Eaves gutter drain and eaves gutter structure

Abstract

To provide an eaves gutter drain which prevents the appearance of a drain from deteriorating when installed, and which is easily installed at an appropriate rotation angle by a worker who installs the drain in an eaves gutter.SOLUTION: An eaves gutter drain 10 has a drain upper unit and a drain lower unit. The drain lower unit has a lower flange, an outer cylinder provided below the lower flange, and a lower diameter-reducing part connecting the lower flange and the outer cylinder. The drain upper unit has an upper flange arranged on the upper surface of the bottom plate of the eaves gutter, an inner cylinder provided below the upper flange, and an upper diameter-reducing part connecting the upper flange and the inner cylinder and having a diameter reduced toward the lower side. An outer circumferential wall surface of the upper diameter-reducing part is configured by a curved surface that is recessed radially inward. A rib that protrudes outward from a lower-end part to an upper-end part is disposed on at least a part of the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter-reducing part in a circumferential direction. The rib extends in a vertical direction in a side view from the lower end of the outer peripheral surface of the upper reduced diameter part toward the upper-end part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to eaves gutters and eaves gutter structures.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, rainwater flowing down into an eaves gutter attached to the roof of a building is collected and sent to a downspout, and is discharged from below through the downspout. At this time, a drain is provided in an opening provided in the bottom plate of the eaves gutter, and the downspout is connected to the eaves gutter through the drain.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes that an eaves gutter drain includes an upper member (drain upper unit) and a lower member (drain lower unit), and the drain is coupled to the eaves gutter by sandwiching the bottom plate of the eaves gutter between the upper member and the lower member and screwing them together. In Patent Document 1, a cylindrical portion is provided below the flange of the upper member, and the cylindrical portion and the flange are connected by a reduced-diameter portion whose diameter decreases downward. The reduced-diameter portion has a smooth curved surface whose inner peripheral surface is circular arc-shaped in cross section. Vanes (fins) are erected at a plurality of circumferential positions of a portion extending from the upper surface of the outer peripheral portion of the flange to the lower end portion of the reduced-diameter portion, and an inner cylindrical portion extending in the vertical direction is connected to the radially inner ends of the plurality of vanes.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Traditionally, gutter drains have not had any markings to indicate the correct rotation angle for installation in the gutter. As a result, when drains are installed in the gutter, problems can arise, such as foreign objects easily getting caught in the drain. For example, if fins are provided at five equally spaced positions around the gutter, and the drain is not installed at the correct rotation angle relative to the gutter, problems can arise such as fallen leaves and other foreign objects accumulating in the gutter getting caught in the fins. On the other hand, if a dedicated marking is visible after installation, it can detract from the aesthetic appearance of the installed product.

[0006] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a gutter drain that prevents deterioration of the aesthetic appearance of the installed drain and that allows workers to easily install the drain in the gutter with the appropriate rotation angle, as well as a gutter structure including the gutter drain. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A gutter drain according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a gutter drain installed in a gutter so as to penetrate an opening for rainwater drainage provided in the bottom plate of the gutter, comprising an upper drain unit and a lower drain unit, wherein the lower drain unit has a lower flange disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate, an outer cylinder provided below the lower flange, and a lower reduced diameter section connecting the lower flange and the outer cylinder, with the diameter decreasing as it goes downwards, and the upper drain unit has an upper flange disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate, an inner cylinder provided below the upper flange to guide rainwater downwards, and an upper reduced diameter section connecting the upper flange and the inner cylinder, with the diameter decreasing as it goes downwards, wherein the outer peripheral wall surface of the upper reduced diameter section is composed of a curved surface that is recessed radially inward, and ribs protruding outward from the lower end to the upper end are arranged on at least a part of the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the upper reduced diameter section, and the ribs extend vertically in a side view from the lower end to the upper end of the outer peripheral surface of the upper reduced diameter section.

[0008] A gutter drain according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a gutter drain installed in a gutter so as to penetrate an opening for rainwater drainage provided in the bottom plate of the gutter, comprising an upper drain unit and a lower drain unit, wherein the lower drain unit has a lower flange disposed on the lower surface of the bottom plate, an outer cylinder provided below the lower flange, and a lower reduced diameter section connecting the lower flange and the outer cylinder, with the diameter decreasing as it goes downwards, and the upper drain unit has an upper flange disposed on the upper surface of the bottom plate, an inner cylinder provided below the upper flange to guide rainwater downwards, and an upper reduced diameter section connecting the upper flange and the inner cylinder, with the diameter decreasing as it goes downwards, wherein the outer peripheral wall surface of the upper reduced diameter section is composed of a curved surface that is recessed radially inward, and a protrusion or recess with a projection length or recess depth of 1 mm or less and a diameter of 20 mm or less is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper reduced diameter section or on a part of the circumferential direction of the lower surface of the upper flange.

