JP7637486B2 - Rain gutter connection structure - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a gutter connection structure and connection adapter that connects a eaves gutter to a downspout.

As is well known, a gutter connection structure comprising an eaves gutter and a downspout that receives rainwater flowing in from an opening in the eaves gutter and directs it downward is widely used to allow rainwater flowing down from a roof surface to flow down to the ground or a manhole.
As an eaves gutter, for example, a horizontal gutter and a funnel member are commonly used.
A gutter is a typical gutter that runs along the edge of a roof and has no pre-formed openings, whereas a funnel is a gutter that is placed, for example, at the end of a gutter or between gutter segments, and has a factory-formed drop opening.

In a gutter connection structure, when connecting a downspout to an opening formed in the eaves gutter (the outlet of the funnel member, or the cut hole in the horizontal gutter), it is common to form an opening in the eaves gutter that is the same shape as the inlet of the downspout (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

In other words, when a funnel member is used to connect a downspout, the drop outlet (opening) formed in the funnel member is connected to the inlet of the downspout, and the funnel member functions as a connecting member that connects the horizontal gutter and the downspout.
Therefore, in order to accommodate a variety of downspouts, many funnel members each having an outlet corresponding to the inlet of the downspout are required.

On the other hand, when cutting holes (openings) into the bottom plate of a horizontal gutter and connecting a downspout using a connecting member such as a flexible drain, special connecting members (a gutter top surface placement member and a downspout top side joint) that clamp and hold the bottom plate of the horizontal gutter are required depending on the diameter and shape of the downspout inlet.

JP 2005-139785 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-299193

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technology, when using funnel parts, the production of many different types of funnel parts requires increased capital investment in molds and other equipment, as well as the need for large amounts of inventory and large logistics costs.

In addition, for example, when connecting a funnel member with a drop outlet (opening) that is different in diameter from the downpipe, specifically when connecting a downpipe with a larger diameter than the drop outlet of the funnel member, the downpipe will be forcibly connected to a small diameter drop outlet, which may prevent the downpipe from fully utilizing its capacity.

Furthermore, when connecting a downspout by forming a cutting hole (opening) in a horizontal gutter, in order to change the connection parts (the part placed on the upper surface of the eaves gutter and the joint on the upper end of the downspout) depending on the inlet (diameter, shape) of the downspout, many different types of cutting holes (openings) must be formed in the bottom plate of the horizontal gutter depending on the downspout, which necessitates the preparation of many different types of hole-drilling tools.
Therefore, the number of types of connecting parts increases depending on the type of downspout, resulting in increased costs for capital investment, inventory, logistics, etc.

Therefore, there is a demand for technology that can efficiently connect many different types of downpipes to eaves gutters (horizontal gutters, funnel components) within the width of the base plate of the downpipe, regardless of the downpipe's cross section (shape and diameter when viewed along the pipe axis).

The present invention was made in consideration of these circumstances, and aims to provide a gutter connection structure and connection adapter that can efficiently connect many different types of downspouts to openings formed in eaves gutters.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
(1) A first aspect of the present invention is a gutter connection structure that connects the eaves gutter and the upright gutter, comprising a bottom plate, side plates extending upward from both ends of the bottom plate in the width direction, and an opening formed in the bottom plate, a downspout that allows rainwater flowing out from the eaves gutter to flow downward, and a connection adapter that allows rainwater flowing in from the opening of the eaves gutter to flow into the upright gutter, and is characterized in that the downspout is formed with a flow path area smaller than the opening, and the connection adapter has a flow path area that is reduced from the opening toward the upright gutter.

The gutter connection structure of the present invention comprises an eaves gutter, a down gutter, and a connection adapter whose upper end pipe portion corresponds to an opening and whose lower end pipe portion corresponds to the down gutter, and which allows rainwater flowing in from the opening of the eaves gutter to flow into the down gutter, the down gutter being formed so that its flow path area is smaller than the opening of the eaves gutter, and the connection adapter has a flow path area that is reduced from the upper end pipe portion corresponding to the opening towards the lower end pipe portion corresponding to the down gutter.
As a result, by changing the connection adapter, many different types of downpipes with different cross sections can be connected to the opening of the eaves gutter.

In this specification, an eaves gutter is a gutter that is arranged along the edge of a roof (eaves tip) and collects rainwater flowing down from the roof surface, and includes horizontal gutters and funnel members connected to horizontal gutters.
Here, the gutter refers to a typical eaves gutter that is installed along the edge of the roof and does not have a pre-formed opening, and the funnel member refers to an eaves gutter that is placed, for example, at the end of a gutter or between two gutter units, and has a drop hole (opening) formed in a factory.

It is also possible to set whether or not the connection adapter has a means for connecting to the opening of the eaves gutter. For example, the connection adapter may have a flange portion, which may be fitted to the opening and connected by adhesive or a mounting member (e.g., a screw, etc.).

