Piping components and gutter systems

Abstract

To provide a piping component and gutter system that can improve drainage performance and reduce clogging caused by foreign matter.SOLUTION: A piping component 5 comprises a first opening 51a directed upstream of a piping system and a second opening 51b directed downstream of the piping system, and is provided with a straight pipe section 51 defining at least a part of a flow path upstream of an elbow of the piping system, and a plurality of ribs 52 on the inner surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51, which are rotationally symmetrical about the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. In each of the plurality of ribs 52, height of the rib 52 in the radial direction of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the rib 52, viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, is 1 / 3 or less of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. Each of the plurality of ribs 52 has a guide portion 521 that, viewed from the radial direction of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the rib 52, moves away from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 as moving from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to piping components and gutter systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for reducing turbulence or cavitation that occurs at a piping elbow. According to the disclosure of Patent Document 1, a prerotator is placed before the elbow. The prerotator has rotating blades to rotate the fluid around an axis (see FIG. 6B of Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 5,323,661 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the inside of the pipe is divided into multiple chambers by rotating blades. Therefore, in a piping system where relatively large foreign objects (for example, leaves in a gutter system or a drainage system) may enter, there is a concern that the conveying performance of the piping system may be reduced due to clogging with foreign objects, and as a result, overflow may occur upstream due to clogging with foreign objects.

[0005] The present disclosure provides piping components and gutter systems that can improve drainage performance and reduce clogging caused by foreign objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A piping member according to one aspect of the present disclosure constitutes part of a piping system including a first pipe extending horizontally, a second pipe extending vertically, and an elbow connecting the first pipe and the second pipe. The piping member includes a straight pipe section having a first opening facing the upstream side of the piping system and a second opening facing the downstream side of the piping system, defining at least a portion of a flow path upstream of the elbow, and a plurality of ribs located on the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe section, and positioned rotationally symmetrically about the central axis of the straight pipe section as viewed from the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe section. For each of the plurality of ribs, the height of the rib in the radial direction of the straight pipe section corresponding to the rib, as viewed from the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe section, is one-third or less of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section. Each of the plurality of ribs has a guide portion that moves away from the central axis of the straight pipe section as it moves from the first opening to the second opening as viewed from the radial direction of the straight pipe section corresponding to the rib.

[0007] A gutter system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described piping member. The gutter system includes a drain disposed at an outlet for rainwater from a building, a downspout connected to the outlet, a main downspout located between the outlet and 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 piping member constitutes at least a portion of the main downspout. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Aspects of the present disclosure can improve drainage performance and reduce clogging caused by foreign matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a configuration example of a gutter system including piping members according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example of the configuration of the piping member of FIG. 1; [Figure 3] Front view of the piping member in Figure 2 [Figure 4] Rear view of the piping member in Figure 2 [Figure 5] Cross section of line XX in Figure 3 [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of the piping member shown in Figure 2 [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a piping member according to a second embodiment; [Figure 8] Front view of the piping member in Figure 7 [Figure 9] Rear view of the piping member in Figure 7 [Figure 10] Cross section of line YY in Figure 8 [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of a rain gutter system according to one variation. [Figure 12] Schematic diagram of another modified rain gutter system. 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 First Embodiment [1.1.1 Configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an example configuration of a rain gutter system 1 according to a first embodiment. The rain gutter system 1 is a type of piping system. The rain gutter system 1 receives rainwater from a roof 10a of a building 10 and channels 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 rainwater drain. 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 of a detached house or an 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 drain 4, a nominal gutter 6, a first elbow 7a, a second elbow 7b, and an auxiliary downspout 8.

[0014] The eaves gutter 2 catches rainwater from the roof 10a of the building 10. The eaves gutter 2 is installed under the roof 10a 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. The bottom wall 2a has a drop opening 2b.

[0015] The drain 4 is disposed at the outlet 2b of the eaves gutter 2. The drain 4 reduces the generation of vortices and the entrainment of air at the outlet 2b. The drain 4 may contribute to the generation of the siphoning phenomenon. The drain 4 may have a known configuration.

[0016] The downspout 3 is installed to drain rainwater from the outlet 2b. The downspout 3 forms a flow path for vertically flowing rainwater from the outlet 2b. 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 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.

[0017] In FIG. 1, the downspout 3 is fixed to the wall 10b of the building 10 by support brackets 32a, 32b, and 32c. The distance [mm] from the ground 20 to the top of the downspout 3, the distance [mm] from the top of the downspout 3 to the top support bracket 32a, and the distance [mm] from the ground 20 to the bottom support bracket 32c are generally 200 mm or more and 300 mm or less. The pitch [mm] between the support brackets 32a, 32b, and 32c is generally 800 mm or more and 1200 mm or less, and in some cases 1000 mm or less. The distance between the downspout 3 and the wall 10b is generally 30 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0018] In the gutter system 1, the downspout 3 is not directly connected to the drop outlet 2b. In the gutter system 1, the downspout 3 is connected to the drop outlet 2b via the lower gutter 6, the first elbow 7a, and the second elbow 7b.

[0019] The inlet pipe 6 is a part for draining rainwater from the building 10 from the drop outlet 2b to the downspout 3. The inlet pipe 6 is located between the drop outlet 2b for rainwater from the building 10 and the downspout 3. The inlet pipe 6 forms a flow path for draining rainwater from the drop outlet 2b in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0020] The downspout 6 has an upstream end 6a and a downstream end 6b. The upstream end 6a is the end of the downspout 6 that is connected to the downspout 2b (the left end in FIG. 1). The downstream end 6b is the end of the downspout 6 that is connected to the downspout 3 (the right end in FIG. 1).

[0021] The first elbow 7a connects the upstream end 6a of the downspout 6 to the outlet 2b. The first elbow 7a does not necessarily connect the upstream end 6a of the downspout 6 to the outlet 2b directly; it may instead connect the upstream end 6a of the downspout 6 to the outlet 2b indirectly via another member. The material of the first elbow 7a is, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The first elbow 7a has sockets 71a and 72a for connecting pipes such as the downspout 3 and the downspout 6 to the first elbow 7a. The angle between the central axes of the sockets 71a and 72a is, for example, 91.17° as specified in JIS K 6739 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Joints for Drainage." The corners on the inner and outer peripheries of the first elbow 7a in a plane including the pipe axis of the first elbow 7a are not rounded but are approximately right-angled.