[0009] A gutter structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a gutter structure comprising a gutter and a gutter drain according to one aspect of the present disclosure installed in the gutter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to one embodiment of the gutter drain and gutter structure of this disclosure, the ribs, protrusions, or recesses provided on the drain serve as guides, making it easier for workers installing the drain in the gutter to install it in the correct position in terms of rotation angle. Furthermore, since the ribs, protrusions, or recesses are provided in a position that is not visible when the gutter drain is installed, it is possible to prevent a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the installed drain. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the schematic configuration of a gutter drainage structure including a gutter drain according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged view of section A in Figure 1, which shows the gutter drain of the embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 2 is a front view of the drain unit above the eaves gutter drain. [Figure 3B] This is a view of the drain unit shown in Figure 3A, taken from diagonally below. [Figure 3C] It is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 3B. [Figure 4] It is a view of the above-drain unit shown in FIG. 3A as seen obliquely from above. [Figure 5] It is a left side view of the above-drain unit shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 6] It is a right side view of the above-drain unit shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 7] It is a rear view of the above-drain unit shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 8] It is a top view of the above-drain unit shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 9] It is a bottom view of the above-drain unit shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 10] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] In the eaves gutter drain of the embodiment, it is a view of the combination of the above-drain unit and the below-drain unit as seen obliquely from above. [Figure 12] It is a front view of the combination of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] It is a left side view of the combination of FIG. 11. [Figure 14A] It is a right side view of the combination of FIG. 11. [Figure 14B] It is a rear view of the combination of FIG. 11. [Figure 15] It is a top view of the combination of FIG. 11. [Figure 16] It is a bottom view of the combination of FIG. 11. [Figure 17] It is a view corresponding to the D-D cross section of FIG. 15, showing the usage state of the eaves gutter drain of the embodiment. [Figure 18] It is an enlarged view of part E of FIG. 17, showing a part omitted. [Figure 19] It is a schematic view showing the relationship between the water-upward direction, the fins, and the ribs when the eaves gutter drain of the embodiment is installed on the eaves gutter as seen from above. [Figure 20] It is a view corresponding to FIG. 19, showing an example of the case where the eaves gutter drain of the comparative example is installed on the eaves gutter. [Figure 21]This figure, corresponding to Figure 19, shows an example of the gutter drain in another embodiment installed in the gutter. [Figure 22] This is a front view of a drain unit that constitutes a gutter drain in another embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 22 is an enlarged view of a portion of the drain upper unit, seen from a diagonal angle below. [Figure 24] Figure 22 is a left side view of the drain upper unit shown. [Figure 25] Figure 22 is a bottom view of the drain upper unit. [Figure 26] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the fins and protrusions in the water direction, as viewed from above, with a gutter drain including the drain upper unit shown in Figure 22 installed in the gutter. [Figure 27] This is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the fins and the protrusions in the water direction, as viewed from above, with a gutter drain of another embodiment installed in the gutter. [Figure 28] This is a front view of a drain unit that constitutes a gutter drain in another embodiment. [Figure 29] Figure 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the drain unit shown, seen from a diagonal angle below. [Figure 30] Figure 28 is a left side view of the drain upper unit. [Figure 31] Figure 28 is a bottom view of the drain upper unit. [Figure 32] This is a front view of a drain upper unit that constitutes a gutter drain in another embodiment. [Figure 33] Figure 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of the drain unit shown, seen from a diagonal angle below. [Figure 34] Figure 28 is a left side view of the drain upper unit. [Figure 35] Figure 28 is a bottom view of the drain upper unit. [Figure 36] This is an enlarged view of a portion of the drain upper unit constituting a gutter drain in another embodiment, seen from a diagonal downward angle. [Figure 37] Figure 36 is a left side view of the drain upper unit shown. [Figure 38] Figure 36 is a bottom view of the drain upper unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the gutter drain according to this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The shapes, numbers, materials, etc. described below are illustrative examples for illustrative purposes and can be appropriately changed depending on the specifications of the gutter drain or the gutter structure including the gutter drain. In the following, equivalent elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals in all drawings.

[0013] The embodiments will be described using the drawings. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of the schematic configuration of the gutter drainage structure 80 including the gutter drain 10 of the embodiment. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of part A in Figure 1, showing the gutter drain 10.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the eaves gutter drainage structure 80 comprises an eaves gutter structure 70, a connecting pipe 94, and a downpipe 96, and is attached to a building (not shown). In Figure 1, the side away from the building (right side of Figure 1) is the front, and the side closer to the building (left side of Figure 1) is the rear.

[0015] The gutter structure 70 comprises a gutter 81 and a gutter drain 10 installed on the gutter 81. The gutter 81 is a resin molded product and has a bottom plate 82, a front wall 83 erected from the front end of the bottom plate 82, and a rear wall 84 erected from the rear end of the bottom plate 82, and its cross-section is formed in a groove shape. The gutter 81 is suspended by a hanger (not shown) attached to the building and is formed to receive rainwater flowing down from the eaves of the roof.

[0016] An opening 82a (Figure 2) for rainwater drainage is formed in the bottom plate 82 of the gutter 81. The gutter drain 10 consists of an upper drain unit 11 and a lower drain unit 90. Hereinafter, the "upper drain unit" will be referred to as the "upper unit" and the "lower drain unit" as the "lower unit". The upper unit 11 is installed in the gutter 81 so as to pass through the opening 82a. Hereinafter, the "gutter drain" will be referred to as the "drain". The structure of the drain 10 will be explained in detail later.

