Gutter system

Abstract

To provide a rain gutter system capable of improving drainage capacity.SOLUTION: A rain gutter system 1 comprises a leader 3, a rainwater piping 4, a first elbow 5 and a second elbow 6. The leader 3 is fixed to a wall surface 12 of a building 10. The rainwater piping 4 is situated between an outlet 2b of rainwater from the building 10 and the leader 3. The first elbow 5 connects an end 4a of an upstream side of the rainwater piping 4 to the outlet 2b. The second elbow 6 connects an end 4b of a downstream side of the rainwater piping 4 to the end 3a of the upstream side of the leader 3. The volume of the first elbow 5 is smaller than that of the second elbow 6.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to rain gutter systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a gutter system. The gutter system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an eaves gutter, a siphon generating section that has a cylindrical section penetrating a water collection port formed on the bottom surface of the eaves gutter and that generates a siphon effect, and an elbow located downstream of the siphon generating section. The elbow includes a curved pipe section and sockets provided on both ends of the curved pipe section, and the radius of curvature of the inner wall surface on the inner periphery of the curved pipe section when viewed in cross section on a plane including the pipe axis of the curved pipe section is greater than 64 mm and less than 125 mm. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-120068 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, Japan has seen an increase in rainfall per unit time due to sudden heavy rains, creating a demand for gutter systems with improved drainage capacity.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a gutter system that allows for improved drainage capabilities. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A gutter system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a downspout fixed to a wall of a building, a rainwater outlet from the building and a main downspout located between the downspout, a first elbow connecting the upstream end of the main downspout to the outlet, and a second elbow connecting the downstream end of the main downspout to the upstream end of the downspout. The volume of the first elbow is smaller than the volume of the second elbow.

[0007] A rain gutter system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a downspout fixed to a wall of a building, a rainwater outlet from the building and a main downspout located between the downspout, a first elbow connecting the upstream end of the main downspout to the outlet, and a second elbow connecting the downstream end of the main downspout to the upstream end of the downspout. The pressure loss of the second elbow is smaller than the pressure loss of the first elbow. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure allow for improved drainage capabilities. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of a configuration example of a rain gutter system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Cross-sectional view of an example configuration of the first elbow of the gutter system in Figure 1 [Figure 3] Cross-sectional view of an example configuration of the second elbow of the gutter system in Figure 1 [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view of a variation of the first elbow of the gutter system of FIG. 1; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed description than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed description of already well-known matters or redundant description of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following description and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. Note that the inventor(s) provide the accompanying drawings and the following description to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0011] Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships such as up, down, left, and right are based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. Each drawing described in the following embodiments is a schematic drawing, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each drawing do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each component are not limited to the ratios shown in the drawings.

[0012] [1. Embodiment] [1.1 Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a rain gutter system 1 according to this embodiment. The rain gutter system 1 of FIG. 1 receives rainwater from a roof 11 of a building 10 and drains it into a manhole 21 on the ground 20. The rainwater collected in the manhole 21 flows from the manhole 21 through an underground pipe 22 and out into a storm sewer. The building 10 is, for example, a non-residential facility such as a store, office, factory, building, school, welfare facility, or hospital, or a residential facility such as a detached house, an apartment building, or an individual dwelling unit in a detached house or apartment building. Non-residential facilities also include theaters, movie theaters, public halls, amusement parks, complexes, department stores, hotels, inns, kindergartens, libraries, museums, art galleries, underground shopping malls, stations, airports, and the like.

[0013] The gutter system 1 in FIG. 1 includes an eaves gutter 2, a downspout 3, a main gutter 4, a first elbow 5, a second elbow 6, an auxiliary downspout 7, and an auxiliary member 8.

[0014] The eaves gutter 2 receives rainwater from the roof 11 of the building 10. The eaves gutter 2 is installed under the roof 11 of the building 10. The eaves gutter 2 is shaped like a long bucket. The eaves gutter 2 in Figure 1 has a bottom wall 2a, and an outlet 2b is provided in the bottom wall 2a. In Figure 1, a drain 9 is placed at the outlet 2b of the eaves gutter 2. The drain 9 reduces the generation of vortices and the entrainment of air at the outlet 2b.

[0015] In the gutter system 1 of Figure 1, the downspout 3, the auxiliary downspout 4, the first elbow 5, the second elbow 6, the auxiliary downspout 7, and the auxiliary member 8 form a flow path that flows rainwater from the drop outlet 2b into the manhole section 21 on the ground 20.

[0016] The downspout 3 is a part that drains rainwater from the outlet 2b vertically. The downspout 3 is a straight pipe. The cross section of the downspout 3 perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. The material of the downspout 3 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the downspout 3, such as the outer shape and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe (general) in JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe." The downspout 3 in Figure 1 is fixed to the wall surface 12 of the building 10 so that the pipe axis of the downspout 3 is aligned with the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0017] The downspout 3 has an upstream end 3a and a downstream end 3b. The upstream end 3a is the end of the downspout 3 that is connected to the drop outlet 2b (the upper end in FIG. 1). The downstream end 3b is the end of the downspout 3 that is inserted into the manhole 21 (the lower end in FIG. 1). In FIG. 1, a drain pipe cover 31 is arranged to prevent rainwater from flowing into the manhole 21 through the gap between the downspout 3 and the manhole 21.

