Piping connection structure, drainage device, and vanity unit

Abstract

To provide a pipe connection structure etc. which enable a tube member to be screwed to the back side of an inserted part more smoothly.SOLUTION: A pipe connection structure 33 includes: a tube member 331 in which a spiral projection 3311 formed by a spiral hard core material 3311a is provided at an outer periphery of a soft tube body 3312; and a pipe 332 serially connected to the tube member 331. An inserted part 3321 in the pipe 332 has a female screw part 3321a corresponding to the spiral projection 3311 at its inner periphery to enable the tube member 331 to be screwed thereinto. While a trough part 3312b of the female screw part 3312a has a constant inner diameter from the back side to an end opening 332a side in the pipe 332, a crest part 3312c of the female screw part 3312a has an inner diameter which gradually increases from the back side to the end opening 332a side in the pipe 332.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pipe connection structure in which a tube member and a pipe are connected, a drain outlet device including the pipe connection structure, and a washstand including the pipe connection structure.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a drain outlet device including a flow path component that constitutes a drainage flow path passing through a drain outlet of a tank body (for example, a washbowl of a washstand, a bathtub, a sink of a washbasin, etc.) is known. The flow path component is, for example, a soft tube member that can be bent relatively easily, in which spiral protrusions formed by a hard core material having a spiral shape are provided on the outer periphery of a tubular soft tube body, and a hard pipe connected in series to the tube member. It may be configured by a pipe connection structure (see, for example, Patent Document 1, etc.). In this Patent Document 1, the pipe connection structure is composed of a tube member (connection tube) located below the drain outlet and a pipe (drain trap or trap joint) connected in series to the tube member. The tube member and the pipe are connected by fitting the tube member over the outer periphery of the pipe.

[0003] Also, although it does not have a core material, as a method of connecting a tube member having spiral protrusions on the outer periphery and a pipe, a method is known in which the tube member is inserted into the inner periphery of the pipe while fixing the inner peripheral surface of the pipe and the outer peripheral surface of the tube member with a predetermined adhesive (see, for example, Patent Document 2, etc.). More specifically, regarding this method, the inserted portion where the tube member is inserted in the pipe has an internal thread portion corresponding to the spiral protrusion on its inner periphery. Then, after applying an adhesive to the outer peripheral surface of the tube member or the like, the tube member is screwed into the inserted portion so that the pipe and the tube member are connected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-300763 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-190480 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Incidentally, it is conceivable to connect a tube member, which has a spiral projection formed from a rigid core material, to a pipe using the method described in Patent Document 2 above. However, in this case, due to the friction generated between the outer circumferential surface of the tip side of the tube member and the inner circumferential surface of the part to be inserted, when the tube member is screwed into the part to be inserted, the tube member may unintentionally expand in diameter, and consequently, it may become impossible to fully insert the tube member into the part to be inserted. More specifically, when the tube member is screwed into the part to be inserted, the friction generated between the outer circumferential surface of the tip side of the tube member and the part to be inserted makes it difficult for the tip side of the tube member to rotate. In this state, when rotational force is applied to the tube member in order to screw the tube member into the part to be inserted, the core material deforms so as to expand in diameter, and consequently the tube member expands in diameter in accordance with the expansion of the core material. This is similar to the case when one end of a coil spring is fixed and rotational force is applied to the coil spring in the screwing direction by pushing the other end of the coil spring in, causing the coil spring to expand in diameter. When the tube member expands in diameter, combined with the fact that the tip portion of the tube member becomes difficult to rotate, it becomes extremely difficult to fully insert the tube member into the insertion area.

[0006] In response to this, it is conceivable to create a sufficient gap between the inner surface of the insertion part and the outer surface of the tube member by making the valleys and peaks of the female threaded portion tapered, with the inner diameter gradually increasing from the back of the insertion part towards the end opening (the opening on the side into which the tube member is screwed). Providing such a gap would allow the tube member to be screwed more smoothly into the back of the insertion part.