[0022] The second elbow 7b connects the downstream end 6b of the downspout 6 to the upstream end 3a of the downspout 3. The second elbow 7b does not necessarily directly connect the downstream end 6b of the downspout 6 to the upstream end 3a of the downspout 3; it may instead indirectly connect the downstream end 6b of the downspout 6 to the upstream end 3a of the downspout 3 via another component. The second elbow 7b is made of, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride. The second elbow 7b has sockets 71b and 72b for connecting pipes such as the downspout 3 and the downspout 6 to the second elbow 7b. The angle between the central axes of the sockets 71b and 72b is, for example, 91.17°, as specified in JIS K 6739 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Joints for Drainage." The inner and outer corners of the second elbow 7b in a plane including the pipe axis of the second elbow 7b are approximately right-angled rather than rounded.

[0023] The dimensions of the first elbow 7a and the second elbow 7b may be set in accordance with, for example, the standard JIS K 6739, "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage." At least one of the first elbow 7a and the second elbow 7b may be a 90° bend elbow specified in JIS K 6739.

[0024] The auxiliary downspout 8 is a part for vertically draining rainwater from the building 10 from the drop outlet 2b to the first elbow 7a. The auxiliary downspout 8 is located between the drop outlet 2b and the first elbow 7a. The auxiliary downspout 8 is a straight pipe. The cross section perpendicular to the pipe axis of the auxiliary downspout 8 is circular. The material of the auxiliary downspout 8 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the auxiliary downspout 8, such as the outer shape and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe (general) specified in JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe." The auxiliary downspout 8 in FIG. 1 is placed between the drop outlet 2b and the first elbow 7a so that the pipe axis of the auxiliary downspout 8 is aligned in the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0025] The auxiliary downspout 8 has an upstream end 8a and a downstream end 8b. The upstream end 8a is the end of the auxiliary downspout 8 that is connected to the drop outlet 2b (the upper end in FIG. 1). The downstream end 8b is the end of the auxiliary downspout 8 that is connected to the first elbow 7a (the lower end in FIG. 1).

[0026] The outlet pipe 6 in FIG. 1 includes a horizontal pipe 61 and a piping member 5.

[0027] The horizontal pipe 61 constitutes part of the flow path of the call down pipe 6. In this embodiment, the internal space surrounded by the inner surface of the horizontal pipe 61 becomes part of the flow path of the call down pipe 6. In this embodiment, the horizontal pipe 61 is the upstream part of the call down pipe 6. The horizontal pipe 61 is straight. The cross section of the horizontal pipe 61 perpendicular to the pipe axis is circular. The material of the horizontal pipe 61 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the horizontal pipe 61, for example, the outer diameter 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 upper end of the horizontal pipe 61 is the upstream end 3a of the call down pipe 6.

[0028] The piping member 5 constitutes part of a piping system (gutter system 1) that includes a first pipe (callout gutter 6) extending horizontally, a second pipe (downspout 3) extending vertically, and an elbow (second elbow 7b) connecting the first pipe (callout gutter 6) and the second pipe (downspout 3). The piping member 5 generates a water flow (swirl flow) that swirls around the pipe axis of the piping member 5. The piping member 5 can be considered a swirling member for swirling the fluid. In the callout gutter 6 of FIG. 1, the piping member 5 is connected to the downstream end of the horizontal pipe 61. As a result, the piping member 5 is located between the horizontal pipe 61 of the callout gutter 6 and the second elbow 7b. In other words, the piping member 5 is located upstream of the second elbow 7b.

[0029] In the gutter system 1, pressure loss can occur in the first elbow 7a or the second elbow 7b when draining rainwater. For example, in the second elbow 7b, as shown in FIG. 1, the internal pressure is low and the flow rate is high at a region P1 on the inner periphery of the corner of the second elbow 7b. On the other hand, the internal pressure is high and the flow rate is low at a region P2 on the outer periphery of the corner of the second elbow 7b. Such unevenness in the internal pressure and flow rate causes pressure loss and contributes to reduced drainage performance.

[0030] In the gutter system 1, by providing the piping member 5, rainwater that has generated a swirling flow by passing through the piping member 5 can flow into the second elbow 7b. The swirling flow in the rainwater reduces unevenness in the internal pressure and flow velocity in the second elbow 7b, lowering pressure loss and thereby improving drainage performance.

[0031] The piping member 5 will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0032] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example of the configuration of the piping member 5. Fig. 3 is a front view of the piping member 5. Fig. 4 is a rear view of the piping member 5. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in Fig. 3.

[0033] 2 includes a straight pipe section 51, a plurality of (three in this embodiment) ribs 52A, 52B, 52C (hereinafter collectively referred to as 52), and a socket 53. In this embodiment, the straight pipe section 51, the plurality of ribs 52, and the socket 53 are formed as a continuous, integrated unit. The material of the piping section 5 is rigid polyvinyl chloride.

[0034] The straight pipe section 51 is tubular. In particular, in this embodiment, the straight pipe section 51 is cylindrical. The outer and inner peripheral shapes of the straight pipe section 51 in a plane perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 are circular. The straight pipe section 51 has a first opening 51a, a second opening 51b, and an inner peripheral surface 51c. The first opening 51a and the second opening 51b are located at both ends of the straight pipe section 51 in the direction of the central axis C1. The internal space surrounded by the inner peripheral surface 51c in the straight pipe section 51 defines a flow path. In this embodiment, the piping member 5 is located upstream of the second elbow 7b, and therefore the straight pipe section 51 defines at least a portion of the flow path upstream of the second elbow 7b. The outer and inner peripheral shapes of the straight pipe section 51 in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the central axis C1 do not change from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b. The dimensions of the straight pipe portion 51, for example, the outer diameter and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) of JIS K 6741 "rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes."

[0035] The first opening 51a faces the upstream side of the gutter system 1. In other words, the first opening 51a is an inlet through which a fluid enters. In this embodiment, the first opening 51a is flow-connected to the drop outlet 2b. Here, "the first opening 51a is flow-connected to the drop outlet 2b" means that the first opening 51a is connected to the drop outlet 2b so that fluid flows in and out between the drop outlet 2b and the first opening 51a. In FIG. 1, the first opening 51a is indirectly connected to the drop outlet 2b via the horizontal pipe 61 of the downspout 6, the first elbow 7a, and the auxiliary downspout 8.

[0036] The second opening 51b faces the downstream side of the gutter system 1. In other words, the second opening 51b is an outlet through which the fluid exits. In this embodiment, the second opening 51b is flow-connected to the manifold 21. Here, "the second opening 51b is flow-connected to the manifold 21" means that the second opening 51b is connected to the manifold 21 so that fluid flows in and out between the manifold 21 and the second opening 51b. In FIG. 1, the second opening 51b is indirectly connected to the manifold 21 via the second elbow 7b and the downspout 3.

