Projecting member, piping member, and piping system

Abstract

Provided are a projecting member, a piping member, and a piping system with which flow rate can be improved while also allowing for downscaling. A projecting member (6) is disposed inside a straight pipe (vertical pipe 3) disposed on the downstream side of an elbow (second elbow 5-2) for changing the direction of a flow path, and partially reduces the flow path cross-sectional area of the straight pipe. The projecting member (6) comprises a first end (6a) directed upstream and a second end (6b) directed downstream, and a top part (6e) between the first end (6a) and the second end (6b) to minimize the flow path cross-sectional area of the vertical pipe (3). Let D be the inner diameter of the vertical pipe (3), let L1 be the distance between the first end (6a) and the top part (6e) in the direction of a central axis (C3) of the vertical pipe (3), let L2 be the distance between the top part (6e) and the second end (6b) in the direction of the central axis (C3) of the vertical pipe (3), and let h be the height at the top part (6e), in which case the projecting member (6) satisfies 25 mm ≤ D ≤ 160 mm, 0.1D ≤ L1 ≤ 1.0D, 0.2 D ≤ L2 ≤ 3.0D, and 0.1D ≤ h ≤ 0.5D.

Description

Protrusion member, piping member, piping system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a protrusion member, a piping member, and a piping system.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a siphon rain gutter system. The siphon rain gutter system disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes an eaves gutter, a cylindrical portion penetrating a water inlet formed on the bottom surface of the eaves gutter, a siphon generating portion for generating a siphon phenomenon, and an elbow. The elbow is installed on the downstream side of the siphon rain gutter system. The elbow includes a curved pipe portion and receiving ports provided at both ends of the curved pipe portion. In the curved pipe portion when viewed in a cross section in a plane including the pipe axis of the curved pipe portion, the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface on the inner peripheral side is greater than 64 mm and less than 100 mm.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-120068

[0004] In the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, although an improvement in flow rate can be expected, the elbow becomes relatively large.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a protrusion member, a piping member, and a piping system that can improve the flow rate while enabling miniaturization.

[0006] A protrusion member according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a protrusion member disposed in a straight pipe disposed on the downstream side of an elbow that changes the direction of a flow path, and partially reduces the flow path cross-sectional area of the straight pipe. The protrusion member includes a first end directed upstream and a second end directed downstream, and a top portion between the first end and the second end that minimizes the flow path cross-sectional area of the straight pipe. When the inner diameter of the straight pipe is D, the distance L1 between the first end and the top portion in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, the distance L2 between the top portion and the second end in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, and the height at the top portion is h, 25 mm ≤ D ≤ 160 mm, 0.1D ≤ L1 ≤ 1.0D, 0.2D ≤ L2 ≤ 3.0D, and 0.1D ≤ h ≤ 0.5D are satisfied.

[0007] A piping member according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described protrusion member, an elbow, and a straight pipe.

[0008] A piping system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a vertical pipe, a horizontal pipe between the inlet and the vertical pipe, a first elbow between the inlet and the horizontal pipe, a second elbow between the horizontal pipe and the vertical pipe, and the above-mentioned protruding member which is arranged as a straight pipe for at least a portion of the vertical pipe.

[0009] The embodiments of this disclosure enable miniaturization while improving flow rate.

[0010] Schematic diagram of the piping system according to the embodiment Cross-sectional view of the elbow of the piping system according to the embodiment Plan view of the first socket side of the elbow of the piping system according to the embodiment Plan view of the second socket side of the elbow of the piping system according to the embodiment Exploded perspective view of the piping member according to the embodiment Cross-sectional view of the piping member according to the embodiment Cross-sectional view of line A-A in Figure 6 Perspective cross-sectional view of the piping member according to the embodiment View of the protruding member of the piping system according to the embodiment from the first end View of the protruding member of the piping system according to the embodiment from the second end Diagram of the simulation of pressure distribution in the piping member according to the comparative example Diagram of the simulation of velocity distribution in the piping member according to the comparative example Diagram of the simulation of pressure distribution in the piping member according to the embodiment Diagram of the simulation of velocity distribution in the piping member according to the embodiment Schematic diagram of the piping system according to the modified example Cross-sectional view of the elbow of the piping system according to the modified example

[0011] [1. Embodiments] Embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, descriptions that are more detailed than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed descriptions of already well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following description becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art. The inventors provide the accompanying drawings and the following description so that those skilled in the art can fully understand this disclosure, and do not intend to limit the subject matter described in the claims by means of these.

[0012] Unless otherwise specified, the positional relationships, such as up, down, left, and right, shall be based on the positional relationships shown in the drawings. The figures described in the following embodiments are schematic diagrams, and the ratios of the size and thickness of each component in each figure do not necessarily reflect the actual dimensional ratios. Furthermore, the dimensional ratios of each element are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0013] In the following explanation, when it is necessary to distinguish between multiple components, prefixes such as "First," "Second," etc. will be added to the names of the components. However, if the components can be distinguished from each other by the symbols attached to them, prefixes such as "First," "Second," etc. may be omitted for the sake of readability.

[0014] [1.1 Configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a piping system 1 according to an embodiment. The piping system 1 is for transporting fluids with a Reynolds number of 4000 or more. Fluids with a Reynolds number of 4000 or more can be said to be fluids in which the flow inside a cylinder becomes turbulent. Examples of fluids include liquids (drinking water, heat source water, wastewater, oil, etc.), gases (air, steam, etc.), and gas-liquid two-phase flow (mixture of liquid and gas). In this embodiment, the piping system 1 is used as a drainage system. The piping system 1 is a rain gutter system that receives rainwater from the roof 11a of the building 11 and flows it to a manhole 21 on the ground 20. The piping system 1 constitutes a flow path for rainwater. The rainwater collected in the manhole 21 flows out of the manhole 21 through the buried pipe 22 into the rainwater pipe. Building 11 includes, for example, non-residential facilities such as shops, offices, factories, office buildings, schools, welfare facilities, or hospitals, and residential facilities such as detached houses, apartment buildings, or individual dwelling units in detached houses or apartment buildings. Non-residential facilities also include theaters, cinemas, public halls, amusement parks, multi-purpose complexes, department stores, hotels, inns, kindergartens, libraries, museums, art galleries, underground shopping areas, train stations, and airports.

[0015] The piping system 1 comprises a gutter 2, a vertical pipe 3, a horizontal pipe 4, elbows 5 (first elbow 5-1 and second elbow 5-2), a protruding member 6, and a drain 7.

[0016] The gutter 2 receives rainwater from the roof 11a of the building 11. The gutter 2 is installed beneath the roof 11a of the building 11. As an example, the gutter 2 is positioned at the eaves of the roof 11a. In particular, the gutter 2 is positioned to extend along the eaves of the roof 11a. The gutter 2 is a long, barrel-shaped structure. The gutter 2 has a bottom wall 2a. An inlet 2b is formed in the bottom wall 2a, depending on the overall design of the piping system 1. The inlet 2b is, for example, a circular opening. In a rain gutter system, the inlet 2b is also called a water collection port, drain port, or outlet. As an example, the gutter 2 may be formed by extrusion molding of a resin material. The gutter 2 may have a core material to reinforce the overall strength of the gutter 2. The core material may be, for example, metal. As an alternative example, the gutter 2 may be formed from a metal plate, for example, a steel plate (also called a coil).

[0017] The drain 7 is positioned at the inlet 2b of the gutter 2. The drain 7 reduces the generation of vortices and air entrainment at the inlet 2b. The drain 7 may contribute to the generation of a siphon effect. The drain 7 may have a well-known configuration.

[0018] In piping system 1, the vertical pipe 3 is not directly connected to the inlet 2b, but is connected to the inlet 2b via the horizontal pipe 4, the first elbow 5-1, and the second elbow 5-2.