[0007] However, if the valleys and peaks of the female thread are tapered as described above, the gap formed between the inner surface of the insertion part and the outer surface of the tube member will gradually increase toward the opening side of the insertion part (the insertion port of the tube member), making it easier for the tube member to tilt relative to the insertion part. As a result, the adhesive may harden with the tube member tilted, which may lead to a decrease in appearance. Furthermore, if the tube member tilts during the hardening of the adhesive, a gap may be created in the space that should be filled with adhesive. Also, if an adhesive that has some flexibility after hardening is used, even after the adhesive has hardened, external force may cause the tube member to tilt, creating a gap in the space that should be filled with adhesive. The occurrence of such gaps may lead to a decrease in sealing performance (watertightness).

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a pipe connection structure that allows the tube member to be screwed more smoothly into the inner part of the insertion section, while ensuring better and more reliable sealing between the tube member and the pipe, and further preventing a decrease in appearance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Below, we will describe, in separate sections, each means suitable for achieving the above objectives. Furthermore, we will add notes on the effects and benefits specific to each means as needed.

[0010] Means 1. A tube member having spiral projections formed by a rigid core material in a spiral shape, provided on the outer circumference of a soft, cylindrical tube, The tubular member is connected in series with a pipe, A pipe connection structure is provided in which the tube member is inserted through the end opening of the pipe into the inner circumference of the pipe, and the inner surface of the pipe and the outer surface of the tube member are fixed together with a predetermined adhesive, thereby connecting the tube member and the pipe. The insertion portion of the piping through which the tube member is inserted has a female threaded portion on its inner circumference corresponding to the helical projection, thereby enabling the tube member to be screwed in. The valley portion of the female thread has a constant inner diameter from the inner side to the end opening side of the pipe, A pipe connection structure characterized in that the threads of the female screw portion are configured such that the inner diameter gradually increases from the inner side to the end opening side of the pipe.

[0011] According to the above-described means 1, the crests of the female thread portion are tapered, with the inner diameter gradually increasing from the inner side of the pipe towards the end opening, while the valleys of the female thread portion are straight with a constant inner diameter. Here, because the crests of the female thread portion are tapered, the frictional force generated between the outer surface of the tip side of the tube member and the female thread portion can be effectively reduced compared to the case where the crests and valleys of the female thread portion are both straight. As a result, the tube member can be screwed more smoothly into the inner side of the insertion portion, making it easier to connect the tube member and the pipe in an appropriate state. Furthermore, because the crests of the female thread portion are tapered, compared to the case where the crests and valleys of the female thread portion are both straight, when adhesive is applied to the outer surface of the tube member and the tube member is screwed into the pipe, the adhesive can be filled more reliably into the inner side of the pipe.

[0012] On the other hand, according to the above means 1, since the valleys of the female thread are straight, the gap formed between the inner surface of the insertion portion and the outer surface of the tube member (especially the portion where the spiral projection is provided) can be made smaller compared to the case where the peaks and valleys of the female thread are tapered. As a result, the insertion portion can support the rigid core material (spiral projection), and tilting of the tube member relative to the insertion portion can be effectively prevented. As a result, the deterioration of appearance due to the adhesive hardening while the tube member is tilted can be prevented more reliably. In addition, by preventing the tilting of the tube member, gaps in the space to be filled with adhesive can be prevented more reliably, and as a result, the sealing performance (watertightness) between the tube member and the piping can be reliably improved.

[0013] Means 2. The pipe connection structure according to Means 1, characterized in that the female thread portion has a positioning surface at the end opposite to the end opening, to which the end of the helical projection can abut.

[0014] According to the above-described method 2, it is possible to more reliably determine that the tube member is properly connected to the piping with a very simple structure.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the above-mentioned means 2, it is possible to effectively suppress tilting of the tube member that occurs when the tube member is inserted too far into the pipe, thereby further enhancing the effect of preventing tilting of the tube member.