[0037] The socket 53 is provided to connect the piping member 5 to the horizontal pipe 61 of the call down pipe 6. The socket 53 is provided at the end of the straight pipe section 51 on the first opening 51a side. As shown in FIG. 3 , the socket 53 is cylindrical and surrounds the first opening 51a of the straight pipe section 51. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the socket 53 is larger than the outer diameter of the straight pipe section 51. The inner diameter of the socket 53 is larger than the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. The length, outer diameter, and inner diameter of the socket 53 may be set in accordance with, for example, the standard JIS K 6739 "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage."

[0038] The multiple ribs 52 are provided to generate a swirling flow in the fluid flowing into the straight pipe section 51 from the first opening 51a. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the multiple ribs 52 are located on the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51 at positions that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. In Figures 3 and 4, the multiple ribs 52 are located at equal intervals, that is, at 120-degree intervals, around the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. The multiple ribs 52 are located at the same position in the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51.

[0039] 3, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, the height H1 of the rib 52A in the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the rib 52A is ⅓ or less of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. When viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, the height H2 of the rib 52A in the radial direction D2 of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the rib 52B is ⅓ or less of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. When viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, the height H3 of the rib 52C in the radial direction D3 of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the rib 52C is ⅓ or less of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. In this embodiment, H1, H2, and H3 are ⅓ of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51 and are equal to one another.

[0040] As described above, in each of the plurality of ribs 52A-52C, the heights H1, H2, and H3 of the ribs 52A-52C in the radial directions D1, D2, and D3 of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the ribs 52A-52C, as viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, are equal to or less than one-third of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. As a result, a space S1 free of the plurality of ribs 52A-52C is formed around the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 as viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. The space S1 allows foreign matter that has entered the gutter system 1 to be smoothly discharged, reducing the possibility of clogging with foreign matter. In other words, clogging due to foreign matter can be reduced.

[0041] Each of the ribs 52A to 52C is plate-shaped. Each of the ribs 52A to 52C has a guide portion 521 and an extension portion 522. In this embodiment, the ribs 52A to 52C have the same shape and size. In the following, with regard to the guide portion 521 and the extension portion 522, only the rib 52A will be described, and descriptions of the ribs 52B and 52C may be omitted.

[0042] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in Fig. 3, and is also a cross-sectional view of the piping member 5 as viewed in a radial direction D1 (see Figs. 3 and 4) of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A. As shown in Fig. 5, the guide portion 521 moves away from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 as it moves from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b as viewed in the radial direction D1 (see Figs. 3 and 4) of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A. In other words, the guide portion 521 does not extend along the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51, but intersects with the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51.

[0043] In this embodiment, the guide portion 521 is linear when viewed in the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A. In FIG. 5, the guide portion 521 is inclined with respect to the radial direction of the straight pipe portion 51 as it moves from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b. As shown in FIG. 5, when viewed in the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A, the base end portion 521b of the guide portion 521 is more distant from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 as it moves from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b than the tip end portion 521a of the guide portion 521. When viewed in the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A, a line L13 passing through the tip end portion 521a of the guide portion 521 and a line L14 passing through the base end portion 521b of the guide portion 521 both move away from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 as it moves from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b, but they do not coincide with each other. The angle of the straight line L13 relative to the central axis C1 is smaller than the angle of the straight line L14 relative to the central axis C1, which is expected to have the effect of guiding the water flow on the inner circumferential surface 51c side toward the central axis C1.

[0044] 4 and 5, the surface 521c of the guide portion 521 on the second opening 51b side extends from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b in a direction that intersects with but is not perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51. In other words, the surface 521c of the guide portion 521 on the second opening 51b side is a tapered surface. This reduces pressure loss due to the rib 52A.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5, the extension portion 522 is located on the first opening 51a side of the straight pipe portion 51 relative to the guide portion 521. That is, the extension portion 522 and the guide portion 521 are aligned in this order from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b of the straight pipe portion 51. The extension portion 522 and the guide portion 521 are formed as a continuous, integrated unit. As shown in FIG. 5, the extension portion 522 extends along the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 when viewed from the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A. The extension portion 522 can smoothly guide the fluid that has entered the straight pipe portion 51 from the first opening 51a of the straight pipe portion 51 to the guide portion 521. This reduces the possibility of the fluid hitting the guide portion 521 and bouncing back. This further improves drainage performance.

[0046] 3 and 5, the surface 522a of the extension portion 522 on the first opening 51a side extends from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b in a direction that intersects with but is not perpendicular to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51. In other words, the surface 522a of the extension portion 522 on the first opening 51a side is a tapered surface. This reduces pressure loss due to the rib 52A.

[0047] Each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C has a guide portion 521. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51, each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C extends along the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe portion 51.

[0048] 3, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51, the angle θ1 between a first line L11 connecting the end 52a of the rib 52A on the first opening 51a side and the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 and a second line L12 connecting the end 52b of the rib 52A on the second opening 51b side and the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 is not less than 5 degrees and not more than 120 degrees. When viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51, the angle θ2 between a first line L21 connecting the end 52a of the rib 52B on the first opening 51a side and the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 and a second line L22 connecting the end 52b of the rib 52B on the second opening 51b side and the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 is not less than 5 degrees and not more than 120 degrees. When viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51, the angle θ3 between a first straight line L31 connecting the end 52a of the rib 52C on the first opening 51a side to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 and a second straight line L32 connecting the end 52b of the rib 52C on the second opening 51b side to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 is not less than 5 degrees and not more than 120 degrees. In the present embodiment, θ1, θ2, and θ3 are, for example, approximately 30 degrees to 45 degrees and are equal to one another.

[0049] As described above, in each of the ribs 52A-52C, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, the angles θ1, θ2, θ3 between the first straight lines L11, L21, L31 connecting the end portions 52a of the ribs 52A-52C on the first opening 51a side to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 and the second straight lines L12, L22, L32 connecting the end portions 52b of the ribs 52A-52C on the second opening 51b side to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 are between 5 degrees and 120 degrees. As a result, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, gaps are formed between the ribs 52A-52C in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51. The gaps allow foreign matter that has entered the gutter system 1 to be smoothly discharged, reducing the possibility of clogging with foreign matter. In other words, clogging due to foreign matter can be reduced.

[0050] Each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C has rounded corners, which reduces pressure loss in the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C.