[0019] The vertical pipe 3 defines the vertical flow path. The vertical pipe 3 is fixed to the wall 11b of the building 11. In a rain gutter system, the vertical pipe 3 is also called a downpipe. The vertical pipe 3 is installed to drain rainwater from the inlet 2b. The vertical pipe 3 allows rainwater from the inlet 2b to flow vertically. The vertical pipe 3 is straight. The cross-section perpendicular to the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 is circular. The vertical pipe 3 is positioned so that the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 coincides with the vertical direction. The vertical pipe 3 has an upstream end 3a and a downstream end 3b. The upstream end 3a is the end of the vertical pipe 3 that is connected to the inlet 2b (the upper end in Figure 1). The downstream end 3b is the end of the vertical pipe 3 that is inserted into the manhole 21 (the lower end in Figure 1). In Figure 1, a pipe cover 34 is positioned to prevent rainwater from flowing into the manhole 21 through the gap between the vertical pipe 3 and the manhole 21.

[0020] The vertical pipe 3 is composed of multiple pipe materials. The vertical pipe 3 comprises straight pipes 31 and 32, and a connecting joint 33 that connects the straight pipes 31 and 32 to each other. Straight pipe 31 is the downstream portion of the vertical pipe 3, and straight pipe 32 is the upstream portion of the vertical pipe 3. In this embodiment, straight pipe 31 is longer than straight pipe 32. The first end of straight pipe 32 (upper end in Figure 1) defines the upstream end 3a of the vertical pipe 3, and the second end of straight pipe 32 (lower end in Figure 1) is connected to the first end of straight pipe 31 (upper end in Figure 1) via the connecting joint 33, defining the downstream end 3b of the vertical pipe 3.

[0021] The horizontal pipe 4 defines a flow path that intersects the vertical direction. In a rain gutter system, the horizontal pipe 4 is also called a connecting pipe. The horizontal pipe 4 is the part that allows rainwater from the building 11 to flow from the inlet 2b to the vertical pipe 3. The horizontal pipe 4 is located between the rainwater inlet 2b from the building 11 and the vertical pipe 3. The horizontal pipe 4 is straight. The cross section perpendicular to the central axis C4 of the horizontal pipe 4 is circular. The horizontal pipe 4 is fixed so that the direction of the central axis C4 of the horizontal pipe 4 is inclined with respect to the up and down direction (vertical direction). The horizontal pipe 4 has an upstream end 4a and a downstream end 4b. The upstream end 4a is the end of the horizontal pipe 4 that connects to the inlet 2b (the left end in Figure 1). The downstream end 4b is the end of the horizontal pipe 4 that connects to the vertical pipe 3 (the right end in Figure 1).

[0022] For example, the material of the vertical pipe 3 and horizontal pipe 4 is rigid polyvinyl chloride. The dimensions of the vertical pipe 3 and horizontal pipe 4, for example, the outer diameter and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general) of JIS K 6741 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipes". The dimensions of the connecting fitting 33, for example, the outer diameter and thickness, may be set in accordance with the standard for sockets of JIS K 6739 "Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride Pipe Fittings for Drainage".

[0023] Table 1 shows an example of nominal diameters for VP rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes in the JIS K 6741 standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general). In Table 1, the units for outer diameter (standard dimension), thickness (minimum dimension), and approximate inner diameter are mm.

[0024]

[0025] Table 2 shows an example of nominal diameters for VU rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes in the JIS K 6741 standard for rigid polyvinyl chloride pipes (general). In Table 2, the units for outer diameter (standard dimension), thickness (minimum dimension), and approximate inner diameter are mm.

[0026]

[0027] For example, the inner diameter of the vertical pipe 3 and horizontal pipe 4 may be between 25 mm and 160 mm. The size of the vertical pipe 3 and horizontal pipe 4 can be the nominal diameter mentioned above, or a size set by a manufacturer that sells pipes, etc., for example, 60 mm, 76 mm, 89 mm, 114 mm, and 140 mm.

[0028] The first elbow 5-1 and the second elbow 5-2 are bent pipes that change the direction of the flow path. The first elbow 5-1 and the second elbow 5-2 are connecting joints that connect flow paths with different directions, such as a vertical pipe and a horizontal pipe.

[0029] The first elbow 5-1 and the second elbow 5-2 will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 4. Since the first elbow 5-1 and the second elbow 5-2 have the same structure, in the following description, the first elbow 5-1 and the second elbow 5-2 will not be distinguished and will simply be referred to as elbow 5.

[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the elbow 5. The elbow 5 comprises a first socket 51, a second socket 52, and a curved pipe section 53 located between the first socket 51 and the second socket 52.

[0031] Figure 3 is a plan view of the elbow 5 from the first socket 51 side (i.e., a view of the elbow 5 from the first socket 51 side). The first socket 51 is used to connect a piping member upstream of the elbow 5 (drain 7 in the case of the first elbow 5-1, and horizontal pipe 4 in the case of the second elbow 5-2) to the elbow 5. The first socket 51 is straight. The first socket 51 has an inner circumferential surface 511 and an outer circumferential surface 512. The cross-section of the first socket 51 perpendicular to the central axis C51 is circular. The outer diameter of the first socket 51 is constant in the direction of the central axis C51. The first socket 51 has a first insertion port 51a at the end opposite to the curved pipe section 53 in the direction of the central axis C51. In this embodiment, the first insertion port 51a is a circular opening. The inner diameter of the first insertion port 51a is larger than the outer diameter of the piping member connected to the first receiving port 51. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the first insertion port 51a is set to correspond to a piping member with the same outer diameter.

[0032] Figure 4 is a plan view of the elbow 5 from the second socket 52 side (i.e., a view of the elbow 5 from the second socket 52 side). The second socket 52 is used to connect a piping member downstream of the elbow 5 (the horizontal pipe 4 in the case of the first elbow 5-1, and the vertical pipe 3 in the case of the second elbow 5-2) to the elbow 5. The second socket 52 is straight. The second socket 52 has an inner circumferential surface 521 and an outer circumferential surface 522. The cross-section of the second socket 52 perpendicular to the central axis C52 is circular. The outer diameter of the second socket 52 is constant in the direction of the central axis C52. The second socket 52 has a second insertion port 52a at the end opposite to the curved pipe section 53 in the direction of the central axis C52. In this embodiment, the second insertion port 52a is a circular opening. The inner diameter of the second socket 52a is larger than the outer diameter of the piping member connected to the second receiving port 52. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the second socket 52a is set to correspond to piping of the same outer diameter.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, the central axis C52 of the second socket 52 intersects with the central axis C51 of the first socket 51. The angle θ between the central axis C51 of the first socket 51 and the central axis C52 of the second socket 52 is between 91° and 135°. In this embodiment, θ is, for example, 91.17° as specified in JIS K 6739 "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage".

[0034] The sizes of the first socket 51 and the second socket 52 (especially the outer diameter, thickness, inner diameter, etc.) may be set appropriately according to the size of the piping member connected to the elbow 5. The nominal diameters shown in Tables 1 and 2 can be used for the piping member.

[0035] The curved pipe section 53 connects the first receiving port 51 and the second receiving port 52. In this embodiment, the curved pipe section 53 connects the first receiving port 51 and the second receiving port 52 in a continuous, integrated manner. The internal space of the second receiving port 52 and the internal space of the first receiving port 51 are connected via the internal space of the curved pipe section 53.