[0018] In FIG. 1, the downspout 3 is fixed to the wall 12 of the building 10 by support brackets 30a, 30b, and 30c. In FIG. 1, H1 is the distance [mm] from the ground 20 to the top of the downspout 3. H11 is the distance [mm] from the top of the downspout 3 to the top support bracket 30a. H12 is the distance [mm] from the ground 20 to the bottom support bracket 30c. H13 is the pitch [mm] between the support brackets 30a, 30b, and 30c. Generally, H11 and H12 are 200 mm or more and 300 mm or less. H13 is 800 mm or more and 1200 mm or less, and in certain cases, 1000 mm or less. D1 is the distance between the downspout 3 and the wall 12. Generally, D1 is 30 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0019] The downspout 4 is a part that allows rainwater from the building 10 to flow from the drop outlet 2b to the downspout 3. The downspout 4 is located between the downspout 2b for rainwater from the building 10 and the downspout 3. The downspout 4 is a straight pipe. The cross section perpendicular to the pipe axis of the downspout 4 is circular. The material of the downspout 4 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The downspout 4 in Figure 1 is fixed so that the pipe axis of the downspout 4 is inclined relative to the up-and-down direction (vertical direction).

[0020] The downspout 4 has an upstream end 4a and a downstream end 4b. The upstream end 4a is the end of the downspout 4 that connects to the downspout 2b (the upper end in FIG. 1). The downstream end 4b is the end of the downspout 4 that connects to the downspout 3 (the lower end in FIG. 1). The downspout 4 is cylindrical. The downspout 4 is made of rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the downspout 4, such as the outer diameter and thickness, may be set in accordance with the JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe" standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general). In FIG. 1, D2 is the eccentricity distance [mm]. The eccentricity distance is the distance between the center line of the downspout 2b and the center line of the downspout 3. D2 may be set to, for example, 1000 mm or less.

[0021] The first elbow 5 connects the upstream end 4a of the call down pipe 4 to the drop opening 2b. The first elbow 5 does not necessarily have to be a component that directly connects the upstream end 4a of the call down pipe 4 to the drop opening 2b, but may be a component that indirectly connects the upstream end 4a of the call down pipe 4 to the drop opening 2b via another component. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example configuration of the first elbow 5. The first elbow 5 has a curved pipe portion 50 and sockets 51 and 52. The curved pipe portion 50 and the sockets 51 and 52 are formed as a continuous unit. The material of the first elbow 5, i.e., the material of the curved pipe portion 50, is rigid polyvinyl chloride.

[0022] The curved pipe portion 50 has openings 501, 502 at both ends. The curved pipe portion 50 is cylindrical, but the pipe axis (center line) A10 of the curved pipe portion 50 is curved rather than linear. In other words, the curved pipe portion 50 has a curved pipe axis A10. The pipe axis A10 of the curved pipe portion 50 defines the pipe axis of the first elbow 5.

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first elbow 5 taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the curved pipe portion 50. The inner diameter of the curved pipe portion 50 of the first elbow 5 in Figure 2 is approximately uniform. In Figure 2, R1 indicates the radius of curvature of the pipe axis A10. O1 indicates the center of the circle that defines the radius of curvature R1.

[0024] 2, θ1 indicates the angle between center lines C11 and C12 of openings 501 and 502 at both ends of first elbow 5 in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of first elbow 5. θ1 is, for example, 91.17° as specified in JIS K 6739 "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage."

[0025] In FIG. 2, δ1 is the diameter [mm] of the openings 501, 502 of the curved pipe portion 50. δ1 may be determined taking into consideration the target drainage capacity of the gutter system 1, etc. δ1 may be set in accordance with the standard JIS K 6739 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Fittings for Drainage." δ1 may be set, for example, to satisfy the standard dimensions of the nominal diameter specified in JIS K 6739. According to JIS K 6739 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Fittings for Drainage," when the nominal diameter is 75 mm, 100 mm, or 125 mm, the standard dimensions are 77.2 mm, 98.8 mm, and 125 mm.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 2, in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5, the curved pipe portion 50 has an inner surface 503 on the inner circumferential side and an inner surface 504 on the outer circumferential side. The inner surface 503 has a corner 5031. The corner 5031 is located in an intermediate portion of the inner surface 503 between the openings 501 and 502. The corner 5031 has an R-shape. In a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5, the radius of curvature of the corner 5031 is equal to or greater than 0 mm and equal to or less than 2 mm. The inner surface 504 does not have a corner like the corner 5031. The inner surface 504 is curved overall.

[0027] The sockets 51 and 52 are provided at both ends of the curved pipe section 50. The sockets 51 and 52 are provided to connect pipe materials such as the downspout 3 and the nominal downspout 4 to the first elbow 5. The socket 51 is cylindrical and surrounds the opening 501 of the curved pipe section 50. The socket 52 is cylindrical and surrounds the opening 502 of the curved pipe section 50. In Figure 2, the sockets 51 and 52 have the same shape.