[0051] Next, the operation of the piping member 5 will be described. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the piping member 5. When a fluid (e.g., rainwater) flows into the straight pipe section 51 from the first opening 51a of the straight pipe section 51, the fluid hits the guide portions 521 of the multiple ribs 52A to 52C. For example, in the rib 52A, the guide portion 521 guides the fluid that has entered the straight pipe section 51 from the first opening 51a of the straight pipe section 51 in a direction away from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 (see arrow A1 in FIG. 5). The fluid guided by the guide portion 521 is guided by the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51 in a direction rotating around the central axis C1 (see arrow A1 in FIG. 6). In this way, the ribs 52A-52C guide the fluid entering the straight pipe section 51 through the first opening 51a of the straight pipe section 51 in a direction away from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 and in a direction rotating around the central axis C1 due to the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51, as indicated by arrows A1, A2, and A3. This can generate a swirling flow in the fluid, as indicated by arrow A4. Therefore, the piping member 5 can allow rainwater with a swirling flow to flow into the second elbow 7b. The swirling flow in the rainwater reduces unevenness in the internal pressure and flow velocity in the second elbow 7b compared to when there is no swirling flow, reducing pressure loss and thereby improving drainage performance. In this way, the piping member 5 can create a swirling flow in front of the elbow, thereby rectifying (uniformizing) the flow inside the elbow. In other words, the swirling flow can reduce pressure loss in the elbow, a major source of pressure loss in the rain gutter system 1, thereby improving drainage performance. The effect of improving the drainage performance can be greater the closer the inside of the piping member 5 is to being filled with water.

[0052] In the piping member 5, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, a space S1 without the multiple ribs 52A-52C is formed around the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. The space S1 allows foreign matter that has entered the rain gutter system 1 to be smoothly discharged, reducing the possibility of clogging with foreign matter. In other words, clogging with foreign matter can be reduced. This is expected to maintain drainage performance and reduce the frequency of maintenance such as disassembly. This is particularly effective for piping systems such as the rain gutter system 1, which are difficult to perform maintenance such as disassembly.

[0053] In the gutter system 1, drainage performance can be improved simply by placing the piping member 5 upstream of the second elbow 7b. In other words, by adding the piping member 5 as a retrofit member upstream of the elbow in a conventional configuration, pressure loss at the elbow can be reduced and drainage performance can be improved. Therefore, there is no need to change the specifications of the elbow in the gutter system 1.

[0054] [1.1.2 Effects, etc.] The piping member 5 described above constitutes part of a piping system (gutter system 1) including a first pipe (common gutter 6) extending horizontally, a second pipe (downspout 3) extending vertically, and an elbow (second elbow 7b) connecting the first pipe (common gutter 6) and the second pipe (downspout 3). The piping member 5 includes a straight pipe section 51 having a first opening 51a facing the upstream side of the piping system (gutter system 1) and a second opening 51b facing the downstream side of the piping system (gutter system 1), and defining at least a part of the flow path upstream of the elbow 7b, and a plurality of ribs 52A to 52C located on an inner peripheral surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51 and positioned rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. In each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C, heights H1, H2, and H3 of the ribs 52A to 52C in the radial direction of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the ribs 52A to 52C are equal to or less than one-third of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. When viewed from the radial directions D1, D2, and D3 of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the ribs 52A to 52C, each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C has a guide portion 521 that becomes more distant from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 as it moves from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b. This configuration can improve drainage performance and reduce clogging due to foreign matter.

[0055] In the piping member 5, each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C is located on the first opening 51a side of the straight pipe portion 51 with respect to the guide portion 521, and further has an extension portion 522 that extends along the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 when viewed in the radial directions D1, D2, D3 of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the ribs 52A to 52C. This configuration can further improve the drainage performance.

[0056] In the piping member 5, in each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C, the surface 522a of the extension portion 522 on the first opening 51a side extends from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b in a direction intersecting but not orthogonal to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51. This configuration can reduce pressure loss.

[0057] In the piping member 5, in each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51, the angles θ1, θ2, θ3 between first straight lines L11, L21, L31 connecting end portions 52a of the ribs 52A to 52C on the first opening 51a side to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 and second straight lines L12, L22, L32 connecting end portions 52b of the ribs 52A to 52C on the second opening 51b side to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 are between 5 degrees or more and 120 degrees or less. This configuration can reduce clogging due to foreign matter.

[0058] In the piping member 5, in each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C, when viewed in the radial direction of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A to 52C, the base end portion 521b of the guide portion 521 is farther away from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 than the tip end portion 521a of the guide portion 521 as it moves from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b. This configuration can further improve the drainage performance.

[0059] In the piping member 5, in each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C, the guide portion 521 is linear when viewed in the radial direction of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A to 52C. This configuration can further improve the drainage performance.

[0060] In the piping member 5, in each of the plurality of ribs 52A to 52C, the surface 521c of the guide portion 521 on the second opening 51b side extends from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b in a direction intersecting but not orthogonal to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51. This configuration can reduce pressure loss.

[0061] The ribs 52A to 52C have the same shape and size in the piping member 5. This configuration can further improve the drainage performance.

[0062] The gutter system 1 described above includes a piping member 5. The gutter system 1 includes a drain 4 arranged at an outlet 2b for rainwater from the building 10, a downspout 3 connected to the outlet 2b, a lower pipe 6 located between the outlet 2b and the downspout 3, a first elbow 7a connecting the upstream end 6a of the lower pipe 6 to the outlet 2b, and a second elbow 7b connecting the downstream end 6b of the lower pipe 6 to the upstream end 3a of the downspout 3. The piping member 5 constitutes at least a part of the lower pipe 6. This configuration can improve drainage performance and reduce clogging due to foreign matter.

[0063] 1.2 Second Embodiment [1.2.1 Configuration] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a configuration example of a piping member 5A according to a second embodiment. The piping member 5A of Fig. 7 includes a straight pipe section 51, a plurality of (six) ribs 54A to 54F (hereinafter collectively referred to as 54), and a socket 53. The piping member 5A will be further described below with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. Fig. 8 is a front view of the piping member 5A. Fig. 9 is a rear view of the piping member 5A. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY of Fig. 8.

[0064] The piping member 5A in Fig. 7 can be used in place of the piping member 5 in the gutter system 1 in Fig. 1. That is, in the gutter system 1 in Fig. 1, the piping member 5A can be arranged upstream of the second elbow 7b.

[0065] 7 includes a straight pipe section 51, a plurality of (six in this embodiment) ribs 54A, 54B, 54C, 54D, 54E, and 54F (hereinafter collectively referred to as 54), and a socket 53. In this embodiment, the straight pipe section 51, the plurality of ribs 54, and the socket 53 are formed as a continuous, integrated unit. The material of the piping section 5A is rigid polyvinyl chloride.