[0016] Means 3. The piping is, A stepped portion located further inside the piping than the insertion portion, facing the end of the pipe body of the tube member inserted into the insertion portion along the axial direction of the piping, and having an inner diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tube member, The pipe connection structure according to means 1 or 2, characterized by comprising a tube end housing portion located between the terminal portion on the opposite side of the end opening in the female thread portion and the stepped portion, and forming a housing space for the end of the pipe body.

[0017] According to the above-described method 3, the piping is provided with a stepped portion facing the end of the tube member (pipe body), and this stepped portion has an inner diameter that is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the tube member. Therefore, smooth water flow within the piping connection structure can be ensured, and clogging within the piping connection structure due to the accumulation of dirt can be prevented more reliably.

[0018] In addition, according to means 3 above, the piping is provided with a tube end housing that forms a space for housing the end of the pipe body between the end of the female thread and the stepped portion. Therefore, even if the soft portion (pipe body) remains before the core material when the tube member is cut, and the end of the tube member (especially the end of the pipe body) protrudes slightly beyond the end of the spiral projection along the axial direction of the tube member, the protruding portion can be housed in the housing space, more reliably preventing the protruding portion from hitting the stepped portion. This more reliably prevents the protruding portion from extending toward the center of the piping due to contact with the stepped portion, and consequently more effectively enables smooth water flow and prevents blockages. Furthermore, when the configuration of means 2 above is provided, it is more reliably possible to prevent the end of the spiral projection from properly abutting against the positioning surface due to the influence of the protruding portion, and consequently more reliably enable the effects of means 2 above to be exerted.

[0019] Means 4. The pipe connection structure according to Means 1, characterized in that the pipe is provided with an adhesive receiving portion located on the end opening side of the female thread portion and having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the valley portion.

[0020] According to the above-described means 4, the space formed between the adhesive receiving portion and the tube member can accommodate the adhesive that has protruded from between the inserted portion and the tube member toward the end opening side. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive from overflowing outside the pipe. As a result, the appearance can be improved.

[0021] Further, according to the above-described means 4, simply by using a relatively large amount of adhesive, it is possible to naturally prevent the adhesive from overflowing outside the pipe while ensuring good watertightness between the tube member and the pipe. That is, while ensuring good watertightness between the tube member and the pipe, it is not necessary to strictly control the amount of adhesive used in order to prevent the adhesive from overflowing outside the pipe. Therefore, the workability when connecting the tube member and the pipe can be effectively improved.

[0022] Means 5. A flow path component through which the drained water flowing through the drain outlet of the tank body flows, A drain outlet device in which at least a part of the flow path component is constituted by the pipe connection structure described in Means 1, In the pipe connection structure, the drain outlet device is characterized in that the drained water is configured to flow from the tube member side toward the pipe side.

[0023] According to the above-described means 5, basically, the same operational effects as those of the above-described means 1 are achieved.

[0024] Also, when the tube member is externally fitted around the outer periphery of the pipe, in a configuration where the drained water flows from the tube member side toward the pipe side, since the stepped surface formed by the end portion (end face) of the pipe faces the upstream side in the flow direction of the drained water, there is a possibility that problems such as the accumulation of dirt caused by the stepped surface and clogging of the pipe may easily occur.

[0025] In this regard, since the pipe connection structure of means 1 above is configured to insert a tube member into the inner circumference of the pipe, in the case of a configuration where drainage flows from the tube member side to the pipe side, as in means 5 above, the stepped surface formed by the end (end face) of the tube member faces the downstream side in the direction of drainage flow. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively suppress the occurrence of problems such as the accumulation of dirt and clogging of pipes caused by the stepped surface, thereby improving hygiene and ease of use.

[0026] Means 6. A washbasin vanity having the piping connection structure described in Means 1, wherein at least a portion of the drainage flow path is formed by the piping connection structure.

[0027] According to the above means 6, the same effects and advantages as those of means 1 are achieved.