[0028] 2 shows D1, d1, and l1 as dimensions of the socket 51 of the first elbow 5A. l1 is the length of the socket 51 (or the length of the socket 52) ​​in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the curved pipe portion 50. D1 is the outer diameter [mm] of the socket 51 (or the socket 52). d1 is the inner diameter [mm] of the socket 51 (or the socket 52). The dimensions D1, d1, and l1 of the first elbow 5 may be set in accordance with, for example, the standard JIS K 6739 "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage."

[0029] The second elbow 6 connects the downstream end 4b of the downspout 4 to the upstream end 3a of the downspout 3. The second elbow 6 does not necessarily have to be a component that directly connects the downstream end 4b of the downspout 4 to the upstream end 3a of the downspout 3, but may be a component that indirectly connects the downstream end 4b of the downspout 4 to the upstream end 3a of the downspout 3 via another component. The second elbow 6 has a different shape from the first elbow 5. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example configuration of the second elbow 6. The second elbow 6 has a curved pipe portion 60 and sockets 61 and 62. The curved pipe portion 60 and the sockets 61 and 62 are formed as a continuous, integrated unit. The material of the second elbow 6, i.e., the material of the curved pipe portion 60, is rigid polyvinyl chloride.

[0030] The curved pipe portion 60 has openings 601, 602 at both ends. The curved pipe portion 60 is cylindrical, but the pipe axis (center line) A20 of the curved pipe portion 60 is curved rather than linear. In other words, the curved pipe portion 60 has a curved pipe axis A20. The pipe axis A20 of the curved pipe portion 60 defines the pipe axis of the second elbow 6.

[0031] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the second elbow 6 taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the curved pipe portion 60. The inner diameter of the curved pipe portion 60 of the second elbow 6 in Figure 3 is approximately uniform. In Figure 3, R2 indicates the radius of curvature of the pipe axis A20. O2 indicates the center of the circle that defines the radius of curvature R2.

[0032] 3, θ2 indicates the angle between center lines C21 and C22 of openings 601 and 602 at both ends of second elbow 6 in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of second elbow 6. θ2 is, for example, 91.17° as specified in JIS K 6739 "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage."

[0033] In FIG. 3, δ2 is the diameter [mm] of the openings 601, 602 of the curved pipe portion 60. δ2 may be determined taking into consideration the target drainage capacity of the gutter system 1, etc. δ2 may be set in accordance with the standard JIS K 6739 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Fittings for Drainage." δ2 may be set, for example, to satisfy the standard dimensions of the nominal diameter specified in JIS K 6739. According to JIS K 6739 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Fittings for Drainage," when the nominal diameter is 75 mm, 100 mm, or 125 mm, the standard dimensions are 77.2 mm, 98.8 mm, and 125 mm.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 3, in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6, the curved pipe section 60 has an inner surface 603 on the inner circumferential side and an inner surface 604 on the outer circumferential side. The inner surfaces 603, 604 do not have corners like the corner 5031. The inner surfaces 603, 604 are curved as a whole. In a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the second elbow 6, the radius of curvature of the inner surface 603 is equal to or greater than 64 mm and equal to or less than 125 mm.

[0035] The sockets 61 and 62 are provided at both ends of the curved pipe section 60. The sockets 61 and 62 are provided to connect pipe materials such as the downspout 3 and the nominal downspout 4 to the second elbow 6. The socket 61 is cylindrical and surrounds the opening 601 of the curved pipe section 60. The socket 62 is cylindrical and surrounds the opening 602 of the curved pipe section 60. In Figure 3, the sockets 61 and 62 have the same shape.

[0036] 3 shows D2, d2, and l2 as dimensions of the socket 61 of the second elbow 6. l2 is the length of the socket 61 (or the length of the socket 62) in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the curved pipe portion 60. D2 is the outer diameter [mm] of the socket 61 (or the socket 62). d2 is the inner diameter [mm] of the socket 61 (or the socket 62). The dimensions D2, d2, and l2 of the second elbow 6 may be set in accordance with, for example, JIS K 6739 "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage" standard.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first elbow 5 and the second elbow 6 have the same nominal diameter. The angle θ1 between the center lines C11 and C12 of the openings 501 and 502 at both ends of the first elbow 5 in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5 is equal to the angle θ2 between the center lines C21 and C22 of the openings 601 and 602 at both ends of the second elbow 6 in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6. Meanwhile, the radius of curvature R1 of the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5 is smaller than the radius of curvature R2 of the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6. As a result, the volume of the first elbow 5 is smaller than the volume of the second elbow 6. Thus, the first elbow 5 and the second elbow 6 have different shapes such that the volume of the first elbow 5 is smaller than the volume of the second elbow 6. The volume of the first elbow 5 is substantially determined by the volume of the bent pipe portion 50 of the first elbow 5. The volume of the second elbow 6 is substantially determined by the volume of the bent pipe portion 60 of the second elbow 6.