[0017] The downpipe 94 has an upstream elbow 97 and a downstream elbow 98 connected to both ends. The downpipe 94 allows rainwater introduced from the eaves gutter 81 via the drain 10 and the upstream elbow 97 to flow laterally and is introduced into the downpipe 96 via the downstream elbow 98. In Figure 1, the sandy area represents the rainwater.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the lower unit 90 of the drain 10 has an outer cylinder 91, an outward-facing lower flange 92 formed at the upper end of the outer cylinder 91, and a lower reduced-diameter section 93. The lower flange 92 is positioned on the lower surface of the bottom plate 82 of the gutter 81. The outer cylinder 91 is provided below the lower flange 92. The lower reduced-diameter section 93 connects the lower flange 92 and the outer cylinder 91, and the diameter of both the inner and outer circumferential surfaces decreases as they extend downwards. In Figure 2, the lower reduced-diameter section 93 is shown in a simplified manner, but as shown in Figure 17 described later, the inner circumferential surface of the lower reduced-diameter section 93 is a tapered surface with a straight cross-section, and the outer circumferential surface of the lower reduced-diameter section 93 is a curved surface with a circular arc cross-section. A stepped section 93a extending radially inward is provided at the lower end of the lower reduced-diameter section 93. The inner circumferential surface of the lower reduced diameter portion 93 may be a curved surface with a circular arc cross-section, or the outer circumferential surface of the lower reduced diameter portion 93 may be a tapered surface with a straight cross-section.

[0019] Female threads 91a are formed on the inner circumferential surface of the outer cylinder 91. The female threads 91a are formed intermittently in the circumferential direction of the outer cylinder 91, but they may be a continuous shape overall. The lower unit 90 is connected to the upper end of the upstream elbow 97 by fitting the outer cylinder 91 inside the large-diameter cylindrical portion 97a formed at the upper end of the upstream elbow 97. The upper end of the upstream elbow 97 may abut against the stepped portion 93a. The stepped portion 93a may be omitted, and the entire lower reduced-diameter portion may have a shape in which the diameter decreases downwards. The lower unit 90 is formed by injection molding of a resin such as rigid polyvinyl chloride resin, polycarbonate, or ABS. The lower unit 90 may be made of a metal such as cast iron. The lower unit 90 may be made of a metal such as cast iron.

[0020] The upper unit 11 of the drain 10 has an upper flange 16 positioned on the upper surface of the bottom plate 82 of the gutter 81, an inner cylinder 11a provided below the upper flange 16 to guide rainwater downward, and an upper reduced diameter section 14 connecting the upper flange 16 and the inner cylinder 11a. The diameter of the upper reduced diameter section 14 decreases as the inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential wall surface are directed downward. As shown in Figure 10, which will be described later, the inner circumferential surface of the upper reduced diameter section 14 is a curved surface with a circular arc cross-section that is concave radially inward, thereby allowing rainwater to flow smoothly from the upper side of the upper flange 16 towards the inside of the inner cylinder 11a. As shown in Figure 2, the outer circumferential wall surface 14a of the upper reduced diameter section 14 is also composed of a curved surface with a circular arc cross-section that is concave radially inward. The "outer circumferential wall surface 14a" of the upper reduced diameter section 14 is the part of the outer circumferential surface of the upper reduced diameter section 14 that excludes any protrusions or recesses such as the ribs 15a described later.

[0021] Male threads 13 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 11a for screw connection with the lower unit 90. The upper unit 11 is formed by resin injection molding, similar to the lower unit 90. The upper unit 11 may also be made of a metal such as cast iron.

[0022] Furthermore, at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the upper reduced-diameter portion 14 is provided with a plurality of ribs 15a that protrude outward from near the upper end of the inner cylinder 11a at the lower end to near the inner circumferential end of the upper flange 16 at the upper end. This makes it easier for workers installing the drain 10 on the gutter 81 to install the drain 10 in the correct position in terms of rotation angle, as will be described later. The ribs 15a will be described in detail later.

[0023] The upper unit 11 of the drain 10 is installed on the periphery of the opening 82a of the gutter 81, with the inner cylinder 11a of the upper unit 11 protruding downward from the opening 82a, and the male thread 13 formed on the outer surface of the inner cylinder 11a is connected to the female thread 91a of the lower unit 90. In this state, as will be described later, the lower flange 92 of the lower unit 90 and the upper flange 16 of the upper unit 11 sandwich the bottom plate 82 of the gutter 81 from both above and below, thereby fixing the drain 10 to the gutter 81.

[0024] The downpipe 96 is fixed to the building along the exterior wall surface of the building using multiple fasteners (not shown) or the like, in the vertical direction. The lower end of the downpipe 96 may be connected to a drainpipe buried underground, so that rainwater flowing down the downpipe 96 is drained into the drainpipe.

[0025] The upper unit 11 will be explained in more detail using Figures 3A to 10. The upper unit 11 is a drainage member that has a high-performance rainwater drainage function when a large amount of rainwater flows into the gutter 81, such as during heavy rain. The upper unit 11 is composed of fins 30 connected at multiple circumferential positions on the upper surface of the upper flange 16 and the inner surface of the upper reduced diameter portion 14, an upper inner cylinder 40 connected to the radially inner ends of the multiple fins 30, and a funnel portion 41 continuous with the upper end of the upper inner cylinder 40. The multiple fins 30 are erected at multiple circumferential positions on the upper surface of the upper flange 16.