[0036] The curved pipe section 53 has a shape like a straight pipe bent at a right angle, and has an inner circumferential surface 531 and an outer circumferential surface 532. The inner circumferential surface 531 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 511 of the first receiving opening 51 and the inner circumferential surface of the second receiving opening 52. In particular, the inner circumferential surface 531 includes a first surface 532a that connects seamlessly to the outer circumferential surface 512 of the first receiving opening 51, and a second surface 532b that connects seamlessly to the outer circumferential surface 512 of the second receiving opening 52. The outer circumferential surface 532 is connected to the inner circumferential surface 511 of the first receiving opening 51 and the inner circumferential surface of the second receiving opening 52.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the inner diameter of the first socket 51 is not constant in the direction of the central axis C51 of the first socket 51. The inner circumferential surface 511 of the first socket 51 includes an inclined portion 511a in which the inner diameter of the first socket 51 decreases as it moves from the first insertion port 51a toward the curved pipe portion 53 in the direction of the central axis C51 of the first socket 51. The inclined portion 511a contacts the piping member inserted into the first socket 51a from the first insertion port 51a, stabilizing the connection state of the piping to the first socket 51. In other words, this configuration enables improved stability of the connection to the first insertion port 51a. Here, it is preferable that the inner diameter of the first socket 51 at the inclined portion 511a is larger than the inner diameter of the piping member inserted into the first socket 51a from the first insertion port 51a. This makes it possible to ignore the influence of the inclined portion 511a on the flow path of the piping inserted from the first insertion port 51a to the first receiving port 51.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the elbow 5 comprises an inner cylinder portion 54 and a connecting portion 55. In this embodiment, the inner cylinder portion 54 and the connecting portion 55 are formed continuously and integrally with the curved pipe portion 53.

[0039] The inner cylinder portion 54 is straight. The inner cylinder portion 54 has an inner circumferential surface 541 and an outer circumferential surface 542. The cross-section of the inner cylinder portion 54 perpendicular to the central axis C54 is circular. The outer diameter and inner diameter of the inner cylinder portion 54 are substantially constant in the direction of the central axis C54. The wall thickness of the inner cylinder portion 54 is smaller than the wall thickness of the second receiving opening 52. This reduces the reduction in the flow path cross-sectional area caused by the inner cylinder portion 54 and reduces the influence of the inner cylinder portion 54 on the flow path.

[0040] The inner cylinder portion 54 is positioned within the second receiving opening 52 such that its central axis C54 coincides with the central axis C52 of the second receiving opening 52. A gap G is formed between the inner circumferential surface 521 of the second receiving opening 52 and the outer circumferential surface 542 of the inner cylinder portion 54, into which the end of the piping member connected to the second insertion opening 52a fits. The length of the inner cylinder portion 54 is set so that it does not extend beyond the second insertion opening 52a.

[0041] The connecting portion 55 connects the inner cylinder portion 54 to the bent pipe portion 53. In the present embodiment, the connecting portion 55 connects the entire circumference of the end (the upstream end) of the inner cylinder portion 54 on the side opposite to the second insertion port 52a to the inner peripheral surface 531 of the bent pipe portion 53. The connecting portion 55 is formed over the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 531 of the bent pipe portion 53 as viewed from the direction of the central axis C52 of the second receiving port 52.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the elbow 5 includes the inner cylinder portion 54 and the connecting portion 55, and the first receiving port 51, the connecting portion 55, and the inner cylinder portion 54 define the inner peripheral surface of the elbow 5. Here, the boundary portion between the inner cylinder portion 54 and the connecting portion 55 forms the inner peripheral side corner portion 50a of the elbow 5. The inner peripheral surface on the outer peripheral side of the elbow 5 has a corner portion 50b. The corner portion 50b is the outer peripheral side corner portion of the inner peripheral surface 531 of the bent pipe portion 53. When there is the corner portion 50b, the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface on the outer peripheral side of the elbow 5 is represented by the radius of curvature at the corner portion 50b in the plane passing through the central axes C51 and C52. In the present embodiment, the bent pipe portion 53 has a shape like a straight pipe bent at a right angle, and the radius of curvature of the inner peripheral surface on the outer peripheral side of the elbow 5 is less than 5 mm.

[0043] The piping system 1 includes the first elbow 5-1 and the second elbow 5-2. In each of the first elbow 5-1 and the second elbow 5-2, the direction of the flow path changes. When the direction of the flow path changes, the pressure loss due to peeling can contribute to the decrease in the flow rate. In the present embodiment, in order to reduce the decrease in the flow rate due to the pressure loss caused by the second elbow 5-2, the protrusion member 6 is provided.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the protrusion member 6 is on the downstream side of the second elbow 5-2. More specifically, the protrusion member 6 is on the inner peripheral side of the second elbow 5-2 within the vertical pipe 3 which is the straight pipe portion on the downstream side of the second elbow 5-2, and is used to partially reduce the flow path cross-sectional area of the vertical pipe 3.

[0045] The protruding member 6 is disposed in a straight pipe arranged on the downstream side of an elbow that changes the direction of the flow path, and is used to partially reduce the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the straight pipe. In the piping system 1, the straight pipe 32 of the vertical pipe 3 is arranged on the downstream side of the second elbow 5-2 that changes the direction of the flow path. The protruding member 6 is arranged with at least a part of the vertical pipe 3 as a straight pipe. In the present embodiment, at least a part of the vertical pipe 3 is the straight pipe 32.

[0046] The protruding member 6 constitutes a piping member 10 together with the straight pipe 32 in which the protruding member 6 is arranged and the elbow 5 (second elbow 5-2) to which the straight pipe 32 is connected. In the present embodiment, the piping member 10 is constituted by a part (straight pipe 32) of the vertical pipe 3 instead of the entire vertical pipe 3, so it is easy to transport.

[0047] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the piping member 10. The piping member 10 includes a straight pipe 32 of the vertical pipe 3, a protruding member 6, and a second elbow 5-2.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 5, the protruding member 6 has a size that can be arranged in the straight pipe 32 of the vertical pipe 3, that is, a length, a width, and a height (thickness).

[0049] In the present embodiment, the protruding member 6 and the straight pipe 32 of the vertical pipe 3 are separate bodies and can be formed of different materials. Examples of the material of the protruding member 6 include resins such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), rigid polyvinyl chloride (rigid PVC), PMMA, ABS, and ASA, or metals such as steel, aluminum, and stainless steel (rust-resistant metal). In particular, the difference between the linear expansion coefficient of the material of the protruding member 6 and the linear expansion coefficient of the material of the portion (in the present embodiment, the straight pipe 32 of the vertical pipe 3) to which the protruding member 6 is attached is 4.7×10 －５ Hereinafter, preferably, it is 3.5×10 －５ Hereinafter. This can reduce the possibility of peeling of the protruding member 6 due to expansion and contraction caused by a temperature difference (for example, the temperature difference between summer and winter). As an example, the material of the protruding member 6 may be ASA and the material of the vertical pipe 3 may be PVC.

[0050] The projection member 6 has a first surface 60a and a second surface 60b. The first surface 60a is the surface facing the inner side 30b of the inner surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3. The second surface 60b is on the opposite side of the first surface 60a and acts on (contacts) the fluid flowing through the channel. The first surface 60a and the second surface 60b are the two surfaces of the projection member 6 in a first direction. The first direction corresponds to the height of the projection member 6.

[0051] The projection member 6 has a first end 6a and a second end 6b in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction. The second direction corresponds to the length of the projection member 6. The first end 6a and the second end 6b are the ends of the projection member 6 in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinal direction of the projection member 6 coincides with the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. Therefore, the second direction is also the direction along the flow path of the vertical pipe 3. The first end 6a is directed upstream, and the second end 6b is directed downstream. A fluid flow occurs in the projection member 6 from the first end 6a to the second end 6b.

[0052] The projection member 6 has a third end 6c and a fourth end 6d in a third direction that is perpendicular to the first and second directions, respectively. The third direction corresponds to the width of the projection member 6. The third end 6c and the fourth end 6d are the ends of the projection member 6 in the width direction. The width direction of the projection member 6 is perpendicular to the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. The projection member 6 has an external shape that is mirror-symmetric with respect to the plane perpendicular to the third direction.