[0038] One of the conditions for the siphoning phenomenon to occur in the gutter system 1 is when the first elbow 5, which is located upstream of the second elbow 6, is filled with rainwater, i.e., when the first elbow 5 is fully filled with water. In the gutter system 1 shown in FIG. 1, the volume of the first elbow 5 is smaller than the volume of the second elbow 6. Therefore, the time it takes for the first elbow 5 to be fully filled with water is shorter than when, for example, the volume of the first elbow 5 is the same as the volume of the second elbow 6. The shorter time it takes for the first elbow 5 to be fully filled with water can speed up the occurrence of the siphoning phenomenon. This allows the gutter system 1 to improve its drainage performance. Furthermore, pipe materials of the same standard can be used for the first elbow 5 and the second elbow 6, making the installation of the gutter system 1 easier.

[0039] 2 and 3, the inner surface 503 on the inner periphery side in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5 has a corner 5031, whereas the inner surface 603 on the inner periphery side in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6 has no corner. Therefore, in this embodiment, the pressure loss of the second elbow 6 is smaller than the pressure loss of the first elbow 5. The pressure loss of the first elbow 5 is defined as the difference in total pressure at the openings 501, 502 of the curved pipe portion 50 of the first elbow 5. The pressure loss of the second elbow 6 is defined as the difference in total pressure at the openings 601, 602 of the curved pipe portion 60 of the second elbow 6. The total pressure is given by the sum of the static pressure and the dynamic pressure.

[0040] In the gutter system 1, the smaller the pressure loss in the second elbow 6, the more the retention of air bubbles caused by turbulence inside the second elbow 6 can be reduced. Reducing the retention of air bubbles makes it less likely that the siphoning effect will be impeded. In the gutter system 1 of FIG. 1, for example, the flow rate of rainwater due to the siphoning effect can be improved compared to when the pressure loss in the second elbow 6 is the same as the pressure loss in the first elbow 5. This enables stable drainage in the gutter system 1. On the other hand, when the pressure loss in the first elbow 5 increases, it becomes more difficult for rainwater to pass through the first elbow 5, shortening the time it takes for the first elbow 5 to fill up. This can hasten the occurrence of the siphoning effect. This allows the gutter system 1 to improve its drainage performance. However, if the pressure loss in the first elbow 5 is excessively large, rainwater may overflow from the eaves gutter 2 before it can be discharged due to the siphoning effect. Therefore, it is desirable that the pressure loss of the first elbow 5 is appropriately large enough to prevent rainwater from overflowing from the eaves gutter 2.

[0041] Due to the structure of the gutter system 1, the first elbow 5 is often positioned farther from the wall surface 12 of the building 10 than the second elbow 6. Therefore, the first elbow 5 is more noticeable than the second elbow 6. From this perspective, it is desirable that the design of the first elbow 5 be better than that of the second elbow 6. Considering the design of the exterior of the building 10, it is also better that the gutter system 1 itself is not conspicuous. From the above perspectives, it is desirable that the first elbow 5 is small enough to fit under the eaves of the building 10, for example.

[0042] In this embodiment, the first elbow 5 is a 90° bend elbow (so-called DL) specified in JIS K 6739. In this embodiment, the second elbow 6 is a large 90° bend elbow (so-called LL) specified in JIS K 6739. A 90° bend elbow is smaller and has better design characteristics than a large 90° bend elbow. This improves the design characteristics of the exterior of the gutter system 1. The gutter system 1 can be made less noticeable relative to the building 10. Pipe materials of a common standard can be used for the first elbow 5 and the second elbow 6, making it easier to install the gutter system 1.

[0043] The auxiliary downspout 7 is a part that allows rainwater from the building 10 to flow vertically from the drop outlet 2b to the first elbow 5. The auxiliary downspout 7 is located between the drop outlet 2b and the first elbow 5. The auxiliary downspout 7 is a straight pipe. The cross section perpendicular to the pipe axis of the auxiliary downspout 7 is circular. The material of the auxiliary downspout 7 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the auxiliary downspout 7, such as the outer shape and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe (general) in JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe." The auxiliary downspout 7 in FIG. 1 is placed between the drop outlet 2b and the first elbow 5 so that the pipe axis of the auxiliary downspout 7 is aligned in the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0044] The auxiliary downspout 7 has an upstream end 7a and a downstream end 7b. The upstream end 7a is the end of the auxiliary downspout 7 that is connected to the drop outlet 2b (the upper end in FIG. 1). The downstream end 7b is the end of the auxiliary downspout 7 that is connected to the first elbow 5 (the lower end in FIG. 1).

[0045] The presence of the auxiliary downspout 7 creates a distance between the drop outlet 2b and the first elbow 5. This increases the difference in potential energy of the rainwater between the drop outlet 2b and the first elbow 5, and increases the speed at which the rainwater flows from the drop outlet 2b into the first elbow 5. The increased speed of the rainwater flowing into the first elbow 5 promotes the siphon effect.