[0026] The funnel portion 41 extends radially outward in a trumpet shape, continuously from the upper end of the upper inner cylinder 40 toward the upper side. The conical inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the funnel portion 41 and the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the upper inner cylinder 40 are smoothly connected by a curved surface that includes a curved portion with a circular arc cross-section.

[0027] The inner cylinder 11a of the upper unit 11 is substantially cylindrical. A male thread 13 is formed on the outer surface of the inner cylinder 11a. The male thread 13 can be screwed into the female thread 91a (Figure 2) formed on the lower unit 90.

[0028] As shown in Figure 10, the upper reduced-diameter portion 14 has a smooth curved surface with a circular arc cross-section on its inner circumferential surface. The inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the inner cylinder 11a and the upper surface of the inner end of the upper flange 16 are smoothly connected by the inner circumferential surface of the upper reduced-diameter portion 14.

[0029] Furthermore, at least a portion of the circumferential surface of the upper reduced-diameter portion 14 has ribs 15a that protrude outward, extending from near the upper end of the inner cylinder 11a at the lower end to near the inner circumferential end of the upper flange at the upper end. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, a group of ribs 15 is provided at two positions on the circumferential surface of the upper reduced-diameter portion 14, each with a circumferential phase difference of approximately 180 degrees. Each group of ribs 15 is composed of three ribs 15a arranged in parallel and close together in the circumferential direction (for example, at intervals of about 1 mm to 3 mm).

[0030] As shown in Figure 3A, each rib 15a extends vertically in a side view from the lower end to the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter-reduced portion 14. In this case, one group of ribs 15 (upper side in Figure 9) is positioned circumferentially biased to one side in the circumferential direction between two adjacent fins 30 (the clockwise front side in the lower view of Figure 9). The other group of ribs 15 (upper side in Figure 9) is positioned circumferentially biased to the other side in the circumferential direction between two adjacent fins 30 (the clockwise rear side in Figure 9). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10 and Figure 18 described later, the radially outer end face, which is the tip surface of each rib 15a, is an arc shape in which the middle part in the vertical direction is concave radially inward, and is an arc shape with a radius of curvature larger than the radius of curvature of the arc of the outer circumferential wall surface 14a. The radially outer end face of each rib 15a may be an inclined surface with a straight cross-section that slopes radially outward toward upward. Furthermore, at the upper end of the radially outer end face of each rib 15a, a rounded section (R) may be provided at the connection point with the lower surface of the upper flange 16, for example, having a minimal radius of curvature, such as a circular arc cross-sectional shape of 0.5 mm. By providing each rib 15a on the drain 10, as described later, it is possible to prevent a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the installed drain, and it becomes easier for workers installing the drain 10 on the gutter 81 to install the drain 10 in an appropriate position in terms of rotation angle.

[0031] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10, in the upper unit 11, the portion separated by the multiple fins 30 (described later) between the outer peripheral end of the upper surface of the upper flange 16 and the outer peripheral end of the upper end of the funnel portion 41 becomes an inlet opening 20 for introducing rainwater that has flowed into the gutter 81 into the upper unit 11.

[0032] Multiple fins 30 are plate-shaped and extend radially, connected at multiple circumferential positions near the upper end of the inner cylinder 11a, extending from the upper end of the outer circumference of the upper flange 16 to the inner circumference of the lower end of the upper reduced diameter portion 14. The number of fins 30 is an odd number, namely 5. The radially outer end of each fin 30 is a plane approximately parallel to the central axis O (Figure 10) of the inner cylinder 11a, or a tapered surface slightly inclined radially outward toward the lower end. Each fin 30 may be inclined with respect to the radial direction in a plan view. Both circumferential sides of each fin 30 are flat, but may be curved. The number of fins 30 may be an odd number other than 5, such as 3, 5, 7, or 9.

[0033] Each fin 30 has a projection 31 that extends upward from a position radially outward from the outer peripheral end of the upper end of the funnel portion 41. Furthermore, a notch 32 (Figure 10) with a substantially rectangular cross-section is formed in the radially inward portion of the lower end of each fin 30. The multiple fins 30 have the function of straightening the flow of rainwater that flows in from the inlet opening 20. The notch 32 enhances the drainage function of rainwater that flows in from the inlet opening 20.

[0034] The upper inner cylinder 40 is a cylindrical portion that is connected to the lower part of the radially inner ends of the multiple fins 30, extends vertically, and has its lower end facing the inner space of the inner cylinder 11a.

[0035] A disc-shaped outward-facing flange 42 is formed at the upper end of the funnel portion 41. The funnel portion 41 is connected to the upper portion of the radially inner ends of the multiple fins 30. The outer diameter of the upper end of the funnel portion 41 is smaller than the inner diameter of the cylindrical inner surface of the inner cylinder 11a. The central axes O of the funnel portion 41, the upper inner cylinder 40, and the inner cylinder 11a coincide.

