that flows from the branch pipe 70 and joins the joint 80b cannot flow through the second main pipe 90. Furthermore, when the rainwater joins at the joint 80b, the pressure inside the second main pipe 90 rises. This pressure causes the rainwater that has not flowed through to flow back through the branch pipe 70. As a result, the backflowing rainwater gushes out from the second eaves gutter 40 located upstream of the branch pipe 70.

[0038] As described above, according to the joint of this embodiment, the main pipe 83 is provided with the enlarged diameter section 85 that enlarges in diameter from the first connection port 81 toward the second connection port 82. This makes the second connection port 82 larger in diameter than the first connection port 81, making it possible to suppress an increase in the pressure inside the pipe below the second connection port 82 located downstream. This makes it possible to prevent backflow and gush-out of wastewater toward the branch pipe 70. Furthermore, since the joint 80 is provided with the expanded diameter portion 85, there is no need to prepare a separate expanded diameter member. In other words, there is no need to combine a large number of members, and labor and material costs can be reduced.

[0039] In addition, the axis of the first connection port 81 and the axis of the second connection port 82 are positioned on the same straight line. This prevents the flow of wastewater from being biased to one area within the pipe, compared to when the axis of the first connection port 81 and the axis of the second connection port 82 are not on the same straight line, i.e., when they are eccentric. This makes it easier for wastewater to flow throughout the entire pipe. In other words, wastewater can be drained more efficiently.

[0040] Further, the enlarged diameter portion 85 is located closer to the first connection port 81, i.e., upstream, than the third connection port 84. As a result, the third connection port 84 is provided in the main pipe 83, which is enlarged in diameter from the first connection port 81. This ensures that the main pipe 83 has a capacity to receive the wastewater flowing in from the third connection port 84, in addition to the wastewater flowing in from the first connection port 81. That is, it is possible to prevent the wastewater from not flowing out of the main pipe 83. That is, it is possible to prevent backflow into the branch pipe 70.

[0041] Additionally, the third connection port 84 is provided perpendicular to the main pipe 83. This allows direct connection between the branch pipe 70, which is normally provided horizontally in a building, and the first main pipe 30 and second main pipe 90, which are provided vertically. This eliminates the need to combine multiple components, and reduces labor and material costs.

[0042] Additionally, the first main pipe 30 is connected to a first connection port 81, the third main pipe 50 is connected to a second connection port 82, and the branch pipe 70 is connected to a third connection port 84. That is, the joint allows the drainage water from the first main pipe 30 and the drainage water from the branch pipe 70 to merge. The enlarged diameter section 85 provided on the main pipe 83 of the joint prevents an increase in the pressure inside the pipe downstream after the merger. This makes it possible to prevent the wastewater from flowing back toward the branch pipe 70. In other words, it is possible to prevent the wastewater from gush-out from the upstream portion of the branch pipe 70. Furthermore, the above effects are achieved by joints alone. In other words, there is no need to combine a large number of components, and labor and material costs can be reduced. Therefore, a gutter system with excellent economical efficiency and ease of construction can be provided.

[0043] The technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0044] For example, the axis of the first connection port 81 and the axis of the second connection port 82 do not have to be aligned on the same straight line.

[0045] Furthermore, the third connection port 84 does not have to be provided perpendicular to the main pipe 83. For example, the angle between the pipe axis of the first connection port 81 and the pipe axis of the third connection port 84 may be 45° or 60°, depending on the bending angle of the elbow 60 and the inclination angle of the branch pipe 70. This allows wastewater from the second eaves gutter 40 to be smoothly discharged into the second main pipe 90.

[0046] 7 and 8, the nominal diameter of the third connection port 84a and the nominal diameter of the connected branch pipe 70 may be larger than that of the first connection port 81a. For example, when the nominal diameter of the first connection port 81a is 75 mm, the nominal diameter of the third connection port 84a and the nominal diameter of the connected branch pipe 70 may be 100 mm or more. This allows the third connection port 84a with a large nominal diameter and the internal space of the branch pipe 70 to prevent the spouting of wastewater even if the expanded diameter portion 85 provided on the main pipe 83 of the connection port cannot suppress the increase in the pipe pressure downstream after the junction. The nominal diameter of the third connection port 84a is preferably equal to or smaller than the nominal diameter of the second connection port 82a.

[0047] In addition, within the scope of the invention, the components in the above-described embodiments may be replaced with well-known components, and the above-described modified examples may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 30 First Superintendent 70 branch pipe 80, 80a, 80b fittings 81, 81a, 81b First connection port 82, 82a, 82b Second connection port 83, 83a, 83b Main 84, 84a, 84b Third connection port 85 Expanded diameter part 90 Second Head 100 Gutter System

Claims

1. A first connection port; A second connection port; a main pipe provided between the first connection port and the second connection port; A third connection port provided on a side of the main pipe; Equipped with The main pipe is provided with an expanding portion that expands in diameter from the first connection port toward the second connection port, The diameter of the second connection port is larger than that of the first connection port, The main pipe is formed in one space, The first connection port and the second connection port are open opposite to each other, the first connection port, the second connection port, the main pipe, and the third connection port are integrally formed injection molded products; Fitting.

2. The axis of the first connection port and the axis of the second connection port are aligned on the same straight line.

2. The joint of claim 1.

3. The enlarged diameter portion is located on the first connection port side of the main pipe relative to the third connection port. A joint according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The third connection port is provided perpendicular to the main pipe. A joint according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The diameter of the second connection port is The diameter of the third connection port is equal to or larger than that of the third connection port, The diameter of the third connection port is The diameter of the main pipe is equal to or larger than that of the main pipe. A joint according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. Rainwater flows down inside the main pipe and the third connection port. A joint according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The joint according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a first main pipe connected to the first connection port of the joint; a second main pipe connected to the second connection port of the joint; a branch pipe connected to the third connection port of the joint; Equipped with Rain gutter system.

8. an eaves gutter disposed upstream of the first main pipe; A drainage member disposed in the eaves gutter. The gutter system of claim 7.

9. generating a siphoning effect upstream of the first connection port; A gutter system according to claim 7 or 8.

10. A building equipped with a gutter system described in any one of claims 7 to 9.

Citation Information

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