[0028] Furthermore, the technical aspects related to each of the above means may be combined as appropriate. For example, the technical aspects related to means 2 or 3 may be combined with the technical aspects related to means 4. Also, for example, at least one of the technical aspects related to means 2 to 4 may be combined with the technical aspects related to means 5. Moreover, at least one of the technical aspects related to means 2 to 5 may be combined with the technical aspects related to means 6. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view of the drainage device. [Figure 2] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of a pipe connection structure, with the adhesive diagram omitted. [Figure 3] This is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the pipe connection structure. [Figure 4] This is a magnified cross-sectional view of a section of piping. [Figure 5] This is a magnified perspective view of a portion of the pipe connection structure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the drain device 1 is installed in a washbasin vanity and is attached to the washbasin bowl 100, which is the "tub body" of the washbasin vanity. The washbasin bowl 100 has a bottom wall portion 101 that forms the bottom surface, and a drain opening 102 is formed through the bottom wall portion 101.

[0031] The drain outlet device 1 comprises a cylindrical drain outlet member 2 inserted into the drain outlet 102, a drain pipe 3, a plug cover side drive unit 4 having a support projection 41 that can move up and down in accordance with the operation of an operating unit (e.g., an operating button) not shown, and a plug cover 5 that moves up and down in accordance with the up and down movement of the support projection 41. In this embodiment, as the plug cover 5 moves downward, the entire outer circumference of the plug cover 5 (especially the packing) comes into contact with the bottom wall 101, causing the drain outlet 102 to close. As the plug cover 5 moves upward, the plug cover 5 separates from the bottom wall 101, causing the drain outlet 102 to open.

[0032] Next, the drain pipe 3 will be described. The drain pipe 3 is formed by connecting the upstream pipe 31, the drain trap 32, the pipe connection structure 33, and the downstream pipe 34 in this order in series. In this embodiment, the drain outlet member 2 and the drain pipe 3 constitute a flow path component 3a through which the wastewater that has passed through the drain outlet 102 flows. Therefore, the pipe connection structure 33 constitutes a part of the flow path component 3a, that is, a part of the drainage flow path in the washbasin.

[0033] The upstream pipe 31 is a cylindrical component into which wastewater that has passed through the drain member 2 flows. The upstream pipe 31 is screwed to the drain member 2 with its bottom wall portion 101 sandwiched between them, thereby connecting the drain member 2 in series and also connecting to the washbasin 100 (bottom wall portion 101). In this embodiment, the upstream pipe 31 also functions as the mounting target for the stopper cover side drive unit 4.

[0034] The drain trap 32 is a cylindrical component into which wastewater that has passed through the upstream pipe 31 flows, and it has an S-shaped curve. The drain trap 32 has the function of storing the wastewater that has flowed in from the upstream pipe 31 as a water seal.

[0035] The pipe connection structure 33 is a cylindrical component into which wastewater that has passed through the drain trap 32 flows, and comprises a tube member 331 and a pipe 332. In this embodiment, the pipe connection structure 33 is connected in series to the drain trap 32 by fitting one end of the tube member 331 onto the other end of the drain trap 32. The pipe connection structure 33 will be described in more detail later.

[0036] The downstream pipe 34 is a cylindrical component into which drainage that has passed through the piping connection structure 33 flows, and is installed and fixed so as to protrude upward from, for example, the building floor. The downstream pipe 34 is the object to which the piping 332 is connected, and in this embodiment, the downstream pipe 34 and the piping 332 are connected in series with the piping 332 inserted through the inner circumference of the downstream pipe 34.

[0037] Next, the pipe connection structure 33 will be described in detail. As described above, the pipe connection structure 33 comprises a tube member 331 and a pipe 332. In the pipe connection structure 33, drainage flows from the tube member 331 toward the pipe 332.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tube member 331 is a cylindrical component in which a spiral projection 3311, formed by a rigid core material 3311a, is provided on the outer circumference of a soft, cylindrical tube 3312.