[0046] The length of the auxiliary downspout 7 can be set appropriately depending on the pipe diameter of the auxiliary downspout 7, the amount of rainwater passing through the auxiliary downspout 7, the installation environment of the rain gutter system 1, and various other conditions. For example, the length of the auxiliary downspout 7 may be set so as to promote siphoning in the rain gutter system 1, taking into account the amount of rainwater expected at the installation location of the rain gutter system 1. As just one example, the length of the auxiliary downspout 7 may be set so that the distance D3 between the lower end of the drop opening 2b and the upper end of the first elbow 5 shown in FIG. 1 is in the range of 50 mm to 500 mm.

[0047] The auxiliary member 8 is disposed in the downspout 3. The pressure loss of the auxiliary member 8 is greater than the pressure loss of the downspout 3 having the same length as the auxiliary member 8. In other words, the pressure loss per unit length of the auxiliary member 8 is greater than the pressure loss per unit length of the downspout 3. In this embodiment, the auxiliary member 8 is straight tubular. The cross section of the auxiliary member 8 perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. The material of the auxiliary member 8 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The pressure loss of the auxiliary member 8 is the difference in total pressure at the openings on both ends of the auxiliary member 8. The pressure loss of the auxiliary member 8 may include, for example, straight pipe loss, expansion loss, and contraction loss. For example, methods for adjusting the pressure loss of the auxiliary member 8 include increasing the pipe friction coefficient of the flow path of the auxiliary member 8 or providing an expansion / contraction section to the auxiliary member 8. Examples of the auxiliary member 8 include a reducer and a member with a restriction (such as a restriction joint or valve).

[0048] The auxiliary member 8 serves as a reference point for the potential energy in the siphoning phenomenon. One of the factors that causes the siphoning phenomenon is the difference in potential energy between the top and bottom of the water surface when viewed vertically. It is believed that the greater the difference in potential energy, the more stable the siphoning phenomenon will be. The auxiliary member 8 has a greater pressure loss per unit length than the downspout 3, and therefore can serve as the lower reference point for the potential energy in the siphoning phenomenon. The upper reference point for the potential energy in the siphoning phenomenon is the liquid level of the rainwater that accumulates in the gutter system 1.

[0049] The position of the auxiliary member 8 in the downspout 3 can be set as appropriate depending on the pipe diameter of the downspout 3, the amount of rainwater passing through the downspout 3, the installation environment of the downspout system 1, and various other conditions. For example, the position of the auxiliary member 8 in the downspout 3 may be set so as to obtain a desired difference in potential energy, taking into account the amount of rainwater expected at the installation location of the downspout system 1. For example, the position of the auxiliary member 8 in the downspout 3 may be set so that the distance D4 between the lower end of the drop opening 2b and the upper end of the auxiliary member 8 shown in FIG. 1 is a value that obtains a desired difference in potential energy.

[0050] [1.2 Effects, etc.] The gutter system 1 described above comprises a downspout 3 fixed to a wall surface 12 of a building 10, a lower downspout 4 located between the downspout 3 and an outlet 2b for rainwater from the building 10, a first elbow 5 connecting an upstream end 4a of the lower downspout 4 to the outlet 2b, and a second elbow 6 connecting a downstream end 4b of the lower downspout 4 to the upstream end 3a of the downspout 3. The volume of the first elbow 5 is smaller than the volume of the second elbow 6. This configuration enables improved drainage capacity.

[0051] In the gutter system 1, the first elbow 5 and the second elbow 6 correspond to the same nominal diameter. The angle θ1 between the center lines C11, C12 of the openings 501, 502 at both ends of the first elbow 5 in a cross section taken on a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5 is equal to the angle θ2 between the center lines C21, C22 of the openings 601, 602 at both ends of the second elbow 6 in a cross section taken on a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6. The radius of curvature R1 of the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5 is smaller than the radius of curvature R2 of the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6. This configuration allows the first elbow 5 and the second elbow 6 to use pipe materials of a common standard, facilitating installation of the gutter system 1.

[0052] In the gutter system 1, the inner surface 503 on the inner periphery side in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5 has a corner 5031. The inner surface 603 on the inner periphery side in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6 does not have a corner. This configuration enables further improvement in drainage capacity.

[0053] In the gutter system 1, the radius of curvature of the corner 5031 in the cross section of the first elbow 5 on a plane including the pipe axis A10 is not less than 0 mm and not more than 2 mm. This configuration enables further improvement in drainage capacity.

[0054] In the gutter system 1, the first elbow 5 is a 90° bent elbow specified in JIS K 6739. This configuration makes it easy to install the gutter system 1.

[0055] In the gutter system 1, the second elbow 6 is a 90° large bend elbow specified in JIS K 6739. This configuration makes it easy to install the gutter system 1.

[0056] The gutter system 1 further includes an auxiliary downspout 7 located between the outlet 2b and the first elbow 5. This configuration allows for further improvement of the drainage capacity.

[0057] The gutter system 1 further includes an auxiliary member 8 disposed in the downspout 3. The pressure loss per unit length of the auxiliary member 8 is greater than the pressure loss per unit length of the downspout 3. This configuration enables further improvement in drainage capacity.