[0066] The multiple ribs 54 are provided to generate a swirling flow in the fluid flowing into the straight pipe section 51 from the first opening 51a. As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the multiple ribs 54 are located on the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51 at positions that are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. In Figures 8 and 9, the multiple ribs 54 are located at equal intervals, that is, at 60-degree intervals, around the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. The multiple ribs 54 are located at the same position in the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51.

[0067] In this embodiment, the ribs 54A to 54F have the same shape and size. In the following, only the rib 54A will be described, and a description of the ribs 54B to 54F will be omitted.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 8, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, the height H1 of the rib 52A in the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the rib 52A is equal to or less than 1 / 3 of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. In this embodiment, H1 is 1 / 3 of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. As a result, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, a space S1 without multiple ribs 54 is formed around the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. The space S1 allows foreign matter that has entered the rain gutter system 1 to be smoothly discharged, reducing the possibility of clogging with foreign matter. In other words, clogging due to foreign matter can be reduced.

[0069] The rib 54A has a plate shape and includes a guide portion 541 and an extension portion 542.

[0070] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY in Fig. 8, and is also a cross-sectional view of the piping member 5A as viewed in the radial direction D1 (see Figs. 8 and 9) of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 54A. As shown in Fig. 10, when viewed in the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 54A, the guide portion 541 moves away from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 as it moves from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b. In other words, the guide portion 541 does not extend along the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51, but intersects with the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51.

[0071] In this embodiment, the guide portion 521 is curved when viewed from the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 52A. The guide portion 541 has an increasing distance from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b. This is expected to improve the effect of swirling the water flow on the inner circumferential surface 51c side.

[0072] 9 and 10, the surface 541c of the guide portion 541 on the second opening 51b side extends from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b in a direction that intersects with the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 without being perpendicular to the central axis C1. In other words, the surface 541c of the guide portion 541 on the second opening 51b side is a tapered surface. This reduces pressure loss due to the rib 54A.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 10 , the extension portion 542 is located on the first opening 51a side of the straight pipe portion 51 relative to the guide portion 541. That is, the extension portion 542 and the guide portion 541 are aligned in this order from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b of the straight pipe portion 51. The extension portion 542 and the guide portion 541 are formed as a continuous, integrated unit. As shown in FIG. 10 , the extension portion 542 extends along the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 when viewed from the radial direction D1 of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 54A. The extension portion 542 can smoothly guide fluid that has entered the straight pipe portion 51 from the first opening 51a of the straight pipe portion 51 to the guide portion 541. This reduces the possibility of the fluid hitting the guide portion 541 and bouncing back. This further improves drainage performance.

[0074] 8 and 10, the surface 542a of the extension portion 542 on the first opening 51a side extends from the first opening 51a toward the second opening 51b in a direction that intersects with the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51 without being perpendicular to the central axis C1. In other words, the surface 542a of the extension portion 542 on the first opening 51a side is a tapered surface. This reduces pressure loss due to the rib 54A.

[0075] Each of the plurality of ribs 54 has a guide portion 541. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 8, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion 51, each of the plurality of ribs 54 extends along the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe portion 51.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 8, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, the angle θ1 between the first line L11 connecting the end 54a of the rib 54A on the first opening 51a side to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 and the second line L12 connecting the end 52b of the rib 54A on the second opening 51b side to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 is between 5 degrees and 120 degrees (approximately 30 degrees). As a result, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, gaps are formed between the multiple ribs 54 in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51. The gaps allow foreign matter that has entered the gutter system 1 to be smoothly discharged, reducing the possibility of clogging with foreign matter. In other words, clogging due to foreign matter can be reduced.

[0077] Each corner of each of the plurality of ribs 54 is rounded, thereby reducing pressure loss in the plurality of ribs 54.

[0078] Similar to the piping member 5, the piping member 5A described above uses the multiple ribs 54 to guide fluid entering the straight pipe section 51 through the first opening 51a of the straight pipe section 51 in a direction away from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 and in a direction rotating around the central axis C1 due to the inner circumferential surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51. This can cause the fluid to swirl around the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. Therefore, the piping member 5A can cause rainwater with a swirling flow to flow into the second elbow 7b. This can improve drainage performance. Thus, the piping member 5A can create a swirling flow in front of the elbow, thereby rectifying (uniformizing) the flow inside the elbow. In other words, the swirling flow can reduce pressure loss at the elbow, which is a major source of pressure loss in the gutter system 1, thereby improving drainage performance. The effect of this improved drainage performance can be greater the closer the piping member 5A is to being filled with water.

[0079] In the piping member 5A, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, a space S1 without multiple ribs 54 is formed around the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. The space S1 allows foreign matter that has entered the rain gutter system 1 to be smoothly discharged, reducing the possibility of clogging with foreign matter. In other words, clogging with foreign matter can be reduced. This is expected to maintain drainage performance and reduce the frequency of maintenance such as disassembly. This is particularly effective for piping systems such as the rain gutter system 1, which are difficult to perform maintenance such as disassembly.

[0080] In the gutter system 1, drainage performance can be improved simply by placing the piping member 5A upstream of the second elbow 7b. In other words, by adding the piping member 5A as a retrofit member upstream of the elbow in a conventional configuration, pressure loss at the elbow can be reduced and drainage performance can be improved. Therefore, there is no need to change the specifications of the elbow in the gutter system 1.

[0081] [1.2.2 Effects, etc.] The piping member 5A described above constitutes part of a piping system (gutter system 1) including a first pipe (callout gutter 6) extending horizontally, a second pipe (downspout 3) extending vertically, and an elbow (second elbow 7b) connecting the first pipe (callout gutter 6) and the second pipe (downspout 3). The piping member 5 includes a straight pipe section 51 having a first opening 51a facing the upstream side of the piping system (gutter system 1) and a second opening 51b facing the downstream side of the piping system (gutter system 1), and defining at least a part of the flow path upstream of the elbow 7b, and a plurality of ribs 54A to 54F located on an inner peripheral surface 51c of the straight pipe section 51 and positioned rotationally symmetrically with respect to the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51. In each of the plurality of ribs 54A to 54F, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51, the height H1 (in the case of rib 54A) of the rib 54A to 54F in the radial direction of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the rib 54A to 54F is equal to or less than one-third of the inner diameter of the straight pipe section 51. When viewed from the radial direction D1 (in the case of rib 54A) of the straight pipe section 51 corresponding to the rib 54A to 54F, each of the plurality of ribs 54A to 54F has a guide portion 541 that becomes more distant from the central axis C1 of the straight pipe section 51 as it moves from the first opening 51a to the second opening 51b. This configuration can improve drainage performance and reduce clogging due to foreign matter.