[0036] Figures 11 to 18 show the upper unit 11 combined with the lower unit 90, that is, the male thread of the upper unit 11 is screw-connected to the female thread of the lower unit 90 to form the drain 10. As shown in Figures 11 to 18, the lower unit 90 has a lower flange 92 and an outer cylinder 91 connected via a lower reduced diameter portion 93.

[0037] The method for assembling the gutter structure 70 including the drain 10 described above will now be explained. First, an opening 82a is formed in the bottom plate 82 of the gutter 81 at the position where the upper unit 11 will be attached. Next, the upper unit 11 is inserted into the gutter 81, and the inner cylinder 11a is first inserted into the opening 82a of the gutter 81 and made to protrude downwards, and the upper flange 16 is positioned on the periphery of the opening 82a of the bottom plate 82. At this time, adhesive is applied between the lower surface of the upper flange 16 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 82 to create a water seal. For example, with adhesive already applied to the lower surface of the upper flange 16, the upper flange 16 is placed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 82.

[0038] Then, as shown in Figure 17, the lower unit 90 is fixed to the outer circumference of the inner cylinder 11a that protrudes downward from the opening 82a of the gutter 81 using screw connections, and the bottom plate 82 of the gutter 81 is sandwiched and fixed from both the upper and lower sides by the upper flange 16 of the upper unit 11 and the lower flange 92 of the lower unit 90. After that, the downpipe 96 is connected to the lower unit 90 via the upstream elbow 97, the connecting pipe 94, and the downstream elbow 98. Then, in the state of use, the downpipe 96 is positioned to extend in the vertical direction.

[0039] With this type of gutter structure 70, rainwater that falls on the roof flows into the gutter 81, enters through the inlet opening 20 of the upper unit 11, passes inside the inner cylinder 11a, and is introduced into the downpipe 96 via the connecting pipe 94, etc. In this state, when the amount of rainwater flowing through the downpipe 96 exceeds a predetermined flow rate, the rainwater that has flowed down the downpipe 96 is forcefully drained downwards (in the direction of the white arrow in Figure 1) by the siphon effect.

[0040] Furthermore, according to the drain 10 described above, three ribs 15a are arranged at two positions on the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter-reduced portion 14 constituting the upper unit 11, where the circumferential phases are different, and each rib protrudes outward from the lower end to the upper end. Each rib 15a extends vertically in a side view from the lower end to the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter-reduced portion 14. This makes it easier for workers installing the drain 10 on the gutter 81 to easily install the drain 10 in the correct position in terms of rotation angle, using the ribs 15a on the drain 10 as a guide. In addition, the thickness of each rib 15a is set to, for example, about 1 mm, so that the ribs 15a are not easily crushed physically, and so that if the drain is made of resin, problems such as sink marks in the molded product do not occur. Furthermore, since each rib 15a is provided in a position that is not visible when the drain 10 is installed, it is possible to prevent a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the installed drain 10. As a comparative example, one could consider attaching a seal to a part of the circumferential direction of the drain to indicate its position, but this would make it easier for unnecessary dust to adhere around the seal. According to this embodiment, the adhesion of such dust to the drain can be suppressed.

[0041] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the upstream direction and the fins 30 and ribs 15a, viewed from above, with the drain 10 of the embodiment installed on the gutter 81. The upstream direction is the higher side when the bottom plate 82 of the gutter 81 is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, and is the left side of Figure 19. When installing the drain 10 on the gutter 81, each rib 15a formed on the drain 10 is positioned along the longitudinal direction of the gutter 81, connecting the upstream direction and the downstream direction (right side of Figure 19). Figure 19 shows each rib 15a viewed from above.

[0042] Furthermore, it is preferable that the installation instructions for the drain 10, such as the installation manual for the worker, include instructions to restrict the rotation direction of the drain 10 so that the direction of the rib 15a aligns with the longitudinal direction of the gutter 81. This allows the worker to determine the rotation position of the drain 10 while checking the position of the rib 15a, making it possible to easily install the drain 10 in the gutter 81 in the appropriate state as shown in Figure 19. In the state shown in Figure 19, the fin 30 indicated by arrow P1 in Figure 19, which is located at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction among the multiple fins 30 of the drain 10, is prevented from being positioned along the longitudinal direction of the gutter. This prevents foreign objects such as fallen leaves from getting caught on the fin 30 at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction. Rainwater flowing from the upstream direction towards the drain 10 inside the gutter 81 passes through the space between the two fins 30 indicated by arrows P1 and P2 in Figure 19, or between the space between the two fins 30 indicated by arrows P1 and P3, and flows into the inner cylinder 11a of the upper unit 11 and is discharged downwards.

[0043] Furthermore, since ribs 15a are placed on both the upstream and downstream sides of the drain 10, workers can more easily recognize the ribs 15a, making the construction work easier. In addition, since multiple ribs 15a are provided on both the upstream and downstream sides of the drain 10, workers can recognize the ribs 15a even more easily. Alternatively, only one rib 15a may be provided on both the upstream and downstream sides of the drain 10.

[0044] Furthermore, although Figure 19 shows the drain ribs arranged along the longitudinal direction of the gutter, the ribs can also be placed in different positions so that, while maintaining the same relationship between the rainwater flow direction of the gutter and the position of each fin as in Figure 19, each rib is positioned at a 90-degree different phase from that in Figure 19 on the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter reduction section 14. In this case, the worker restricts the rotation direction of the drain 10 so that the direction of the rib 15a aligns with the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the gutter 81 (the vertical direction in Figure 19).