[0058] In the gutter system 1, the material of the first elbow 5 and the material of the second elbow 6 are rigid polyvinyl chloride. This configuration allows for further improvement in drainage capacity.

[0059] From another perspective, the above-described gutter system 1 comprises a downspout 3 fixed to a wall surface 12 of a building 10, a lower downspout 4 located between an outlet 2b for rainwater from the building 10 and the downspout 3, a first elbow 5 connecting an upstream end 4a of the lower downspout 4 to the outlet 2b, and a second elbow 6 connecting a downstream end 4b of the lower downspout 4 to an upstream end 3a of the downspout 3. The pressure loss of the second elbow 6 is smaller than the pressure loss of the first elbow 5. This configuration enables improved drainage capacity.

[0060] [2. Modifications] The embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments. The above-described embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the object of the present disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the above-described embodiments are listed below. The modifications described below can be applied in appropriate combinations.

[0061] In the gutter system 1, the first elbow 5 does not have to be a 90° bent elbow as defined in JIS K 6739. Instead of the first elbow 5, a first elbow 5A shown in FIG.

[0062] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a first elbow 5A, which is a modified example of the first elbow 5 of the gutter system 1. The first elbow 5A has a curved pipe portion 50A and sockets 51A and 52A. The curved pipe portion 50A and the sockets 51A and 52A are formed as a continuous, integrated unit. The material of the first elbow 5A, i.e., the material of the curved pipe portion 50A, is rigid polyvinyl chloride.

[0063] The curved pipe portion 50A has openings 501A and 502A at both ends. The curved pipe portion 50A is cylindrical, but the pipe axis of the curved pipe portion 50A is not curved but is a broken line. The pipe axis of the curved pipe portion 50A is determined by the center lines C11 and C12 of the openings 501A and 502A at both ends of the first elbow 5A. The pipe axis of the curved pipe portion 50A is a broken line.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the first elbow 5A taken along a plane including the pipe axis of the curved pipe portion 50A. As shown in FIG. 4, the curved pipe portion 50A has an inner surface 503A on the inner circumferential side and an inner surface 504A on the outer circumferential side. The inner surfaces 503A and 504A have corners 5031A and 5041A, respectively. The corners 5031A and 5041A are located in the middle of the inner surfaces 503A and 504A between the openings 501A and 502A. The corners 5031A and 5041A are not rounded but have a nearly right-angled shape. In the cross section of the first elbow 5A taken along a plane including the pipe axis, the radius of curvature of the corners 5031A and 5041A is designed to be 0 mm. However, for manufacturing reasons, the corners 5031A and 5041A have a slight rounding. Therefore, in practice, the radius of curvature of the corners 5031A and 5041A in the cross section of the first elbow 5A on a plane including the pipe axis is approximately 0 mm.

[0065] Sockets 51A and 52A are provided at both ends of curved pipe portion 50A, respectively. Sockets 51A and 52A are provided to connect pipe materials such as downspout 3, auxiliary downspout 4, and auxiliary downspout 7 to first elbow 5A. Sockets 51A and 52A are cylindrical and surround openings 501A and 502A, respectively, of curved pipe portion 50A.

[0066] θ1, δ1, D1, d1, and l1 of the first elbow 5A in FIG. 4 may be set in the same manner as θ1, δ1, D1, d1, and l1 of the first elbow 5 in FIG.

[0067] In one modified example, the first elbow 5 and the second elbow 6 do not necessarily have to have the same nominal diameter. The angle θ1 between the center lines C11 and C12 of the openings 501 and 502 at both ends of the first elbow 5 in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5 does not have to be equal to the angle θ2 between the center lines C21 and C22 of the openings 601 and 602 at both ends of the second elbow 6 in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6. The angles θ1 and θ2 are not limited to the above-mentioned 91.17°. The angles θ1 and θ2 may be in the range of 90° to 135° and are not limited to this range. If the volume of the first elbow 5 is smaller than the volume of the second elbow 6, the radius of curvature R1 of the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5 does not have to be smaller than the radius of curvature R2 of the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6.

[0068] In one modified example, the inner surface 603 on the inner circumferential side in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6 may have a corner. The radius of curvature of the corner in the cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A20 of the second elbow 6 should be larger than the radius of curvature of the corner 5031 in the cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis A10 of the first elbow 5.

[0069] In one modified example, the second elbow 6 is not limited to the 90° large bend elbow defined in JIS K 6739. The second elbow 6 may be formed so that the volume of the second elbow 6 is larger than the volume of the first elbow 5.

[0070] In one variation, at least one of the material of the downspout 3, the material of the lower downspout 4, the material of the first elbow 5, the material of the second elbow 6, the material of the auxiliary downspout 7, and the material of the auxiliary member 8 does not necessarily have to be rigid polyvinyl chloride. For example, the material of the first elbow 5 and the material of the second elbow 6 may be selected so that the pressure loss of the first elbow 5 is greater than the pressure loss of the second elbow 6. The material of the downspout 3, the material of the lower downspout 4, the material of the first elbow 5, the material of the second elbow 6, the material of the auxiliary downspout 7, and the material of the auxiliary member 8 may be determined according to the requirements of the gutter system 1, and may be, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyethylene.