The openings formed in the eaves gutter may be circular (including oval), rectangular, or any other polygonal shape. The inlet (upper hole) of the downspout may have a cross section that is circular when viewed along the pipe axis, or may be rectangular or any other polygonal shape.

(2) In the gutter connection structure described in (1) above, the connection adapter may include an upper end pipe section whose circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the opening, a lower end pipe section whose outer circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the downspout, a flow area reduction section formed between the upper end pipe section and the lower end pipe section, which reduces the flow area from the upper end pipe section toward the lower end pipe section, and a connection means for connecting the upper end pipe section to the opening of the eaves gutter.

According to the gutter connection structure of this invention, the connection adapter is equipped with an upper end pipe section whose circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the opening, a lower end pipe section whose outer circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the downspout, a flow area reduction section formed between the upper end pipe section and the lower end pipe section that reduces the flow area from the upper end pipe section toward the lower end pipe section, and a connection means for connecting the upper end pipe section to the opening of the eaves gutter, so that it can be easily and efficiently connected to the opening of the eaves gutter.

Here, "the upper end pipe section whose circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the opening" means that the circumferential surface of the upper end pipe section of the connection adapter is formed with a shape and dimensions that allow rainwater to flow smoothly from the opening section into the upper end pipe section. For example, when the outer circumferential surface of the upper end pipe section can be inserted into the opening section, or when the opening section has a protrusion that extends downward around its periphery, the outer circumferential surface of the upper end pipe section can be inserted into the opening section, or the inner circumferential surface of the upper end pipe section can receive the protrusion.

In addition, the "lower end pipe whose outer circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the downspout" means that when the lower end pipe of the connection adapter is inserted into the downspout, it is formed with a shape and dimensions that allow rainwater to flow smoothly from the lower end pipe into the downspout. It is possible to arbitrarily set whether or not a gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the downspout and the outer circumferential surface of the lower end pipe when the lower end pipe of the connection adapter is inserted into the downspout.

The flow path area reduction section that reduces the flow path area from the upper end pipe section toward the lower end pipe section may be configured, for example, as a stepped section in which the flow path area is reduced all at once from the upper end pipe section to the lower end pipe section with the pipe axis dimension (of the connection adapter) being zero, or the flow path area may be gradually reduced along the pipe axis direction. When the flow path area is reduced along the pipe axis direction, the cross section including the pipe axis may be a funnel shape that is linearly inclined and reduced, or may be formed in a curved shape that is concave inward or bulges outward.

The configuration of the connection means can be set arbitrarily, and in addition to the engagement described below, it may be configured to use a flange or other well-known attachment means (e.g., bolts, etc.).

(3) The gutter connection structure described in (2) above may be such that the eaves gutter is a funnel member that is integrally formed with the bottom plate and has a protruding portion extending downward, a drop opening is formed on the inner periphery of the protruding portion, and a first engagement portion is formed on the circumferential surface of the protruding portion, the opening portion being the drop opening, and the connection adapter has a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion as the connection means to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening.

According to the gutter connection structure of this invention, the eaves gutter is a funnel member, the opening is a drop hole formed in the funnel member, and the connection adapter is provided with a second engaging portion as a connection means, and the second engaging portion engages with a first engaging portion formed on the peripheral surface of the protruding portion of the funnel member to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening, so that a downspout can be easily and efficiently connected to the eaves gutter.
As a result, many types of downspouts can be connected to one type of funnel member, which makes it possible to reduce capital investment such as molds, and reduces inventory and large logistics costs related to funnel members.In addition, it is possible to shorten the development period when developing a gutter connection structure using a funnel member.
Furthermore, no special tools are required to connect the downspout to the eaves gutter.

Here, the phrase "the first engagement portion is formed on the circumferential surface of the protrusion" means that the first engagement portion may be formed, for example, on the outer circumferential surface or the inner circumferential surface of the protrusion.
The first and second engaging parts may be configured as desired. For example, they may be configured by convex and concave parts formed in a circumferential direction around the pipe axis of the connection adapter and the downspout in a complementary manner, and these convex and concave parts may have a screw structure with the pipe axis as the axis, or may be formed in the circumferential direction and have a partial notch in the circumferential direction, and may be inserted into each other in the pipe axial direction through this notch and engaged with each other by rotating in the circumferential direction. Also, a screw structure that moves with each other in the pipe axial direction by rotating in the circumferential direction may be combined.

(4) The gutter connection structure described in (2) above may have an opening that is a cut hole formed by cutting the bottom plate into a circular shape, a gutter upper surface arrangement member that is arranged on the upper side of the periphery of the opening and has a first engagement portion formed on its peripheral surface, and a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening as the connection means.