[0053] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the piping member 10. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the piping member 10. Figure 9 is a plan view of the piping member 10. Figure 10 is a bottom view of the piping member 10.

[0054] As shown in Figures 6, 8 to 10, the first surface 60a is used to fix the projection member 6 to the vertical pipe 3. The first surface 60a includes a first region 60a1 and a second region 60a2. The first region 60a1 is the region on the second end 6b side of the first surface 60a, and the second region 60a2 is the region on the first end 6a side of the first surface 60a.

[0055] The first region 60a1 has a shape such that at least a portion of it can contact the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the first region 60a1 is convex when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. The radius of curvature of the first region 60a1 is set based on the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface 30a so that a sufficient contact area is secured between the first region 60a1 and the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3 for fixing the projection member 6 to the vertical pipe 3.

[0056] The second region 60a2 has a shape such that at least a portion of it can contact the inner circumferential surface 541 of the inner cylinder portion 54 of the elbow 5. For example, the second region 60a2 is convex when viewed from the direction of the central axis C54 of the inner cylinder portion 54. The radius of curvature of the second region 60a2 is set based on the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface 541 so that there is no substantial gap between the second region 60a2 and the inner circumferential surface 541 of the inner cylinder portion 54.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the second surface 60b is the surface that acts on the fluid flowing through the channel. The second surface 60b includes the main surface 61 and the first and second side surfaces 62 and 63. The main surface 61 extends from the first end 6a toward the second end 6b. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the main surface 61 faces the center of the vertical pipe 3 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. The first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 are on both sides of the main surface 61 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. The first side surface 62 is on the third end 6c side of the main surface 61 (lower side in Figure 10), and the second side surface 63 is on the fourth end 6d side of the main surface 61 (upper side in Figure 10).

[0058] On the projection member 6, the main surface 61 and the first and second side surfaces 62 and 63 of the second surface 60b can come into contact with the fluid flowing inside the vertical pipe 3. As shown in Figure 7, the projection member 6 induces a flow F1 along the main surface 61, a flow F2 along the first side surface 62, and a flow F3 along the second side surface 63. This can promote the flow along the projection member 6, enabling a further improvement in flow rate. Since the main surface 61 and the first and second side surfaces 62 and 63 can come into contact with the fluid, it is preferable that the surface roughness of the main surface 61 and the first and second side surfaces 62 and 63 be small, as this can lead to an improvement in flow rate.

[0059] The projection member 6 has a first separation wall 64 to facilitate the separation of flow F1 and flow F2. The presence of the first separation wall 64 makes it easier for flow F2 to separate from flow F1. The first separation wall 64 is located between the main surface 61 and the first side surface 62. In this embodiment, the first separation wall 64 is the boundary portion between the main surface 61 and the first side surface 62. In other words, the boundary portion between the main surface 61 and the first side surface 62 constitutes a wall between the flow path with the main surface 61 as the bottom surface and the flow path with the first side surface 62 as the bottom surface. The first separation wall 64 can be formed by making at least a part of the first side surface 62 a concave surface.

[0060] The projection member 6 has a second separation wall 65 to facilitate the separation of flow F1 and flow F3. The presence of the second separation wall 65 makes it easier for flow F3 to separate from flow F1. The second separation wall 65 is located between the main surface 61 and the second side surface 63. In this embodiment, the second separation wall 65 is the boundary portion between the main surface 61 and the second side surface 63. In other words, the boundary portion between the main surface 61 and the second side surface 63 constitutes a wall between the flow path with the main surface 61 as its bottom surface and the flow path with the second side surface 63 as its bottom surface. The second separation wall 65 can be formed by having at least a part of the second side surface 63 be concave.

[0061] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 10, the projection member 6 includes a protruding portion 66. The protruding portion 66 is a part of the projection member 6 that protrudes downstream so as not to contact the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe (the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3). In this embodiment, the second end 6b is the tip of the protruding portion 66. The protruding portion 66 can facilitate the recombination of flows F1, F2, and F3, which are divided into three parts by the main surface 61 and the first and second side surfaces 62 and 63, thereby optimizing the overall flow and enabling an improvement in flow rate. In other words, the flows that are divided at the first end 6a of the projection member 6 can be smoothly combined at the protruding portion 66, enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0062] In this embodiment, the protruding portion 66 has a tapered shape. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7, the width and thickness of the protruding portion 66 of the projection member 6 decrease from the first end 6a to the second end 6b. The thickness of the protruding portion 66 is the dimension of the protruding portion 66 in the first direction, that is, in the height direction of the projection member 6. As shown in Figure 7, the distance between the protruding portion 66 and the inner surface of the straight pipe (the inner side 30b of the inner surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3) increases towards the second end 6b. In other words, the protruding portion 66 moves further away from the inner surface of the straight pipe (the inner side 30b of the inner surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3) from the first end 6a to the second end 6b. This makes it possible to promote the re-merging of the flow at the protruding portion 66.

[0063] As shown in Figures 6 and 8, the projection member 6 has a projection 67. The projection 67 is used for connecting or positioning the vertical pipe 3 and the projection member 6. The projection 67 is positioned in a first region 60a1 of the first surface 60a. The projection 67 is shaped to fit into a hole 3c in the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3. In this embodiment, the vertical pipe 3 has one hole 3c at its upstream end 3a. The hole 3c is formed as a through hole. The projection member 6 is provided with one projection 67 that fits into one hole 3c. By fitting one projection 67 into one hole 3c, the projection member 6 is positioned relative to the vertical pipe 3.

[0064] The presence of the protruding member 6 means that the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the piping member 10 is not constant, and there are areas where the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the piping member 10 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the straight pipe 32. The protruding member 6 is located on the upstream end 3a side of the vertical pipe 3 rather than the downstream end 3b side of the vertical pipe 3. In this embodiment, the protruding member 6 is located on the upstream end 3a side of the vertical pipe 3. In other words, the protruding member 6 reduces the flow path at the upstream end 3a side of the vertical pipe 3 connected to the second elbow 5-2.

[0065] Next, the function of the projection member 6 in the piping member 10 will be explained. The projection member 6 is located inside the vertical pipe 3, which is positioned downstream of the second elbow 5-2. The second elbow 5-2 allows water flowing in from the horizontal pipe 4 to flow into the vertical pipe 3. If the direction of water flow changes significantly in the second elbow 5-2, pressure loss due to separation can be one of the causes of a decrease in flow rate.

[0066] Figure 11 shows a simulation of the pressure distribution in the comparative piping member 100, and Figure 12 shows a simulation of the flow velocity distribution in the comparative piping member 100. The comparative piping member 100 differs from the piping member 10 mainly in that it does not have the protruding member 6. In Figure 11, the pressure in the horizontal pipe 4 is relatively high at 11 to 13 kPa, while the pressure in the vertical pipe 3 is relatively low at 1 to 7 kPa, indicating a large pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the second elbow 5-2, and showing that the pressure is unevenly distributed in the piping member 100. In Figure 12, the flow velocity is high in the area indicated by R110, and low in the areas indicated by R120 and R130. The existence of such areas with large differences in flow velocity can be a major factor in the decrease in flow rate. Furthermore, the low-flow-velocity sections, such as those indicated by R120 and R130, are also low-pressure regions. Corrosion from within the piping in these sections has long been known, and in nuclear power plants in particular, periodic non-invasive inspections of the inside of the piping required extremely delicate work. If an abnormality was confirmed, external maintenance was impossible, inevitably leading to piping replacement and thus increased running costs.