[0045] Figure 20 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 19, showing an example of the comparative example drain 10a being installed on the gutter 81. The comparative example drain 10a is similar in configuration to the drain 10 of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 19, in which the upper unit 11 is not provided with ribs 15a. When a worker installs the comparative example drain 10a on the gutter 81, because there is no mark on the drain 10a indicating the rotational position, the fin 30 at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction, indicated by arrow P1 in Figure 20, may be positioned along the longitudinal direction of the gutter. In this state, when rainwater flows from upstream toward the drain 10a, foreign objects such as fallen leaves are more likely to get caught on the radial outer end of the fin 30 at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction (the position indicated by arrow Q in Figure 20). When foreign objects are caught on the fin 30 in this way, other foreign objects flowing later are more likely to get caught on the previously caught foreign objects, so foreign objects tend to accumulate in the drain 10a. According to the drain 10 in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 19, such problems can be prevented.

[0046] Figure 21 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 19, showing a drain 10b of another embodiment installed on a gutter 81. In the drain 10b shown in Figure 21, a group of ribs 15a, consisting of multiple ribs 15a, is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter-reducing portion 14 constituting the upper unit 11, at the circumferential center position between two fins 30 adjacent in the circumferential direction, indicated by arrows P1 and P2 in Figure 21. The group of ribs 15 is provided only on a part of the circumferential surface of the upper diameter-reducing portion 14, and no other group of ribs is provided at a position 180 degrees out of phase with the group of ribs 15. When the drain 10b is installed on the gutter 81, the rotation direction of the drain 10b is restricted so that the group of ribs 15 formed on the drain 10b is located as far upstream as possible. For example, it is preferable that the installation instructions for workers, such as the drain installation manual, include instructions to align the direction of the ribs 15a with the longitudinal direction of the gutter 81, and to restrict the rotation direction of the drain so that the rib group 15 is positioned in the upstream direction. This allows workers to properly and easily install the drain 10b on the gutter 81 in the state shown in Figure 21. Even in the state shown in Figure 21, as in the case of Figure 19, the fins 30 indicated by arrows P1 and P2 in Figure 21, which are positioned at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction among the multiple fins 30 of the drain 10b, are prevented from being positioned along the longitudinal direction of the gutter. This prevents foreign objects such as fallen leaves from getting caught on the fin 30 at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction.

[0047] Furthermore, in this example configuration, as shown in Figure 21, when the drain 10b is installed on the gutter 81 such that the central rib 15a of the rib group 15 is located furthest upstream on the gutter 81, the angle θm between the fin 30 indicated by arrows P1 and P2, which is located at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction, and the rainwater flow direction is approximately the maximum structural angle. This further suppresses foreign objects from getting caught on the fin 30 at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction. In this example, the other configurations and functions are the same as those in Figures 1 to 19. Note that in this example, instead of the rib group, only one central rib between two fins 30 can be provided.

[0048] Figure 22 is a front view of the upper unit 100 that constitutes a drain 10c (Figure 26) of another embodiment. Figure 23 is an enlarged view of a part of the upper unit 100 seen from diagonally below. Figure 24 is a left side view of the upper unit 100. Figure 25 is a bottom view of the upper unit 100. Figure 26 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the upstream direction and the fins 30 and protrusions 50, as seen from above, with the drain 10c including the upper unit 100 installed on the gutter 81.

[0049] In this example, the upper unit 100 does not have a group of ribs on its outer circumferential surface. Instead, a protrusion 50 with a projection length of 1 mm or less and a diameter of 20 mm or less is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper unit 100 at the circumferential center between two fins 30 that are adjacent in the circumferential direction. The protrusion 50 is, for example, hemispherical. As a result, the protrusion 50 is provided on a part of the circumferential surface of the upper unit 14. The protrusion 50 may be cylindrical or a polygonal column such as a rectangular prism.

[0050] When installing the drain 10c in this example onto the gutter 81, the rotation direction of the drain 10c is restricted so that the protrusion 50 formed on the drain 10c is located as far upstream as possible, as shown in Figure 26. For example, it is preferable that the installation instructions for the worker, such as the installation manual for the drain 10c, include instructions to restrict the rotation direction of the drain 10c so that the protrusion 50 is located as far upstream as possible. This allows the worker to properly and easily install the drain 10c onto the gutter 81 in the state shown in Figure 26. As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign objects such as fallen leaves from getting caught on the fin 30 at the upstream end in the direction of rainwater flow.

[0051] Furthermore, in this example configuration, as shown in Figure 26, when the drain 10c is installed on the gutter 81 such that the protrusion 50 is located furthest upstream of the gutter 81, the angle θm between the fin 30, indicated by arrows P1 and P2, located at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction, and the rainwater flow direction is approximately the maximum structural angle. This further suppresses foreign objects from getting caught on the fin 30 at the uppermost end in the rainwater flow direction. In addition, the protrusion 50 on the drain 10c serves as a guide, making it easier for workers to install the drain 10c in the correct position in terms of rotation angle. Moreover, since the protrusion 50 is located in a position that is not visible when the drain 10c is installed, it prevents a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the installed drain 10c. In this example, the other configurations and functions are the same as those in Figures 1 to 19, or Figure 21.