According to the gutter connection structure of this invention, the opening is a cut hole formed by cutting the bottom plate of the eaves gutter (horizontal gutter) into a circle, and the eaves gutter upper surface placement member is arranged on the upper side of the bottom plate at the peripheral part of the opening and has a first engagement portion formed on its peripheral surface, and the connection adapter has a second engagement portion as a connection means, and the second engagement portion engages with the first engagement portion formed on the peripheral surface of the eaves gutter upper surface placement member to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening, so that a downspout can be easily and efficiently connected to the eaves gutter.
As a result, multiple types of downspouts can be connected using a single type of connecting part (such as the eaves gutter upper surface placement part and the downspout upper end fitting), which makes it possible to reduce capital investment such as molds, and also reduces inventory and large logistics costs related to connecting parts.
Furthermore, no special tools are required to connect the downspout to the eaves gutter.

Here, the first engagement portion being formed on the peripheral surface of the eaves gutter upper surface placement member means that when the eaves gutter upper surface placement member has a tubular portion protruding below the bottom plate from the opening, the first engagement portion is formed on either the inner or outer peripheral surface of the tubular portion, and when the eaves gutter upper surface placement member does not protrude below the opening, the first engagement portion is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the eaves gutter upper surface placement member (positioned above the bottom plate).
(5) A second aspect of the present invention is a connection adapter for use in the gutter connection structure described in (1) or (2) above, comprising an upper end pipe section whose peripheral surface is formed to correspond to the opening, a lower end pipe section whose outer circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the downspout, a flow path area reduction section disposed between the upper end pipe section and the lower end pipe section and reducing the flow path area from the upper end pipe section toward the lower end pipe section, and a connection means for connecting the upper end pipe section to the opening of the eaves gutter.

The connection adapter according to this invention is equipped with an upper end pipe section whose circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the opening, a lower end pipe section whose outer circumferential surface is formed to correspond to the downspout, a flow area reduction section disposed between the upper end pipe section and the lower end pipe section and reducing the flow area from the upper end pipe section toward the lower end pipe section, and a connection means for connecting the upper end pipe section to the opening of the eaves gutter, so that it can be easily and efficiently connected to the opening of the eaves gutter.

(6) The connection adapter described in (5) above may be a funnel member in which the eaves gutter is integrally molded with the bottom plate, has a protruding portion extending downward, has a drop opening formed around the periphery of the protruding portion, and has a first engagement portion formed around the periphery of the protruding portion, and when the opening is a drop opening, the connection means may include a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening.

According to the connection adapter of the present invention, the connection adapter is provided with a second engagement portion as a connection means, and when the eaves gutter is a funnel member and the opening is a drop hole formed in the funnel member, the second engagement portion engages with the first engagement portion formed on the peripheral surface of the protruding portion of the funnel member to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening, so that a downspout can be easily and efficiently connected to the eaves gutter.
Furthermore, no special tools are required to connect the downspout to the eaves gutter.

(7) The connection adapter described in (5) above may have a second engagement portion that engages with a first engagement portion formed on the peripheral surface of an eaves gutter upper surface placement member that is arranged on the upper side of the peripheral portion of the opening, when the opening is a cut hole formed by cutting the bottom plate into a circular shape, to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening.

According to the connection adapter of the present invention, when the connection adapter is provided with a second engagement portion as a connection means, and the opening is a cut hole formed by cutting the bottom plate of the eaves gutter (horizontal gutter) into a circular shape, and is provided with an eaves gutter upper surface positioning member that is arranged on the upper side of the bottom plate at the peripheral portion of the opening and has a first engagement portion formed on its peripheral surface, the second engagement portion engages with the first engagement portion formed on the peripheral surface of the eaves gutter upper surface positioning member to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening, so that a downspout can be easily and efficiently connected to the eaves gutter.
Furthermore, no special tools are required to connect the downspout to the eaves gutter.

The gutter connection structure and connection adapter of this invention allow many different types of downspouts to be efficiently connected to the openings formed in the eaves gutter.

1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a gutter connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a first application example of the gutter connection structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a first application example of a gutter connection structure according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of a second application example of the gutter connection structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the schematic configuration of a second application example of the gutter connection structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of a third application example of the gutter connection structure according to the first embodiment. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the schematic configuration of a third application example of the gutter connection structure according to the first embodiment. FIG. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a gutter connection system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. A vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of a first application example of a gutter connection structure according to a second embodiment. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the schematic configuration of a first application example of a gutter connection structure according to a second embodiment. FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of a second application example of the gutter connection structure according to the second embodiment. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the schematic configuration of a first application example of a gutter connection structure according to a second embodiment. FIG. A vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the schematic configuration of a third application example of the gutter connection structure relating to the second embodiment. 13 is a perspective view illustrating the schematic configuration of a third application example of the gutter connection structure according to the second embodiment. FIG.