[0039] The spiral projection 3311 is composed of a core material 3311a and a covering portion 3311b that covers the core material 3311a, and is a spiral projection that protrudes from the outer surface of the tubular body 3312. The covering portion 3311b is made of the same soft material as the constituent material of the tubular body 3312, which will be described below, and in this embodiment, the covering portion 3311b is integrally formed with the tubular body 3312.

[0040] Furthermore, the core material 3311a is formed from various rigid resins such as rigid polyvinyl chloride. Because the core material 3311a is made of a rigid material, the tube member 331 has a degree of rigidity that can prevent deformation such as crushing, twisting, and bending to a certain extent.

[0041] The pipe body 3312 is formed from a flexible material, such as flexible polyvinyl chloride. Because the pipe body 3312 is formed from a flexible material, the tube member 331 has enough flexibility to be bent to a certain extent (for example, by hand).

[0042] The pipe 332 is a cylindrical component connected in series to the tube member 331. The tube member 331 and the pipe 332 are connected by inserting the tube member 331 through the end opening 332a of the pipe 332 into the inner circumference of the pipe 332, and fixing the inner surface of the pipe 332 and the outer surface of the tube member 331 with a predetermined adhesive 333 (see Figure 3). The adhesive 333 fills the entire circumference of the gap formed between the inner surface of the pipe 332 and the outer surface of the tube member 331. When connecting the tube member 331 and the pipe 332, the tube member 331, which has the adhesive 333 applied to its outer circumference before hardening, is inserted into the pipe 332.

[0043] Furthermore, a female threaded portion 3321a corresponding to the spiral projection 3311 is formed on the inner circumference of the insertion portion 3321, which is the part of the piping 332 through which the tube member 331 is inserted. In this embodiment, the female threaded portion 3321a is formed by providing a spiral groove on the inner circumference of the insertion portion 3321 that corresponds to the height, width, pitch, etc., of the spiral projection 3311. By providing the female threaded portion 3321a, the tube member 331 can be screwed into the insertion portion 3321.

[0044] Furthermore, the female threaded portion 3321a is provided with a valley portion 3321b that corresponds to the bottom of the helical groove. The valley portion 3321b is the part that, when the tube member 331 is inserted into the insertion portion 3321, faces the top of the helical projection 3311 along the radial direction of the pipe 332. The valley portion 3321b is configured to have a constant inner diameter from the inner side (opposite the end opening 332a) of the pipe 332 towards the end opening 332a. That is, when a virtual plane VS1 (see Figure 4) including the valley portion 3321b is taken, the virtual plane VS1 is configured to have a cylindrical shape with a constant outer diameter along the longitudinal direction of the pipe 332. Note that in Figure 4, only two parallel virtual lines that appear in the cross-section when a cross-section including the central axis of the pipe 332 is taken are shown as the virtual plane VS1.

[0045] On the other hand, the female thread portion 3321a is provided with a crest portion 3321c located between the helical grooves. The crest portion 3321c is the part that, when the tube member 331 is inserted into the insertion portion 3321, faces the outer surface of the tube member 331 (pipe body 3312) located between the helical projections 3311 along the radial direction of the pipe 332. The crest portion 3321c has a tapered shape in which the inner diameter gradually increases from the back side of the pipe 332 towards the end opening 332a side. That is, when a virtual plane VS2 (see Figure 4) including the crest portion 3321c is taken, the virtual plane VS2 is configured to have a conical shape (or frustoconical shape) in which the outer diameter gradually increases from the back side of the pipe 332 towards the end opening 332a side. In Figure 4, only two virtual lines are shown as the virtual plane VS2. These lines appear in a cross-section that includes the central axis of the pipe 332, and their distance gradually increases toward the end opening 332a.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, the female thread portion 3321a has a positioning surface 3321d at the end opposite to the end opening 332a, to which the end of the helical projection 3311 can abut. In this embodiment, the positioning surface 3321d is a flat surface extending in the radial direction of the pipe 332. When connecting the tube member 331 and the pipe 332, the insertion length of the tube member 331 into the insertion portion 3321 (pipe 332) can be made appropriate by screwing the tube member 331 into the insertion portion 3321 (pipe 332) until the end of the helical projection 3311 (core material 3311a) abuts against the positioning surface 3321d.