[0052] Figure 27 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 19, showing a drain 10d of another embodiment installed on the gutter 81. In this example, the number of fins 30 provided on the upper unit 100a is an even number, six. In addition, a protrusion 50 is provided at the circumferential center position between two adjacent fins 30 on the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter reduction portion of the upper unit 100a. Thus, in the configuration of this disclosure, the number of fins may be an even number. The number of fins 30 is not limited to six, but may be, for example, two, four, or eight.

[0053] When the drain 10d is installed on the gutter 81, the rotation direction of the drain 10d is restricted so that the protrusion 50 formed on the drain 10d is located as far upstream as possible, as shown in Figure 27. On the other hand, when the number of fins 30 is even, as in this example, the drain 10d may be installed on the gutter so that the protrusion 50 is located as far downstream as possible, that is, so that the phase of the protrusion 50 is 180 degrees different from that in Figure 27. Even in that case, the positional relationship between the fins 30 and the direction of rainwater flow is the same as in Figure 27. For this reason, the effect of providing the protrusion 50 in suppressing foreign objects from getting caught on the fins 30 is more pronounced when the number of fins 30 is odd.

[0054] Figure 28 is a front view of the upper unit 100b, which constitutes a drain in another embodiment. Figure 29 is an enlarged view of a part of the upper unit 100b, seen from diagonally below. Figure 30 is a left side view of the upper unit 100b. Figure 31 is a bottom view of the upper unit 100b.

[0055] In this example, unlike the configurations in Figures 22 to 26, the upper unit 100b does not have a protrusion on its outer circumferential surface. Instead, a downward-projecting protrusion 51 with a projection length of 1 mm or less and a diameter of 20 mm or less is provided on a part of the circumferential surface of the lower surface of the upper flange 16. The protrusion 51 is hemispherical. Thus, the protrusion 51 is provided on a part of the circumferential surface of the lower surface of the upper flange 16. The protrusion 51 may be cylindrical or a polygonal column such as a rectangular prism.

[0056] The configuration in this example, like the configurations of the embodiments described above, prevents a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the drain installation and makes it easier for workers installing the drain on the gutter 81 to install it in the correct rotation angle. For example, the protrusion 51 on the drain can be used as a guide to easily install the drain on the gutter in the correct rotation angle. Furthermore, since the protrusion 51 is located in a position that is not visible when the drain is installed, a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the drain installation can be prevented. In this example, the other configurations and operations are the same as those in Figures 22 to 26.

[0057] Figure 32 is a front view of the upper unit 100c, which constitutes a drain in another embodiment. Figure 33 is an enlarged view of a part of the upper unit 100c, seen from diagonally below. Figure 34 is a left side view of the upper unit 100c. Figure 35 is a bottom view of the upper unit 100c.

[0058] In this example configuration, unlike the configurations in Figures 22 to 26, a recess 52 with a recess depth of 1 mm or less and a diameter of 20 mm or less is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter-reduced portion 14 of the upper unit 100c at the circumferential center position between two fins adjacent in the circumferential direction. The recess 52a is, for example, recessed inward in a hemispherical shape. As a result, the recess 52 is provided on a part of the circumferential surface of the outer circumferential surface of the upper diameter-reduced portion 14.

[0059] The configuration in this example, like the configurations of the embodiments described above, prevents a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the drain installation and makes it easier for workers to easily install the drain in the gutter with the appropriate rotation angle. For example, the recess 52 provided in the drain can be used as a guide to easily install the drain in the gutter with the appropriate rotation angle. Furthermore, since the recess 52 is provided in a position that is not visible when the drain is installed, a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the drain installation can be prevented. In this example, the other configurations and operations are the same as those in Figures 22 to 26.

[0060] Figure 36 is an enlarged view of a portion of the upper unit 100d, which constitutes a drain in another embodiment, viewed from a diagonal angle below. Figure 37 is a left side view of the upper unit 100d. Figure 38 is a bottom view of the upper unit 100d.

[0061] In this example configuration, unlike the configurations shown in Figures 28 to 31, a recess 53 with a recess depth of 1 mm or less and a diameter of 20 mm or less is provided on the lower surface of the upper flange 16 of the upper unit 100d, at the circumferential center position between two circumferentially adjacent fins 30. The recess 53 is recessed, for example, in a hemispherical shape on the upper surface side of the upper flange 16. As a result, the recess 53 is provided on a circumferential portion of the lower surface of the upper flange 16.

[0062] This configuration, like the configurations of the embodiments described above, prevents a deterioration in the aesthetic appearance of the drain installation and makes it easier for workers to install the drain in the gutter with the appropriate rotation angle. In this example, the other configurations and operations are the same as those in Figures 28 to 31.