[0067] The decrease in flow velocity at the R120 point in Figure 12 is thought to be due to separation. This separation occurs downstream of the inner circumferential corner 50a of the second elbow 5-2, when the water separates from the pipe wall of the piping member 100 (the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3). In other words, water flowing in from the upstream side of the piping member 100 initially flows along the pipe wall (the inner circumferential surface of the horizontal pipe 4), but beyond the inner circumferential corner 50a of the second elbow 5-2, it may separate from the pipe wall of the piping member 100 (the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3). Such separation is particularly noticeable when the water flow velocity is high. The higher the flow velocity, the wider the area over which pressure loss occurs tends to be.

[0068] Figure 13 shows a simulation of the pressure distribution in the piping member 10, and Figure 14 shows a simulation of the flow velocity distribution in the piping member 10. In Figure 13, the pressure in the horizontal pipe 4 is 10 to 12 kPa, while the pressure in the vertical pipe 3 is 2 to 6 kPa. Compared to the comparative example piping member 100, the pressure difference between the upstream and downstream sides of the second elbow 5-2 is smaller, confirming that the uneven distribution of pressure in the piping member 10 has been eliminated. Furthermore, in Figure 14, the flow velocity is high in the section indicated by R110 and low in the section indicated by R120. However, compared to the comparative example piping member 100, the section with low flow velocity, such as the section indicated by R120, has decreased, confirming that the unevenness of flow velocity has been reduced. In addition, the flow velocity is higher in the section indicated by R130 than in the comparative example piping member 100, which also confirms that the unevenness of flow velocity has been reduced. Furthermore, an improvement in flow velocity was also confirmed in the portion indicated by R140 downstream of the protruding member 6. Thus, it was confirmed that the presence of the protruding member 6 eliminated the uneven distribution of pressure and improved the flow velocity.

[0069] In this embodiment, the piping member 10 has a projection member 6. The presence of the projection member 6 is expected to (1) make it easier for water to flow along the pipe wall than when the projection member 6 is absent, and (2) reduce the number of areas where the flow velocity may decrease. Therefore, the projection member 6 can reduce the decrease in flow velocity caused by separation downstream from the second elbow 5-2 and improve the flow rate. The piping member 10 can be miniaturized simply by having the projection member 6, as it does not require increasing the radius of curvature of the inner surface on the inner side of the second elbow 5-2, unlike the technology described in Patent Document 1. Therefore, the projection member 6 can improve the flow rate while enabling miniaturization. The projection member 6 is located inside the vertical pipe 3, so the projection member 6 is not conspicuous when viewed as part of the piping system 1 as a whole. This is expected to improve the overall aesthetics of the piping system 1.

[0070] In particular, elbow 5 tends to have a larger loss coefficient compared to conventionally available 90° elbows (for example, 90° elbows (so-called DL) and large-bend elbows (so-called LL) as defined in JIS K 6739). This difference is due to whether or not the inner diameter is constant within the elbow. In the case of elbow 5, there is a section with a larger inner diameter (the corners 50a and 50b of the curved pipe section 53) between the first inlet 51a and the second inlet 52a. Since expansion and contraction of the inner diameter are loss factors in fluids, this is the main reason why the loss coefficient is larger.

[0071] However, by providing a projection member 6 that generates the Coanda effect downstream of the elbow 5, the flow around the projection member 6 can be strengthened, reducing losses in the elbow 5 and significantly reducing overall losses. This loss reduction effect is considered to be particularly effective when the pipe is nearly full. This means it is useful for drainage using the siphon effect.

[0072] The shape of the protruding member 6 will be described in more detail below.

[0073] As can be seen from Figures 5 to 10, the shape (cross-sectional shape) of the projection member 6, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, changes along the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3.

[0074] As shown in Figure 6, the height of the projection member 6 changes along the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. In this embodiment, the projection member 6 has a top portion 6e.

[0075] The top portion 6e is located between the first end 6a and the second end 6b. The top portion 6e is the tallest part of the projection member 6. The top portion 6e minimizes the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the vertical pipe 3.

[0076] The height of the projection member 6 increases monotonically from the first end 6a towards the top 6e. The height of the projection member 6 decreases monotonically from the top 6e towards the second end 6b.

[0077] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, the main surface 61 includes a curved surface at its apex 6e that protrudes toward the outer circumference 30c of the inner circumference 30a of the vertical pipe 3. This improves the flow rate. From another viewpoint, the main surface 61 only needs to have a shape that protrudes toward the outer circumference 30c of the inner circumference 30a of the vertical pipe 3 so as to produce a Coanda effect downstream of the second elbow 5-2. In other words, the main surface 61 only needs to have a shape that produces a Coanda effect downstream of the second elbow 5-2. This makes it possible to improve the flow rate while enabling miniaturization.

[0078] Refer to Figure 6. Let D be the inner diameter of the straight pipe (i.e., the inner diameter of the vertical pipe 3), L1 be the distance between the first end 6a and the top 6e in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe (i.e., the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3), L2 be the distance between the top 6e and the second end 6b in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, and h be the height at the top 6e. L1, L2, and h may be set based on D. In this embodiment, for D, it is good that 25 mm ≤ D ≤ 160 mm, and in particular, it is preferable that 70 mm ≤ D ≤ 140 mm. Furthermore, it is good that 0.1D ≤ L1 ≤ 1.0D, and it is preferable that 0.3D ≤ L1 ≤ 0.7D. It is good that 0.2D ≤ L2 ≤ 3.0D, and it is preferable that 0.5D ≤ L2 ≤ 2.0D. It is good that 0.1D ≤ h ≤ 0.5D, and it is preferable that 0.3D ≤ h ≤ 0.5D. This allows fluid to flow more easily along the protruding member 6, enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0079] With respect to the protruding portion 66 of the projection member 6, the distance between the second end 6b and the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe (particularly the inner side 30b of the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3) is denoted as d. In this embodiment, it is desirable that 0.05D ≤ d ≤ 0.50D, and more preferably that 0.30D ≤ L1 ≤ 0.50D. This facilitates the re-merging of the flow at the protruding portion 66, enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0080] Regarding the protruding portion 66 of the projection member 6, let L3 be the length of the protruding portion 66 in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe (central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3). In this embodiment, it is good that 0.1D ≤ L3 ≤ 0.5D, and it is preferable that 0.3D ≤ L3 ≤ 0.4D. This allows for the re-merging of the flow at the protruding portion 66, enabling further improvement of the flow rate. In this embodiment, it is good that L2 > L3.

[0081] As can be seen from Figure 7, the shape of the main surface 61, as viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, changes along the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3.

[0082] When viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, at least a portion of the main surface 61 is concave. At least a portion of the main surface 61 is the portion of the main surface 61 on the first end 6a side. In other words, the main surface 61 is concave at the first end 6a. When viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, the radius of curvature of at least a portion of the main surface 61 (the first end 6a) is less than or equal to the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3. This reduces pressure loss at the protruding member 6.

[0083] The main surface 61 is concave at the first end 6a, but convex at the second end 6b. In other words, the shape of the main surface 61 as viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 changes from concave to convex from the first end 6a to the second end 6b. This makes it easier for air to flow along the main surface 61 of the projection member 6. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 9, the shape of the main surface 61 as viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 is convex at the top 6e. The shape of the main surface 61 as viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 is convex in the range from the top 6e to the second end 6b. In this embodiment, the projection member 6 has a flat portion between the first end 6a and the top 6e. In the flat portion, the main surface 61 is planar as viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3.

[0084] Within the concave shape of the main surface 61, the center of the concave shape of the main surface 61, that is, the lowest point of the concave shape, is located closer to the center than the edge in the width direction of the projection member 6. Within the convex shape of the main surface 61, the center of the convex shape of the main surface 61, that is, the highest point of the convex shape, is located closer to the center than the edge in the width direction of the projection member 6. In this embodiment, the center of the convex shape of the main surface 61 coincides with the center of the projection member 6 in the width direction.

[0085] As can be seen from Figures 5, 7, and 10, the shapes of the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63, as viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, change along the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3.