[0071] In one modified example, δ1 of the first elbow 5 or δ2 of the second elbow 6 does not necessarily satisfy the standard dimensions of the nominal diameter specified in JIS K 6739. D1, d1, and l1 of the first elbow 5 or D2, d2, and l2 of the second elbow 6 do not necessarily have to be set in accordance with the provisions of JIS K 6739.

[0072] In one variant, the gutter system 1 does not necessarily have to include the eaves gutter 2. For example, if the building 10 has a structure with a drop outlet, such as a balcony, the first elbow 5 of the gutter system 1 may be connected to the drop outlet of the building 10.

[0073] In one modified example, the gutter system 1 does not necessarily have to include the auxiliary downspout 7. The auxiliary downspout 7 is not an essential component of the gutter system 1, and may be provided as appropriate taking into consideration the installation environment of the gutter system 1, etc.

[0074] In one modified example, the gutter system 1 does not necessarily have to include the auxiliary member 8. The auxiliary member 8 is not an essential component of the gutter system 1, and may be provided as appropriate taking into consideration the installation environment of the gutter system 1, etc.

[0075] In one variant, the gutter system 1 may be provided with multiple downspouts 2b. As an example, the gutter system 1 may include a downspout 3, multiple downspouts 4 located between the multiple downspouts 2b and the downspout 3, multiple first elbows 5 connecting upstream ends 4a of the multiple downspouts 4 to the multiple downspouts 2b, respectively, and multiple second elbows 6 connecting downstream ends 4b of the multiple downspouts 4 to the upstream ends 3a of the downspouts 3. In this configuration, the multiple second elbows 6 may be connected to the upstream ends 3a of the downspouts 3 by a common connecting pipe extending in a direction intersecting the vertical direction.

[0076] [3. Aspects] As is clear from the above-described embodiments and modifications, the present disclosure includes the following aspects. In the following, reference numerals are given in parentheses only to clarify the correspondence with the embodiments. Note that, in consideration of readability of the text, the reference numerals in parentheses may be omitted from the second and subsequent times.

[0077] The first embodiment is a gutter system (1) comprising a downspout (3) fixed to a wall (12) of a building (10), a lower downspout (4) located between a rainwater outlet (2b) from the building (10) and the downspout (3), a first elbow (5; 5A) connecting the upstream end (4a) of the lower downspout (4) to the outlet (2b), and a second elbow (6) connecting the downstream end (4b) of the lower downspout (4) to the upstream end (3a) of the downspout (3). The volume of the first elbow (5; 5A) is smaller than the volume of the second elbow (6). This embodiment allows for improved drainage capacity.

[0078] The second aspect is a gutter system (1) based on the first aspect. In the second aspect, the first elbow (5; 5A) and the second elbow (6) have the same nominal diameter. The angle (θ1) between the center lines (C11, C12) of the openings (501, 502; 501A, 502A) at both ends of the first elbow (5; 5A) in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis (A10) of the first elbow (5; 5A) is equal to the angle (θ2) between the center lines (C21, C22) of the openings (601, 602) at both ends of the second elbow (6) in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis (A20) of the second elbow (6). The radius of curvature (R1) of the pipe axis (A10) of the first elbow (5; 5A) is smaller than the radius of curvature (R2) of the pipe axis (A20) of the second elbow (6). This embodiment allows the first elbow (5; 5A) and the second elbow (6) to use pipe materials of a common standard, making it easier to install the gutter system (1).

[0079] A third aspect is a gutter system (1) based on the first or second aspect. In the third aspect, the inner surface (503; 503A) on the inner periphery side in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis (A10) of the first elbow (5; 5A) has a corner (5031; 5031A). The inner surface (603) on the inner periphery side in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis (A20) of the second elbow (6) does not have a corner. This aspect enables further improvement of drainage capacity.

[0080] A fourth aspect is a gutter system (1) based on the third aspect. In the fourth aspect, the radius of curvature of the corner (5031) in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis (A10) of the first elbow (5; 5A) is 0 mm or more and 2 mm or less. This aspect enables further improvement of drainage capacity.

[0081] A fifth aspect is a gutter system (1) based on any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the fifth aspect, the first elbow (5) is a 90° bent elbow defined in JIS K 6739. This aspect makes it easy to install the gutter system (1).

[0082] A sixth aspect is a gutter system (1) based on any one of the first to fifth aspects. In the sixth aspect, the second elbow (6) is a 90° large bend elbow defined in JIS K 6739. This aspect makes it easy to install the gutter system (1).

[0083] A seventh aspect is a gutter system (1) based on any one of the first to sixth aspects. In the seventh aspect, the gutter system (1) further includes an auxiliary downspout (7) located between the outlet (2b) and the first elbow (5; 5A). This aspect allows for further improvement of drainage capacity.