[0063] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, the drain is not limited to the type used in the eaves gutter drainage structure 80 having a downpipe 94 and elbows 97, 98 as shown in Figure 1, but may also be configured in which a long downpipe is directly connected to the underside of the drain. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 10,10a~10d Eaves gutter drain (drain), 11 Upper drain unit (upper unit), 11a Inner cylinder, 13 Male screw, 14 Upper reduced diameter section, 14a Outer peripheral wall surface, 15 Rib group, 15a Rib, 16 Upper flange, 20 Inlet opening, 30 Fin, 31 Protruding part, 32 Notch, 40 Inner cylinder section, 41 Funnel section, 42 Outward flange, 50,51 Convex part, 52,52a,53 Recessed part, 80 Eaves gutter structure, 81 Eaves gutter, 82 Bottom plate, 82a Opening, 83 Front wall, 84 Rear wall, 90 Lower drain unit (lower unit), 91 Outer cylinder, 91a Female screw, 92 Lower flange, 93 Stepped section, 93a Disc section, 94 Downpipe, 96 Downpipe, 97 Upstream elbow, 97a; large diameter cylindrical section, 98; downstream elbow, 100, 100a~100d; drain upper unit (upper unit).

Claims

1. A gutter drain is installed in the gutter so as to penetrate an opening for rainwater drainage provided in the bottom plate of the gutter, It comprises an upper drain unit and a lower drain unit. The drain lower unit comprises a lower flange positioned on the lower surface of the bottom plate, an outer cylinder provided below the lower flange, and a lower reduced-diameter section connecting the lower flange and the outer cylinder, the diameter of which decreases as it extends downward. The drain upper unit has an upper flange positioned on the upper surface of the bottom plate, an inner cylinder provided below the upper flange to guide rainwater downward, and an upper reduced-diameter section connecting the upper flange and the inner cylinder, the diameter of which decreases as it goes downward. The outer circumferential wall surface of the aforementioned upper reduced diameter portion is composed of a curved surface that is concave radially inward. At each of the two positions on the outer surface of the upper reduced diameter portion where the circumferential phase differs by 180 degrees, a rib is arranged that protrudes outward from the lower end to the upper end. Each of the aforementioned ribs extends vertically in a side view from the lower end to the upper end of the outer surface of the upper reduced diameter portion. Fins are erected at multiple circumferential positions on the upper surface of the upper flange, and when the gutter drain is installed in the gutter so that each of the two ribs is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the gutter, the fin located furthest forward in the upstream direction among the multiple fins is positioned so as not to be aligned with the longitudinal direction of the gutter. Eaves gutter drain.

2. In the eaves gutter drain according to claim 1, The radially outer end face of the rib has an arc shape in which the middle portion in the vertical direction is concave toward the radially inward direction. Eaves gutter drain.

3. A gutter drain installed in a gutter so as to penetrate an opening for rainwater drainage provided in the bottom plate of the gutter, It comprises an upper drain unit and a lower drain unit. The drain lower unit comprises a lower flange positioned on the lower surface of the bottom plate, an outer cylinder provided below the lower flange, and a lower reduced-diameter section connecting the lower flange and the outer cylinder, the diameter of which decreases as it extends downward. The drain upper unit has an upper flange positioned on the upper surface of the bottom plate, an inner cylinder provided below the upper flange to guide rainwater downward, and an upper reduced-diameter section connecting the upper flange and the inner cylinder, the diameter of which decreases as it goes downward. The outer circumferential wall surface of the aforementioned upper reduced diameter portion is composed of a curved surface that is concave radially inward. At least a portion of the outer surface of the upper reduced diameter portion has ribs that protrude outward from the lower end to the upper end, The rib extends vertically in a side view from the lower end to the upper end of the outer circumferential surface of the upper reduced diameter portion. Fins are erected at multiple circumferential positions on the upper surface of the upper flange, and when the ribs are installed in the gutter so that they are located furthest upstream, the angle between the fin positioned at the upstream end in the rainwater flow direction and the rainwater flow direction is approximately the maximum structural angle. Eaves gutter drain.

4. A gutter drain installed in a gutter so as to penetrate an opening for rainwater drainage provided in the bottom plate of the gutter, It comprises an upper drain unit and a lower drain unit. The drain lower unit comprises a lower flange positioned on the lower surface of the bottom plate, an outer cylinder provided below the lower flange, and a lower reduced-diameter section connecting the lower flange and the outer cylinder, the diameter of which decreases as it extends downward. The drain upper unit has an upper flange positioned on the upper surface of the bottom plate, an inner cylinder provided below the upper flange to guide rainwater downward, and an upper reduced-diameter section connecting the upper flange and the inner cylinder, the diameter of which decreases as it goes downward. The outer circumferential wall surface of the aforementioned upper reduced diameter portion is composed of a curved surface that is concave radially inward. A protrusion or recess with a projection length or recess depth of 1 mm or less and a diameter of 20 mm or less is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the upper reduced diameter portion or on a part of the lower surface of the upper flange in the circumferential direction. Fins are erected at multiple circumferential positions on the upper surface of the upper flange, and when the gutter is installed such that the protrusion or recess is located furthest upstream of the gutter, the angle between the fin positioned at the upstream end in the rainwater flow direction and the rainwater flow direction is approximately the maximum structural angle. Eaves gutter drain.

5. In the gutter drain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The number of fins is 3, 5, 7, or 9. Eaves gutter drain.

6. The aforementioned gutter and, A gutter drain according to claim 1, claim 3, or claim 4, comprising: Eave gutter structure.

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