[0086] As shown in Figure 10, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, at least a portion of the first side surface 62 is concave. At least a portion of the first side surface 62 is the portion of the first side surface 62 on the first end 6a side. In other words, the first side surface 62 is concave at the first end 6a. This helps to reduce pressure loss at the protruding member 6. Here, the depth of the concave surface is preferably 0.3D or less, and preferably 0.2D (not strictly 0.2D, but within a range that can be considered substantially 0.2D). This promotes the separation of flow from the main surface 61, enabling further improvement of the flow rate. Similarly, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, at least a portion of the second side surface 63 is concave. At least a portion of the second side surface 63 is the portion of the second side surface 63 on the first end 6a side. In other words, the second side surface 63 is concave at the first end 6a. This helps to reduce pressure loss at the protruding member 6. Here, the depth of the concave surface is preferably 0.3D or less, and more preferably 0.2D (not strictly 0.2D, but within a range that can be considered substantially 0.2D). This promotes the separation of the flow from the main surface 61, enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0087] The shape of the first side surface 62, as viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, remains concave from the first end 6a to the second end 6b. The depth of the concave shape of the first side surface 62 decreases as it moves from the top 6e to the second end 6b. This allows the flow F2 along the first side surface 62 to smoothly merge with the flow F1 along the main surface 61 downstream of the projection member 6. Similarly, the shape of the second side surface 63, as viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, remains concave from the first end 6a to the second end 6b. The depth of the concave shape of the second side surface 63 decreases as it moves from the top 6e to the second end 6b. This allows the flow F3 along the second side surface 63 to smoothly merge with the flow F1 along the main surface 61 downstream of the projection member 6.

[0088] Refer to Figure 7. In the projection member 6, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 have shapes that are symmetrical with respect to the center line of the projection member 6 along the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. This improves the flow rate.

[0089] As shown in Figure 7, the width of the projection member 6 changes along the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. The width of the projection member 6 refers to the width of the projection member 6 at the part closest to the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3. In this embodiment, the width of the projection member 6 corresponds to the width of the first surface 60a of the projection member 6.

[0090] The main surface 61 includes a tapered portion that narrows in width towards the second end 6b in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. This allows the flows F2 and F3 along the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 to smoothly merge with the flow F1 along the main surface 61 downstream of the projection member 6. This facilitates the re-merging of flows at the protruding portion 66, enabling a further improvement in flow rate. In particular, the length of the tapered portion in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 should be 0.5D or more. This facilitates the re-merging of flows at the protruding portion 66, enabling a further improvement in flow rate. In this embodiment, the entire main surface 61 is a tapered portion. That is, the main surface 61 narrows in width from the first end 6a to the second end 6b.

[0091] The first side surface 62 includes a portion that widens from the first end 6a towards the second end 6b. More specifically, the portion of the first side surface 62 on the first end 6a side widens from the first end 6a towards the second end 6b. This can reduce pressure loss. Similarly, the second side surface 63 includes a portion that widens from the first end 6a towards the second end 6b. More specifically, the portion of the second side surface 63 on the first end 6a side widens from the first end 6a towards the second end 6b. This can reduce pressure loss.

[0092] The first separation wall 64 and the second separation wall 65 are formed on a portion of the projection member 6, rather than the entire projection member 6, in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. More specifically, the first separation wall 64 and the second separation wall 65 exist within a predetermined range along the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, starting from the first end 6a. The predetermined range may be from the first end 6a to the top 6e.

[0093] The distance between the first separation wall 64 and the second separation wall 65 decreases as you move from the first end 6a to the second end 6b. This separates the flow F2 and F3 along the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 from the flow F1 along the main surface 61 upstream of the projection member 6, and allows the flows F2 and F3 along the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 to smoothly merge with the flow F1 along the main surface 61 downstream of the projection member 6.

[0094] The heights of the first separation wall 64 and the second separation wall 65 decrease from the first end 6a to the second end 6b. This separates the flow F2 and F3 along the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 from the flow F1 along the main surface 61 upstream of the projection member 6, and allows the flows F2 and F3 along the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 to smoothly merge with the flow F1 along the main surface 61 downstream of the projection member 6.

[0095] Refer to Figure 7. In the piping member 10, let a be the distance between the inner circumferential corner 50a of the second elbow 5-2 and the first end 6a of the projection member 6 in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. a is preferably 0 mm or more and 10 mm or less, and preferably 5 mm or less. This allows the effect of reducing pressure loss by the projection member 6 to be exerted more efficiently.

[0096] [1.2 Effects, etc.] The projection member 6 described above is a projection member 6 that is placed inside a straight pipe (vertical pipe 3) located downstream of the elbow 5 (second elbow 5-2) that changes the direction of the flow path, and partially reduces the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the vertical pipe 3. It comprises a first end 6a facing upstream and a second end 6b facing downstream, and a top portion 6e located between the first end 6a and the second end 6b that minimizes the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the vertical pipe 3. If the inner diameter of the vertical pipe 3 is D, the distance between the first end 6a and the top portion in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 is L1, the distance between the top portion and the second end 6b in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 is L2, and the height at the top portion 6e is h, then the following conditions are satisfied: 25 mm ≤ D ≤ 160 mm, 0.1 D ≤ L1 ≤ 1.0 D, 0.2 D ≤ L2 ≤ 3.0 D, and 0.1 D ≤ h ≤ 0.5 D. This configuration allows for miniaturization while improving flow rate.

[0097] The projection member 6 includes a projection portion 66 that protrudes downstream so as not to contact the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3, and the second end 6b is the tip of the projection portion 66. This configuration makes it possible to smoothly merge the flow that is divided at the first end 6a of the projection member 6 at the projection portion 66, thereby enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0098] In the projection member 6, if the distance between the second end 6b and the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3 is denoted as d, then the condition 0.05D ≤ d ≤ 0.50D is satisfied. This configuration facilitates the re-merging of the flow at the projection portion 66, enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0099] In the projection member 6, the distance between the projection portion 66 and the inner circumferential surface 30a of the vertical pipe 3 increases towards the second end 6b. This configuration facilitates the re-merging of the flow at the projection portion 66, enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0100] In the projection member 6, if L3 is the length of the protruding portion 66 in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, then 0.1D ≤ L3 ≤ 0.5D. This configuration facilitates the re-merging of the flow at the protruding portion 66, enabling further improvement of the flow rate.

[0101] In the projection member 6, if L3 is the length of the protruding portion 66 in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, then L2 > L3. This configuration facilitates the re-merging of the flow at the protruding portion 66, enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0102] The projection member 6 extends from a first end 6a to a second end 6b and has an action surface (second surface 60b) that acts on the fluid flowing through the flow path. The action surface (second surface 60b) includes a main surface 61 that faces the center of the vertical pipe 3 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, and one or more side surfaces (first side surface 62 and second side surface 63) that do not face the center of the vertical pipe 3 when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. This configuration can promote flow along the projection member 6, enabling a further improvement in flow rate.

[0103] In the projection member 6, at least one of the one or more sides (first side 62 and second side 63) includes a concave surface, and the depth of the concave surface is 0.3D or less. This configuration facilitates the separation of flow from the main surface 61, enabling further improvement of the flow rate.

[0104] In the projection member 6, the main surface 61 includes a tapered portion that narrows in width towards the second end 6b in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. This configuration allows the flows F2 and F3 along the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 to smoothly merge with the flow F1 along the main surface 61 downstream of the projection member 6.

[0105] In the projection member 6, the length of the tapered portion in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 is 0.5D or more. This configuration allows the flows F2 and F3 along the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 to smoothly merge with the flow F1 along the main surface 61 downstream of the projection member 6.

[0106] The piping component 10 described above comprises a projection member 6, an elbow 5, and a vertical pipe 3. This configuration allows for miniaturization while improving flow rate.