[0082] In the piping member 5A, in each of the plurality of ribs 54A to 54F, the guide portion 541 is curved when viewed in the radial direction of the straight pipe portion 51 corresponding to the rib 54A to 54F. This configuration can further improve the drainage performance.

[0083] [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.

[0084] In one modification, the shape and size of some or all of the ribs may be different from those of the above embodiment. For example, unlike the above embodiment, the ribs may not have extensions. The shape of the guide portion may be changed as appropriate depending on the requirements of the piping system to which the piping member is applied.

[0085] In one modified example, the shape of the straight pipe section and the diffusion section in a plane perpendicular to the central axis of the straight pipe section may be polygonal rather than circular. In the above embodiment, the guide surface in the cross section of the diffusion section in a plane including the central axis of the straight pipe section is linear, but in a modified example, it may be curved or broken.

[0086] In one variation, the piping member may also have a socket on the second opening side of the straight pipe section. In this case, the piping member may be provided as a socket for connecting pipes. The piping member does not have to have a socket. The piping member may be configured so that the length of the straight pipe section is long enough to be used as a vertical pipe or a horizontal pipe.

[0087] In one modified example, the position of the rib in the direction of the central axis C1 of the straight pipe portion is not particularly limited.

[0088] In one modification, the number of ribs is not particularly limited, as long as it is two or more.

[0089] In one modification, the straight pipe section and the rib do not have to be formed as a continuous unit. The straight pipe section and the rib may be separate bodies. The straight pipe section and the rib may be mechanically connected by assembly or the like. The straight pipe section and the rib may be made of different materials.

[0090] In one variation, the material of the piping member does not necessarily have to be rigid polyvinyl chloride, but may be determined according to the requirements of the piping system, such as a gutter system, and may be, for example, a synthetic resin such as polyethylene.

[0091] In one variant, the call down pipe 6 may have a configuration different from the example of the above embodiment. The call down pipe 6 may have other components in addition to the horizontal pipe 61 and the piping member 5. In another example, the call down pipe 6 may have the piping member 5 as the upstream end of the call down pipe 6. For example, in FIG. 1, the piping member 5 may be directly connected to the first elbow 7a. The call down pipe 6 may be composed of only the piping member 5. In other words, the piping member 5 may constitute the entire flow path of the call down pipe 6. The call down pipe 6 may have another horizontal pipe between the piping member 5 and the second elbow 7b.

[0092] In one modified example, the position of the piping member 5 is not limited to the upstream side of the second elbow 7b. The piping member 5 may be disposed upstream of the first elbow 7a. In other words, the piping member 5 constitutes part of a piping system (gutter system 1) including a first pipe (common downspout 6) extending horizontally, a second pipe (auxiliary downspout 8) extending vertically, and an elbow (first elbow 7a) connecting the first pipe (common downspout 6) and the second pipe (auxiliary downspout 8). In this case, the piping member 5 may constitute part of the auxiliary downspout 8. This allows the piping member 5 to be disposed upstream of the first elbow 7a. In this configuration, the piping member 5 reduces pressure loss at the first elbow 7a. The same applies to the piping member 5A.

[0093] In one variant, the gutter system 1 does not necessarily have to include the eaves gutter 2. For example, if the building 11 has a structure with a drop outlet, such as a balcony, the downspout 3 may be connected to the drop outlet of the building 11.

[0094] The gutter system to which the piping member 5 is applied is not limited to the gutter system 1 in Fig. 1. Examples of gutter systems to which the piping member 5 is applied include a gutter system 1B in Fig. 11 and a gutter system 1C in Fig. 12.

[0095] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram of a rain gutter system 1B in one modification. The rain gutter system 1B in Fig. 11 is used, for example, in a building with multiple roofs. The rain gutter system 1B collects rainwater from the multiple roofs of the building and directs it to a manhole on the ground 20. The multiple roofs of the building may include eaves (small roofs) and a main roof.

[0096] The gutter system 1B of Figure 11 includes a first eaves gutter 91, a second eaves gutter 92, a first downspout 33, a second downspout 34, a first elbow 70a, a second elbow 70b, a first drain 41, and a second drain 42.

[0097] The first eaves gutter 91 receives rainwater from, for example, the main roof of the building. The first eaves gutter 91 is installed under the main roof of the building. The first eaves gutter 91 is shaped like a long bucket. The first eaves gutter 91 has an outlet in the bottom wall. The first drain 41 is placed at the outlet of the first eaves gutter 91. The first drain 41 reduces the generation of vortices and air entrainment at the outlet of the first eaves gutter 91. The first drain 41 has a structure that makes siphoning more likely to occur compared to a case in which the first drain 41 is not present. The first drain 41 contributes to the occurrence of siphoning, but the occurrence of siphoning can be related not only to the first drain 41 but also to other structures of the rain gutter system 1B.

[0098] The first downspout 33 is installed to drain rainwater by siphoning from the outlet of the first eaves gutter 91. The first downspout 33 is a main pipe. The first downspout 33 drains rainwater vertically from the outlet of the first eaves gutter 91. The length D31 of the first downspout 33 is set to, for example, 3 m or more when the nominal diameter is 75, 6 m or more when the nominal diameter is 100, and 8 m or more when the nominal diameter is 125.

[0099] The first elbow 71 and the second elbow 72 connect the upstream end of the first downspout 33 and the drop outlet (first drain 41) of the first eaves gutter 91. The first elbow 71 and the second elbow 72 are, for example, 45° elbows (45L). The first elbow 71 and the second elbow 72 are not limited to 45° elbows (45L) and may have a configuration similar to the first elbow 7a and second elbow 7b of the gutter system 1.

[0100] The second eaves gutter 92 receives rainwater from, for example, the eaves of the building. The second eaves gutter 92 is an eaves gutter. The second eaves gutter 92 is installed under the eaves of the building. The second eaves gutter 92 is shaped like a long bucket. The distance D32 between the second eaves gutter 92 and the ground 20 is set to, for example, 3 m or more. The second eaves gutter 92 has a bottom wall 92 a, and an outlet 92 b is provided in the bottom wall 92 a. The second drain 42 is arranged at the outlet 92 b of the second eaves gutter 92. The second drain 42 is a drain with a structure that is generally not thought to contribute to the occurrence of siphoning.