[0047] Furthermore, the pipe 332 is located further back than the insertion portion 3321 and has a stepped portion 3322 that forms a continuous annular shape along the circumferential direction of the pipe 332. The stepped portion 3322 is the part of the pipe 3322 that is opposite to the end (end face) of the pipe body 3312 of the tube member 331 inserted into the insertion portion 3321, along the axial direction of the pipe 332. The stepped portion 3322 (especially the innermost part of the stepped portion 3322) is said to have an inner diameter that is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the tube member 331. In this embodiment, the stepped portion 3322 has a tapered surface shape in which the inner diameter gradually increases from the far side of the pipe 332 toward the end opening 332a side, but it may also have a flat surface shape that extends in a direction approximately perpendicular to the central axis of the pipe 332 and is approximately perpendicular to the inner surface of the pipe 332.

[0048] In addition, the piping 332 is provided with a tube end housing portion 3323 located between the terminal portion (positioning surface 3321d) on the opposite side of the end opening 332a in the female thread portion 3321a and the stepped portion 3322. When the tube member 331 is cut, the soft portion (tube body 3312) may remain before the core material 3311a. The tube end housing portion 3323 is intended to form a housing space for the end of the pipe body 3312, that is, the soft portion (tube body 3312) that remains before the core material 3311a, when the tube member 331 is properly inserted into the insertion portion 3321.

[0049] Furthermore, the pipe 332 is provided with a cylindrical adhesive receiving portion 3324 located on the end opening 332a side of the female thread portion 3321a, and whose inner diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the valley portion 3321b. With the adhesive receiving portion 3324 provided, when the tube member 331 is inserted into the insertion portion 3321, a relatively large annular space 3324s (see Figures 2, 5, etc.) is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the adhesive receiving portion 3324 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube member 331, opening at the end opening 332a. Note that in Figure 5, the core material 3311a, which is visible in the cross-section of the tube member 331, is not shown.

[0050] As described in detail above, according to this embodiment, the peak portion 3321c of the female thread portion 3321a is tapered, with the inner diameter gradually increasing from the inner side of the pipe 332 towards the end opening 332a, while the valley portion 3321b of the female thread portion 3321a is straight with a constant inner diameter. Here, because the peak portion 3321c of the female thread portion 3321a is tapered, the frictional force generated between the outer circumferential surface on the tip side of the tube member 331 and the female thread portion 3321a can be effectively reduced compared to the case where the peak portion 3321c and the valley portion 3321b of the female thread portion 3321a are both straight. As a result, the tube member 331 can be screwed more smoothly into the inner side of the insertion portion 3321, making it easier to connect the tube member 331 and the pipe 332 in an appropriate state. Furthermore, because the peak portion 3321c of the female thread portion 3321a is tapered, compared to the case where the peak portion 3321c and the valley portion 3321b of the female thread portion 3321a are both straight, when adhesive 333 is applied to the outer circumference of the tube member 331 and the tube member 331 is screwed into the pipe 332, the adhesive 333 can be filled more reliably into the deeper part of the pipe 332.