[0107] In the piping member 10, the radius of curvature of the inner surface on the outer side of the elbow 5 is less than 5 mm. This configuration enables miniaturization.

[0108] In the piping member 10, the distance between the inner circumferential corner 50a of the elbow 5 and the first end 6a in the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 is 0 mm or more and 10 mm or less. This configuration allows the pressure loss reduction effect of the projection member 6 to be exerted more efficiently.

[0109] The piping system 1 described above comprises a vertical pipe 3, a horizontal pipe 4 located between the inlet 2b and the vertical pipe 3, a first elbow 5-1 located between the inlet 2b and the horizontal pipe 4, a second elbow 5-2 located between the horizontal pipe 4 and the vertical pipe 3, and a protruding member 6 which is positioned as a straight pipe on at least a portion of the vertical pipe 3 (straight pipe 32). This configuration allows for miniaturization while improving flow rate.

[0110] [2. Modifications] The embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those described above. The embodiments can be modified in various ways depending on the design, etc., as long as the objectives of this disclosure can be achieved. Modifications of the embodiments are listed below. The modifications described below can be combined and applied as appropriate.

[0111] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a modified piping system 1A. The piping system 1A comprises a gutter 2, a vertical pipe 3, a horizontal pipe 4, elbows 8 (first elbow 8-1 and second elbow 8-2), a projection member 6, and a drain 7.

[0112] The first elbow 8-1 and the second elbow 8-2 are bent pipes that change the direction of the flow path, similar to elbow 5. In this modified example, the first elbow 8-1 and the second elbow 8-2 have the same structure, so in the following description, the first elbow 8-1 and the second elbow 8-2 will not be distinguished and will simply be referred to as elbow 8.

[0113] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the elbow 8. The elbow 8 comprises a first socket 81, a second socket 82, and a curved pipe section 83 located between the first socket 81 and the second socket 82. The curved pipe section 83 and the first and second sockets 81 and 82 are formed as a continuous, integral part. The material of the elbow 8 may be rigid polyvinyl chloride.

[0114] The curved pipe section 83 has openings 831 and 832 at both ends. The curved pipe section 83 connects the first receiving port 81 and the second receiving port 82. The curved pipe section 83 is not shaped like a straight pipe bent at a right angle, like the curved pipe section 53, but rather like a straight pipe bent in an arc. Therefore, although the curved pipe section 83 is cylindrical, its pipe axis (centerline) is curved, not straight. The pipe axis of the curved pipe section 83 defines the pipe axis of the elbow 8. The inner diameter δ83 of the curved pipe section 83 is almost uniform. The inner diameter δ83 of the curved pipe section 83 corresponds to the inner diameter D (see Figure 6) of the straight pipe connected to the elbow 8.

[0115] The curved pipe section 83 has an inner circumferential surface 80a on the inner side of the elbow 8 and an inner circumferential surface 80b on the outer side of the elbow 8. The inner circumferential surface 80a has a corner 80c. The corner 80c is located in the intermediate portion between the opening 831 and the opening 832 on the inner circumferential surface 80a. The corner 80c has an R shape. In a cross-section in a plane including the pipe axis of the elbow 8, the radius of curvature of the corner 80c is 0 mm or more and 54 mm or less, preferably 0 mm or more and 2 mm or less. The inner circumferential surface 80b does not have a corner like the corner 80c. The inner circumferential surface 80b is curved as a whole. In this modified example, in a cross-section in a plane including the pipe axis of the elbow 8, the radius of curvature of the inner circumferential surface 80b is greater than the inner diameter D of the straight pipe connected to the elbow 8.

[0116] The first receiving opening 81 and the second receiving opening 82 are provided at both ends of the curved pipe section 83, respectively. The first receiving opening 81 and the second receiving opening 82 are cylindrical in shape, surrounding the openings 831 and 832 of the curved pipe section 83, respectively. In Figure 16, the first receiving opening 81 and the second receiving opening 82 have the same shape.

[0117] As shown in Figure 16, the central axis C81 of the first socket 81 and the central axis C82 of the second socket 82 intersect each other. The angle θ between the central axis C81 of the first socket 81 and the central axis C82 of the second socket 82 is between 91° and 135°. In this modified example, θ is, for example, 91.17° as specified in JIS K 6739 "Rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage".

[0118] In this modified example, elbow 8 is a 90° elbow. Specifically, elbow 8 is a 90° elbow (so-called DL) as defined in JIS K 6739. The 90° elbow defined in JIS K 6739 is smaller and has better aesthetic appeal than the 90° large-bend elbow defined in JIS K 6739. Therefore, the aesthetic appearance of the piping system 1A can be improved. The piping system 1A can be made less conspicuous in relation to the building 11.

[0119] In one modified example, elbow 8 is not limited to a 90° elbow (so-called DL) as defined in JIS K 6739, but may be a 90° large-bend elbow (so-called LL) or a 45° elbow (so-called 45L) as defined in JIS K 6739. The dimensions of elbow 8 do not necessarily have to be set in accordance with the JIS K 6739 standard for "rigid polyvinyl chloride pipe fittings for drainage".

[0120] In one modification, the first elbow 5-1 and the second elbow 5-2 do not need to be the same shape. Similarly, the first elbow 8-1 and the second elbow 8-2 do not need to be the same shape. For example, the second elbow 8-2 may be a 90° elbow as defined in JIS K 6739, and the first elbow 8-1 may be a 90° large-bend elbow as defined in JIS K 6739.

[0121] In one modified example, the vertical pipe 3 may be composed of a single pipe material instead of multiple pipe materials. Even in this case, the projection member 6 may be arranged as a straight pipe for at least a portion of the vertical pipe 3. Here, at least a portion of the vertical pipe 3 is the entire vertical pipe 3.

[0122] In one modified example, the projection member 6 does not need to have a protruding portion 66.

[0123] In one modified example, when viewed from the direction of the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3, the angle between the third end 6c and the fourth end 6d of the projection member 6 centered on the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3 may be 45° or more and 210° or less, and preferably 60° or more and 180° or less.

[0124] In one modified example, it is desirable that the coefficient of friction of the second surface 60b of the projection member 6 be low. In particular, it is preferable that the region between the first end 6a and the top 6e of the second surface 60b of the projection member 6 has water-repellent properties, as this can be expected to accelerate the flow velocity and enhance the Coanda effect.

[0125] In one modified example, the projection member 6 does not necessarily need to have an external shape that is mirror-symmetric with respect to a plane perpendicular to the second direction. The fact that the projection member 6 is not mirror-symmetric makes it possible to accommodate cases where the flow distribution within the piping system 1 is uneven.

[0126] In one modified example, the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 of the projection member 6 may have shapes that are asymmetrical with respect to the center line of the projection member 6 along the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3. Depending on the installation environment of the piping system 1 or the piping member 10, the shapes of the first side surface 62 and the second side surface 63 may be set individually, and do not necessarily have to be symmetrical with respect to the center line of the projection member 6 along the central axis C3 of the vertical pipe 3.

[0127] In one modified example, the shape, number, and arrangement of the protrusions 67 of the projection member 6 may be appropriately changed according to the shape, number, and arrangement of the holes 3c of the vertical pipe 3. Preferably, the protrusions 67 and holes 3c are provided in such a way that the positioning of the projection member 6 relative to the vertical pipe 3 is easy. However, the projection member 6 does not necessarily need to have protrusions 67.

[0128] In one modified example, the projection member 6 does not need to be entirely contained within the elbow 5 and the vertical pipe 3. In particular, the second end 6b of the projection member 6 may protrude outward from the vertical pipe 3. Conversely, the projection member 6 may be entirely contained within the straight pipe and not protrude into the elbow 5.

[0129] In one modified example, the shape and size of part or all of the piping system 1 may differ from that of the above embodiment. For example, unlike the above embodiment, in the piping system 1, the shape of the elbow 5, the shape of the vertical pipe 3, and the shape of the horizontal pipe 4 may be polygonal rather than circular.