[0101] The diameter of the drop opening 92b of the second eaves gutter 92 is larger than the diameter of the first downspout 33. The downstream end 33b of the first downspout 33 is inserted into the second drain 42 of the drop opening 92b. That is, in the gutter system 1B of FIG. 11, the first downspout 33 passes through the drop opening 92b of the second eaves gutter 92. Here, the distance D33 between the downstream end 33a of the first downspout 33 and the upper surface of the bottom wall 92a of the second eaves gutter 92 is set to, for example, 40 mm or more.

[0102] The second downspout 34 is installed to drain rainwater from the first downspout 33 and from the outlet 92b of the second eaves gutter 92. The second downspout 34 is an under-eaves downspout. The second downspout 34 drains rainwater from the first downspout 33 and from the outlet 92b of the second eaves gutter 92 vertically. The upstream end of the second downspout 34 is connected to the outlet 92b (second drain 42) of the second eaves gutter 92. The downstream end of the second downspout 34 is connected to the inlet of the ground 20.

[0103] The diameter of the second downspout 34 is larger than the diameter of the drop outlet 92b and larger than the diameter of the first downspout 33. The diameter of the second downspout 34 is appropriately set by drainage capacity calculations, under the restriction that the diameter of the second downspout 34 is larger than the diameter of the first downspout 33.

[0104] The rain gutter system 1B of FIG. 11 enables rainwater to be drained from multiple roofs in a building with multiple roofs without using branch pipes.

[0105] In the gutter system 1B of FIG. 11, the piping members 5, 5A may be disposed, for example, between the drain 41 and the first elbow 71 and / or between the first elbow 71 and the second elbow 72.

[0106] 12 is a schematic diagram of a gutter system 1C according to another modification, which includes a second downspout 34C instead of the second downspout 34 of the gutter system 1B in FIG.

[0107] The second downspout 34C is installed to drain rainwater from the first downspout 33 and from the outlet 92b of the second eaves gutter 92. The second downspout 34C is an under-eaves downspout. The second downspout 34C drains rainwater from the first downspout 33 and from the outlet 92b of the second eaves gutter 92 vertically.

[0108] The second downspout 34C in Figure 12 comprises a first vertical pipe 35, an increaser 36, and a second vertical pipe 37. The upstream end of the first vertical pipe 35 is connected to the outlet 92b (second drain 42) of the second eaves gutter 92. The downstream end of the first vertical pipe 35 is connected to the upstream end of the increaser 36. The downstream end of the increaser 36 is connected to the upstream end of the second vertical pipe 37. The downstream end of the second vertical pipe 37 is connected to the inlet of the ground 20.

[0109] In the second downspout 34C, the diameter of the first vertical pipe 35 is larger than the diameter of the second vertical pipe 37. The diameter of the first vertical pipe 35 is larger than the diameter of the drop outlet 92b and larger than the diameter of the first downspout 33. The diameter of the first vertical pipe 35 is appropriately set by drainage capacity calculations, within the restriction that the diameter of the first vertical pipe 35 is larger than the diameter of the first downspout 33.

[0110] Similar to the rain gutter system 1B of FIG. 11, the rain gutter system 1C of FIG. 12 enables rainwater to be drained from multiple roofs in a building with multiple roofs without using branch pipes.

[0111] 12, the diameter of the second vertical pipe 37 connected to the manhole of the ground 20 in the second downspout 34C can be made smaller than the diameter of the first vertical pipe 35 by using the increaser 36. This allows the second downspout 34C to be neatly stored under the second eaves gutter 92.

[0112] In the gutter system 1C of FIG. 12, the piping members 5, 5A may be disposed, for example, between the drain 41 and the first elbow 71 and / or between the first elbow 71 and the second elbow 72.

[0113] The piping members 5, 5A described above can also be used in piping systems other than the gutter system 1 shown in FIG. 1. Examples of piping systems include piping systems for water supply or sewerage, and piping systems for transporting target fluids within facilities such as factories. In other words, the fluid transported in the piping system is not limited to rainwater. In particular, the piping members 5, 5A can be used in a piping system including a first pipe extending horizontally, a second pipe extending vertically, and an elbow connecting the first pipe and the second pipe, to reduce pressure loss in the elbow and improve drainage performance.

[0114] [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.

[0115] The first aspect is a piping member (5; 5A) that constitutes a part of a piping system (1) including a first pipe (6) extending horizontally, a second pipe (3) extending vertically, and an elbow (7b) connecting the first pipe (6) and the second pipe (3). The piping member (5; 5A) includes a straight pipe section (51) that has a first opening (51a) facing the upstream side of the piping system (1) and a second opening (51b) facing the downstream side of the piping system (1) and defines at least a part of a flow path on the upstream side of the elbow (7b), and a plurality of ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F) that are located on an inner peripheral surface (51c) of the straight pipe section (51) and are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe section (51) when viewed from the direction of the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe section (51). In each of the plurality of ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F), when viewed from the direction of the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51), the heights (H1, H2, H3) of the ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F) in the radial directions (D1, D2, D3) of the straight pipe portion (51) corresponding to the ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F) are equal to or less than one-third of the inner diameter of the straight pipe portion (51). Each of the plurality of ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F) has a guide portion (521; 541) that becomes more distant from the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51) as it goes from the first opening (51a) to the second opening (51b) when viewed from the radial direction of the straight pipe portion (51) corresponding to the rib (52A-52C; 54A-54F). This aspect can improve drainage performance and reduce clogging due to foreign matter.

[0116] A second aspect is the piping member (5; 5A) based on the first aspect. In the second aspect, each of the plurality of ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F) is located on the first opening (51a) side of the straight pipe portion (51) with respect to the guide portion (521), and further includes an extension portion (522; 542) extending along the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51) when viewed in the radial direction of the straight pipe portion (51) corresponding to the rib (52A-52C; 54A-54F). This aspect can further improve drainage performance.

[0117] A third aspect is a piping member (5; 5A) based on the second aspect. In the third aspect, in each of the plurality of ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F), the surface (522a; 542a) of the extension portion (522; 542) on the first opening (51a) side extends from the first opening (51a) toward the second opening (51b) in a direction intersecting the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51) without being perpendicular to it. This aspect can reduce pressure loss.

[0118] A fourth aspect is a piping member (5; 5A) based on any one of the first to third aspects. In the fourth aspect, in each of the plurality of ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F), when viewed from the direction of the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51), an angle (θ1) between a first straight line (L11, L21, L31) connecting an end portion (52a, 54a) of the rib (52A-52C; 54A-54F) on the first opening (51a) side and the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51) and a second straight line (L12, L22, L32) connecting an end portion (52b, 54b) of the rib (52A-52C; 54A-54F) on the second opening (51b) side and the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51) is not less than 5 degrees and not more than 120 degrees. This aspect can reduce clogging caused by foreign matter.