[0051] On the other hand, since the valley portion 3321b of the female thread portion 3321a is straight, the gap formed between the inner circumferential surface of the insertion portion 3321 and the outer circumferential surface of the tube member 331 (especially the portion where the spiral projection 3311 is provided) can be made smaller compared to the case where the peak portion 3321c and the valley portion 3321b of the female thread portion 3321a are tapered. As a result, the insertion portion 3321 can support the rigid core material 3311a (spiral projection 3311), and tilting of the tube member 331 relative to the insertion portion 3321 can be effectively prevented. As a result, the deterioration of appearance due to the adhesive 333 hardening while the tube member 331 is tilted can be more reliably prevented. In addition, by preventing the tilting of the tube member 331, gaps in the space to be filled with adhesive 333 can be more reliably prevented, and as a result, the sealing performance (watertightness) between the tube member 331 and the piping 332 can be more reliably improved.

[0052] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the female thread portion 3321a is equipped with a positioning surface 3321d to which the end of the helical projection 3311 can abut. Therefore, with a very simple structure, it is possible to more reliably ascertain that the tube member 331 is properly connected to the pipe 332.

[0053] Furthermore, by providing a positioning surface 3321d, it is possible to effectively suppress tilting of the tube member 331 that occurs when the tube member 331 is inserted too far into the pipe 332. As a result, the effect of preventing tilting of the tube member 331 can be further enhanced.

[0054] Furthermore, the piping 332 is provided with a stepped portion 3322 that faces the end of the tube member 331 (pipe body 3312), and the stepped portion 3322 has an inner diameter that is approximately the same as the inner diameter of the tube member 331. Therefore, smooth water flow within the piping connection structure 33 can be ensured, and clogging within the piping connection structure 33 due to the accumulation of dirt can be prevented more reliably.

[0055] In addition, the piping 332 is equipped with a tube end housing portion 3323 that forms a space for housing the end of the pipe body 3312. Therefore, even if the end of the tube member 331 (especially the end of the pipe body 3312) protrudes slightly beyond the end of the spiral projection 3311 along the axial direction of the tube member 331, the protruding portion can be housed in the housing space, more reliably preventing the protruding portion from contacting the stepped portion 3322. This more reliably prevents the protruding portion from extending toward the center of the piping 332 due to contact with the stepped portion 3322, thereby more effectively achieving the effects of smooth water flow and clogging prevention. Furthermore, it more reliably prevents the end of the spiral projection 3311 from properly abutting against the positioning surface 3321d due to the influence of the protruding portion, thereby more reliably achieving the effects of providing the positioning surface 3321d.

[0056] In addition, the annular space 3324s formed between the adhesive receiving portion 3324 and the tube member 331 can contain the adhesive 333 that has protruded from between the insertion portion 3321 and the tube member 331 toward the end opening 332a. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the adhesive 333 from overflowing outside the piping 332. This improves the appearance.

[0057] Furthermore, by providing the adhesive receiving section 3324, simply using a relatively large amount of adhesive 333 will naturally prevent the adhesive from overflowing outside the pipe 332, while ensuring good watertightness between the tube member 331 and the pipe 332. In other words, while ensuring good watertightness between the tube member 331 and the pipe 332, it becomes unnecessary to strictly control the amount of adhesive 333 used to prevent it from overflowing outside the pipe 332. Therefore, the workability when connecting the tube member 331 and the pipe 332 can be effectively improved.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the drainage flows from the tube member 331 to the pipe 332, the stepped surface formed by the end (end face) of the tube member 331 faces downstream in the direction of drainage flow. Therefore, the accumulation of dirt and blockages in pipes caused by this stepped surface can be suppressed more effectively, improving hygiene and ease of use.

[0059] Furthermore, the embodiment is not limited to the description above, and may be implemented as follows, for example. Of course, other applications and modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

[0060] (a) In the above embodiment, the pipe connection structure 33 constitutes a part of the flow path component 3a, but the pipe connection structure 33 may constitute the entire flow path component.

[0061] (b) In the above embodiment, the spiral projection 3311 comprises a core material 3311a and a covering portion 3311b that covers the core material 3311a, but it may also be the case that the covering portion 3311b is not provided. In this case, the core material 3311a constituting the spiral projection 3311 will be exposed on the outer surface of the pipe body 3312.