[0130] In one modified example, the piping system 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a gutter 2. For example, if the building 11 has a structure that includes a water collection outlet such as a balcony, the first elbow 5-1 of the piping system 1 may be connected to the water collection outlet of the building 11.

[0131] In one modified example, the drain 7 may be a drain with a structure that is generally considered not to contribute to the occurrence or promotion of the siphon phenomenon. In one modified example, the piping system 1 does not necessarily have to be equipped with the drain 7. The drain 7 is not an essential component of the piping system 1 and may be provided as appropriate considering the installation environment of the piping system 1.

[0132] In one modified example, the piping system 1 is not limited to a rain gutter system, which is a type of drainage system, but may also be other drainage systems such as a sewage system, or it may be applied to a water supply system such as a water supply system. In other words, the protruding member or piping member can be used in a system that supplies or drains water.

[0133] [3. Embodiments] As will be clear from the above embodiments and modifications, this disclosure includes the following embodiments.

[0134] [Aspect 1] A projection member disposed in a straight pipe located downstream of an elbow that changes the direction of a flow path, and which partially reduces the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the straight pipe, comprising: a first end facing upstream and a second end facing downstream; and a top portion located between the first end and the second end that minimizes the flow path cross-sectional area of ​​the straight pipe, wherein the projection member satisfies the following conditions: 25 mm ≤ D ≤ 160 mm, 0.1 D ≤ L1 ≤ 1.0 D, 0.2 D ≤ L2 ≤ 3.0 D, and 0.1 D ≤ h ≤ 0.5 D, where D is the inner diameter of the straight pipe, L1 is the distance between the first end and the top portion in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, L2 is the distance between the top portion and the second end in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, and h is the height at the top portion.

[0135] [Aspect 2] The projection member of Aspect 1, which includes a projection that protrudes downstream so as not to contact the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe, and the second end is the tip of the projection.

[0136] [Aspect 3] The projection member of Aspect 2, wherein the distance between the second end and the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe is d, and the condition 0.05D ≤ d ≤ 0.50D is satisfied.

[0137] [Aspect 4] The projection member of aspect 2 or 3, wherein the distance between the projection portion and the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe increases towards the second end.

[0138] [Aspect 5] A projection member from any one of aspects 2 to 4, wherein the length of the projection in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe is L3, and 0.1D ≤ L3 ≤ 0.5D.

[0139] [Aspect 6] A projection member from any one of aspects 2 to 5, wherein L3 is the length of the protruding portion in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, and L2 > L3.

[0140] [Aspect 7] A projection member from any one of aspects 1 to 6, extending from the first end to the second end and having an action surface that acts on the fluid flowing through the channel, wherein the action surface includes a main surface that faces the center of the straight pipe when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, and one or more side surfaces that do not face the center of the straight pipe when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe.

[0141] [Aspect 8] The projection member of aspect 7, wherein at least one of the one or more sides includes a concave surface, and the depth of the concave surface is 0.3D or less.

[0142] [Aspect 9] The projection member of aspect 7 or 8, wherein the main surface includes a tapered portion that becomes narrower toward the second end in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe.

[0143] [Aspect 10] The projection member of aspect 9, wherein the length of the tapered portion in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe is 0.5D or more.

[0144] [Aspect 11] A piping member comprising one of the projection members from aspects 1 to 10, the elbow, and the straight pipe.

[0145] [Aspect 12] The piping member according to aspect 11, wherein the radius of curvature of the inner surface on the outer circumference side of the elbow is less than 5 mm.

[0146] [Aspect 13] The piping member of Aspect 11, wherein the radius of curvature of the inner surface on the outer circumference side of the elbow is greater than D.

[0147] [Aspect 14] A piping member in any one of aspects 11 to 13, wherein the distance between the inner circumference corner of the elbow and the first end in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe is 0 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0148] [Aspect 15] A piping system comprising: a vertical pipe; a horizontal pipe between an inlet and the vertical pipe; a first elbow between the inlet and the horizontal pipe; a second elbow between the horizontal pipe and the vertical pipe; and one of the projection members from aspects 1 to 10, wherein at least a portion of the vertical pipe is arranged as the straight pipe.

[0149] Appearances 2 to 15 are optional and not required.

[0150] This disclosure is applicable to projection members, piping members, and piping systems. Specifically, this disclosure is applicable to projection members for changing the cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path, piping members equipped with projection members, and piping systems equipped with piping members.

[0151] 1. 1A Piping System 3 Vertical Pipe (Straight Pipe) 5 Elbow 5-1 First Elbow 5-2 Second Elbow 50a Corner 51 First Socket 52 Second Socket 53 Curved Pipe Section 6 Projecting Member 6a First End 6b Second End 6e Top 60b Second Surface (Working Surface) 61 Main Surface 62 First Side (Side) 63 Second Side (Side) 66 Protruding Part 8 Elbow 8-1 First Elbow 8-2 Second Elbow 80c Corner 81 First Socket 82 Second Socket 83 Curved Pipe Section 10 Piping Member

Claims

1. A projection member positioned in a straight pipe located downstream of an elbow that changes the direction of a flow path, and which partially reduces the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the straight pipe, comprising: a first end facing upstream and a second end facing downstream; and a top portion located between the first end and the second end that minimizes the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path of the straight pipe, wherein the projection member satisfies the following conditions: 25 mm ≤ D ≤ 160 mm, 0.1 D ≤ L1 ≤ 1.0 D, 0.2 D ≤ L2 ≤ 3.0 D, and 0.1 D ≤ h ≤ 0.5 D, where D is the inner diameter of the straight pipe, L1 is the distance between the first end and the top portion in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, L2 is the distance between the top portion and the second end in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, and h is the height at the top portion.

2. The projection member according to claim 1, which includes a projection that protrudes downstream so as not to contact the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe, and the second end is the tip of the projection.

3. The projection member according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the second end and the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe is d, and the condition 0.05D ≤ d ≤ 0.50D is satisfied.

4. The projection member according to claim 2, wherein the distance between the projection portion and the inner circumferential surface of the straight pipe increases towards the second end.

5. The projection member according to claim 2, wherein the length of the projection portion in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe is L3, and 0.1D ≤ L3 ≤ 0.5D.

6. The projection member according to claim 2, wherein L2 > L3, where L3 is the length of the projection in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe.

7. The projection member according to claim 1, which extends from the first end to the second end and has an action surface that acts on the fluid flowing through the flow path, wherein the action surface includes a main surface that faces the center of the straight pipe when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe, and one or more side surfaces that do not face the center of the straight pipe when viewed from the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe.

8. The projection member according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the one or more sides includes a concave surface, and the depth of the concave surface is 0.3D or less.

9. The projection member of claim 7, wherein the main surface includes a tapered portion that narrows in width toward the second end in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe.

10. The projection member according to claim 9, wherein the length of the tapered portion in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe is 0.5D or more.

11. A piping member comprising any one of the protruding members from claims 1 to 10, the elbow, and the straight pipe.

12. The piping member according to claim 11, wherein the radius of curvature of the inner surface on the outer circumference side of the elbow is less than 5 mm.

13. The piping member according to claim 11, wherein the radius of curvature of the inner surface on the outer circumference side of the elbow is greater than D.

14. The piping member according to claim 11, wherein the distance between the inner circumferential corner of the elbow and the first end in the direction of the central axis of the straight pipe is 0 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

15. A piping system comprising: a vertical pipe; a horizontal pipe between an inlet and the vertical pipe; a first elbow between the inlet and the horizontal pipe; a second elbow between the horizontal pipe and the vertical pipe; and one of the protruding members from claims 1 to 10, wherein at least a portion of the vertical pipe is arranged as the straight pipe.

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