[0119] A fifth aspect is a piping member (5) based on any one of the first to fourth aspects. In the fifth aspect, in each of the plurality of ribs (52A to 52C), when viewed in the radial direction of the straight pipe portion (51) corresponding to the rib (52A to 52C), the base end portion (521b) of the guide portion (521) is farther from the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51) as it moves from the first opening (51a) to the second opening (51b) than the tip end portion (521a) of the guide portion (521). This aspect can further improve drainage performance.

[0120] A sixth aspect is the piping member (5) based on any one of the first to fifth aspects. In the sixth aspect, in each of the plurality of ribs (52A to 52C), the guide portion (521) is linear when viewed in the radial direction of the straight pipe portion (51) corresponding to the rib (52A to 52C). This aspect can further improve drainage performance.

[0121] A seventh aspect is a piping member (5A) based on any one of the first to fifth aspects. In the seventh aspect, in each of the plurality of ribs (54A to 54F), the guide portion (541) is curved when viewed in the radial direction of the straight pipe portion (51) corresponding to the rib (52A to 52C; 54A to 54F). This aspect can further improve drainage performance.

[0122] An eighth aspect is a piping member (5; 5A) based on any one of the first to seventh aspects. In the eighth aspect, in each of the plurality of ribs (52A-52C; 54A-54F), a surface (521c; 541c) of the guide portion (521; 541) on the second opening (51b) side extends from the first opening (51a) toward the second opening (51b) in a direction intersecting the central axis (C1) of the straight pipe portion (51) without being perpendicular thereto. This aspect can reduce pressure loss.

[0123] A ninth aspect is a piping member (5; 5A) based on any one of the first to eighth aspects. In the ninth aspect, the plurality of ribs (52A to 52C; 54A to 54F) have the same shape and size. This aspect can further improve drainage performance.

[0124] A tenth aspect is a gutter system (1) including a piping member (5; 5A) according to any one of the first to ninth aspects. The gutter system (1) includes a drain (4) disposed at a rainwater outlet (2b) from a building (10), a downspout (3) connected to the downspout (2b), a lower pipe (6) located between the downspout (2b) and the downspout (3), a first elbow (7a) connecting the upstream end (6a) of the lower pipe (6) to the downspout (2b), and a second elbow (7b) connecting the downstream end (6b) of the lower pipe (6) to the upstream end (3a) of the downspout (3). The piping member (5; 5A) constitutes at least a portion of the lower pipe (6). This aspect can improve drainage performance and reduce clogging caused by foreign matter.

[0125] The above second to ninth aspects are optional elements. [Industrial Applicability]

[0126] The present disclosure is applicable to a piping member and a gutter system. Specifically, the present disclosure is applicable to a piping member that constitutes a part of a piping system having an elbow that connects a first pipe extending horizontally and a second pipe extending vertically, and to a gutter system for draining rainwater. [Explanation of symbols]

[0127] 1. Gutter system 2b Drop hole 3 Downpipe 4 Drain 5,5A Piping Materials 51 Straight pipe section 51a 1st opening 51b 2nd opening 51c Inner surface 52A~52C, 54A~54F Rib 52a,54a end 52b,54b end 521,541 Guide section 521a,541a Tip 521b,541b Base end 521c,541c plane 522 Extension 522a,542a plane 6. Call gutter 7a First Elbow 7b Second elbow C1 center axis D1, D2, D3 radial direction H1, H2, H3 height θ1, θ2, θ3 angles L11,L21,L31 1st straight line L12,L22,L32 2nd straight line 10 Building

Claims

1. A piping member constituting a part of a piping system including a first pipe extending horizontally, a second pipe extending vertically, and an elbow connecting the first pipe and the second pipe, a straight pipe section having a first opening facing the upstream side of the piping system and a second opening facing the downstream side of the piping system, the straight pipe section defining at least a portion of a flow path upstream of the elbow; a plurality of ribs on an inner peripheral surface of the straight pipe portion, the ribs being positioned rotationally symmetrical with respect to the central axis of the straight pipe portion when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe portion; Equipped with In each of the plurality of ribs, a height of the rib in a radial direction of the straight pipe portion corresponding to the rib, as viewed from a direction of a central axis of the straight pipe portion, is ⅓ or less of an inner diameter of the straight pipe portion, Each of the plurality of ribs has a guide portion that becomes more distant from the central axis of the straight pipe portion as it moves from the first opening to the second opening when viewed in the radial direction of the straight pipe portion corresponding to the rib. Piping components.

2. Each of the plurality of ribs is located on the first opening side of the straight pipe portion with respect to the guide portion, and further includes an extension portion extending along a central axis of the straight pipe portion when viewed in a radial direction of the straight pipe portion corresponding to the rib. The piping member according to claim 1 .

3. In each of the plurality of ribs, a surface of the extension portion on the first opening side extends from the first opening toward the second opening in a direction intersecting the central axis of the straight pipe portion without being orthogonal to the central axis of the straight pipe portion. The piping member according to claim 2 .

4. In each of the plurality of ribs, when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe portion, an angle between a first line connecting an end portion of the rib on the first opening side and the central axis of the straight pipe portion and a second line connecting an end portion of the rib on the second opening side and the central axis of the straight pipe portion is greater than or equal to 5 degrees and less than or equal to 120 degrees. The piping member according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. In each of the plurality of ribs, when viewed from a radial direction of the straight pipe portion corresponding to the rib, a base end portion of the guide portion is farther from a central axis of the straight pipe portion than a tip end portion of the guide portion as the guide portion moves from the first opening to the second opening. The piping member according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. In each of the plurality of ribs, the guide portion is linear when viewed in a radial direction of the straight pipe portion corresponding to the rib. The piping member according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. In each of the plurality of ribs, the guide portion is curved when viewed from a radial direction of the straight pipe portion corresponding to the rib. The piping member according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. In each of the plurality of ribs, a surface of the guide portion on the second opening side extends from the first opening toward the second opening in a direction intersecting the central axis of the straight pipe portion without being orthogonal to the central axis of the straight pipe portion. The piping member according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The plurality of ribs are the same in shape and size. The piping member according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A gutter system including a piping member according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A drain installed at the drain outlet of rainwater from the building; a downspout connected to the drop outlet; a call gutter located between the drop outlet and 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 piping member constitutes at least a part of the call gutter. Rain gutter system.

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