[0084] An eighth aspect is a gutter system (1) based on any one of the first to seventh aspects. In the eighth aspect, the gutter system (1) further includes an auxiliary member (8) disposed in the downspout (3). The pressure loss per unit length of the auxiliary member (8) is greater than the pressure loss per unit length of the downspout (3). This aspect enables further improvement of the drainage capacity.

[0085] A ninth aspect is a gutter system (1) based on any one of the first to eighth aspects. In the ninth aspect, at least one of the material of the first elbow (5; 5A) and the material of the second elbow (6) is rigid polyvinyl chloride. This aspect enables further improvement of drainage capacity.

[0086] A tenth aspect of the present invention is a gutter system (1) comprising a downspout (3) fixed to a wall (12) of a building (10), a lower downspout (4) located between a rainwater outlet (2b) from the building (10) and the downspout (3), a first elbow (5; 5A) connecting the upstream end (4a) of the lower downspout (4) to the outlet (2b), and a second elbow (6) connecting the downstream end (4b) of the lower downspout (4) to the upstream end (3a) of the downspout (3). The pressure loss of the second elbow (6) is smaller than the pressure loss of the first elbow (5; 5A). This aspect allows for improved drainage capacity.

[0087] The above second to ninth aspects may be combined with aspect 10. The above second to ninth aspects are optional elements. [Industrial Applicability]

[0088] The present disclosure is applicable to gutter systems, particularly to gutter systems that include multiple elbows for the installation of a main gutter. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Gutter system 2b Drop hole 3 Downpipe 3a Upstream end 4. Call gutter 4a Upstream end 4b Downstream end 5,5A No. 1 elbow 501,501A aperture 502,502A opening 503,503A Inside surface 5031,5031A Corner A10 tube shaft A11,A12 center line θ1 angle R1 radius of curvature 6 Second elbow 601,602 aperture 603 Inner surface A20 tube shaft A21,A22 Center line θ2 angle R2 radius of curvature 7 Auxiliary downspout 8 Auxiliary parts 10 Building 12 Wall

Claims

1. A downspout fixed to the wall of a building, A rainwater outlet from the building and a downspout between the downspout; a first elbow connecting an upstream end of the outlet pipe to the drop port; a second elbow connecting a downstream end of the inlet pipe to an upstream end of the downpipe; Equipped with The volume of the first elbow is smaller than the volume of the second elbow, The first elbow and the second elbow correspond to the same nominal diameter, an angle between center lines of openings at both ends of the first elbow in a cross section taken on a plane including the pipe axis of the first elbow is equal to an angle between center lines of openings at both ends of the second elbow in a cross section taken on a plane including the pipe axis of the second elbow, The radius of curvature of the pipe axis of the first elbow is smaller than the radius of curvature of the pipe axis of the second elbow. Rain gutter system.

2. A downspout fixed to a wall surface of a building; a rainwater outlet from the building and a downspout between the downspout; a first elbow connecting an upstream end of the outlet pipe to the drop port; a second elbow connecting a downstream end of the inlet pipe to an upstream end of the downpipe; Equipped with The volume of the first elbow is smaller than the volume of the second elbow, an inner surface on an inner circumferential side in a cross section taken along a plane including a pipe axis of the first elbow has a corner portion, an inner surface on an inner circumferential side in a cross section taken along a plane including the pipe axis of the second elbow has no corners, The radius of curvature of the corner portion in a cross section of the first elbow taken along a plane including the pipe axis is 0 mm or more and 2 mm or less. Rain gutter system.

3. A downspout fixed to a wall surface of a building; a rainwater outlet from the building and a downspout between the downspout; a first elbow connecting an upstream end of the outlet pipe to the drop port; a second elbow connecting a downstream end of the inlet pipe to an upstream end of the downpipe; Equipped with The volume of the first elbow is smaller than the volume of the second elbow, The first elbow is a 90° bent elbow specified in JIS K 6739. Rain gutter system.

4. A downspout fixed to a wall surface of a building; A rainwater outlet from the building and a downspout between the downspout; a first elbow connecting an upstream end of the outlet pipe to the drop port; a second elbow connecting a downstream end of the inlet pipe to an upstream end of the downpipe; Equipped with The volume of the first elbow is smaller than the volume of the second elbow, The second elbow is a 90° large bend elbow specified in JIS K 6739. Rain gutter system.

5. Further provided is an auxiliary downspout located between the drop outlet and the first elbow. A gutter system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A downspout fixed to a wall surface of a building; A rainwater outlet from the building and a downspout between the downspout; a first elbow connecting an upstream end of the outlet pipe to the drop port; a second elbow connecting a downstream end of the inlet pipe to an upstream end of the downpipe; Equipped with The volume of the first elbow is smaller than the volume of the second elbow, Further provided is an auxiliary member disposed in the downspout; The pressure loss per unit length of the auxiliary member is greater than the pressure loss per unit length of the downspout. Rain gutter system.

7. At least one of the material of the first elbow and the material of the second elbow is rigid polyvinyl chloride. A gutter system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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