[0062] (c) In the above embodiment, the pipe connection structure 33 is applied to the drainage path from the washbasin 100, but the application of the pipe connection structure may be changed as appropriate. Therefore, the pipe connection structure may be applied to drainage paths other than the washbasin 100. Of course, the pipe connection structure may also be applied to the water flow path for water supply, or to the flow path of liquids other than water.

[0063] (d) In the above embodiment, the piping connection structure 33 is configured to allow water to flow from the tube member 331 side to the pipe 332 side, but it may also be configured to allow water to flow from the pipe 332 side to the tube member 331 side.

[0064] (e) The configuration of the drain port device 1 in the above embodiment is an example, and the configuration of the drain port device 1 may be changed as appropriate. For example, in the above embodiment, the drain port 102 is closed when the stopper cover 5 (packing) comes into contact with the bottom wall portion 101, but the drain port 102 may be closed when the stopper cover 5 comes into contact with a part other than the bottom wall portion 101 (for example, the drain port member 2, etc.).

[0065] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drain port device 1 is equipped with a stopper cover 5 for opening and closing the drain port 102, but it may be equipped without a stopper cover 5. If a stopper cover 5 is not provided, it is not necessary to provide a stopper cover side drive unit 4, etc.

[0066] (f) In the above embodiment, a washbasin 100 is shown as an example of a tank body, but the tank body to which the technical concept of the present invention can be applied is not limited to a washbasin. Therefore, for example, the technical concept of the present invention may be applied to a bathtub or a kitchen sink. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1...Drain outlet device, 3a...Flow path component, 33...Pipe connection structure, 100...Washbasin (tank body), 102...Drain outlet, 331...Tube member, 332...Piping, 332a...End opening, 333...Adhesive, 3311...Spiral projection, 3311a...Core material, 3312...Pipe body, 3321...Penetrated portion, 3321a...Female thread portion, 3321b...Valley portion, 3321c...Climax portion, 3321d...Positioning surface, 3322...Step portion, 3323...Tube end housing portion, 3324...Adhesive receiving portion.

Claims

1. A tube member having spiral projections formed by a rigid, spiral-shaped core material provided on the outer circumference of a soft, cylindrical tube, The tubular member is connected in series with a pipe, A pipe connection structure is provided in which the tube member is inserted through the end opening of the pipe into the inner circumference of the pipe, and the inner surface of the pipe and the outer surface of the tube member are fixed together with a predetermined adhesive, thereby connecting the tube member and the pipe. The insertion portion of the piping through which the tube member is inserted has a female threaded portion on its inner circumference corresponding to the helical projection, thereby enabling the tube member to be screwed in. The valley portion of the female thread has a constant inner diameter from the inner side to the end opening side of the pipe, A pipe connection structure characterized in that the threads of the female screw portion are configured such that the inner diameter gradually increases from the inner side to the end opening side of the pipe.

2. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the female thread portion has a positioning surface at the end opposite to the end opening, to which the end of the helical projection can abut.

3. The aforementioned piping is A stepped portion located further inside the piping than the insertion portion, facing the end of the pipe body of the tube member inserted into the insertion portion along the axial direction of the piping, and having an inner diameter substantially the same as the inner diameter of the tube member, The pipe connection structure according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a tube end housing portion located between the terminal portion on the opposite side of the end opening in the female thread portion and the stepped portion, which forms a housing space for the end of the pipe body.

4. The pipe connection structure according to claim 1, characterized in that the pipe is provided with an adhesive receiving portion located on the end opening side of the female thread portion and having an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the valley portion.

5. It is equipped with a flow channel component through which wastewater that has passed through the drain port of the tank body flows, A drain outlet device wherein at least a part of the flow path component is formed by the piping connection structure described in claim 1, The drainage device is characterized in that the pipe connection structure is configured such that the drainage flows from the tube member side toward the pipe side.

6. A washbasin vanity having the piping connection structure described in claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the drainage channel is formed by the piping connection structure.

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