First Embodiment
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A to FIG. 4B.
Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of the gutter connection structure according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2A, 3A, and 4A are vertical cross-sectional views for explaining the schematic configuration of the first to third application examples of the gutter connection structure according to the first embodiment, and Figs. 2B, 3B, and 4B are perspective views for explaining the schematic configuration of the first to third application examples. Note that Figs. 2A, 3A, and 4A omit the downspout, and Figs. 2B, 3B, and 4B omit the funnel member.

1 and 2A to 4B, reference numeral 100 denotes a gutter connection structure, and reference numerals 101 to 103 denote gutter connection structures according to first to third application examples of the first embodiment.
Furthermore, reference numeral 105 denotes a funnel (eaves gutter), reference numeral 108 denotes a drop outlet (opening), reference numerals 110, 120, and 130 denote connection adapters, and reference numerals 141, 142, and 143 denote downspouts.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gutter connection structure 100 according to the first embodiment includes, for example, a funnel member (eaves gutter) 105, three (multiple) types of connection adapters 110, 120, 130, and three (multiple) types of downpipes 141, 142, 143.

Then, by using connection adapters 110, 120, 130, the drop outlet (opening) 108, which has a constant cross section and is formed in the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105, can be connected to multiple types (three types in this case) of inlet downpipes 141, 142, 143, which have different cross sections (at least one of the shape and inner diameter) and smaller flow area than the drop outlet 108.

In other words, it is possible to freely connect a plurality of types of downpipes 141, 142, 143 having different cross sections to the drop outlet 108 having a constant cross section (here, a circle with a constant diameter).
For this reason, the connection adapters 110 , 120 , 130 have reduced flow passage areas corresponding to the drop outlet (opening) 108 and the downpipes 141 , 142 , 143 .

The gutter connection structure 100 is configured to direct rainwater flowing down from the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 through the connection adapters 110, 120, and 130 to the downpipes 141, 142, and 143.

[First Application Example (First Embodiment)]
Hereinafter, a gutter connection structure according to a first application example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2A, and 2B.
As shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the gutter connection structure 101 according to the first application example of the first embodiment includes, for example, a funnel member (eaves gutter) 105, a connection adapter 110, and a downspout 141.

The outlet (opening) 108 formed in the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 and the inlet 141A of the downspout 141 are connected by a connection adapter 110, so that rainwater flowing out from the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 flows into the downspout 141 via the connection adapter 110.

The configuration of the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 can be set arbitrarily, and may be, for example, a large one installed along the roof of a logistics center or a small one installed under the eaves of a house. Also, it may be used at the end of a gutter to allow rainwater to flow in from one side, or may be placed between two gutters to connect the gutter to each other.
In this embodiment, the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 is configured to be disposed, for example, between horizontal gutters (not shown) and connect the horizontal gutters to each other.

In addition, the material from which the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 is made can be selected as desired, and in this embodiment, it is made from, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride resin.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2A, the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 includes, for example, a bottom plate 106, side plates 107 formed on both sides of the width of the bottom plate 106 and extending upward, a drop hole (opening) 108, and a first engagement portion 109, and is configured to allow rainwater flowing from a horizontal gutter (eaves gutter, not shown) to flow out from the drop hole 108.

The bottom plate 106 is formed long along the edge of the roof, for example, and is formed in, for example, a long rectangular shape in plan view.
In addition, a drop hole (opening) 108 that is circular in plan view is formed through the bottom plate 106 in the thickness direction.
The diameter of the drop opening (opening) 108 can be set arbitrarily, but in this embodiment, it is formed to have the maximum diameter relative to the width dimension of the bottom plate 106. The shape of the drop opening (opening) 108 may also be set arbitrarily.
In this embodiment, the protrusion 106T and the drop hole (opening) 108 are molded (formed) integrally with the bottom plate 106 of the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 during manufacturing in a factory.

The lower surface of the bottom plate 106 is formed with an inverted cone (funnel)-shaped protrusion (water reservoir, pit) 106T that protrudes downward in a circular ring shape, for example, on the periphery of the drop hole (opening) 108.

The first engagement portion 109 is, for example, formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 106T and is configured of protrusions arranged in two (multiple) rows in the tube axial direction protruding toward the outer periphery.
Each protrusion has four (a plurality of) notches extending in the circumferential direction (e.g., extending longer than 90°), and the four notches are equally spaced and formed at the same circumferential positions in the two rows of protrusions.
That is, each protrusion has four (a plurality of) protrusions formed in the circumferential direction (eg, less than 90°) and arranged at equal intervals (eg, greater than 90°) in the circumferential direction.
The number of protrusions arranged in the first engagement portion 109, the number in the circumferential direction, the circumferential length, and the length of the notch can be set arbitrarily.

The downpipe 141 can be set arbitrarily, but in this embodiment, the downpipe 141 is formed, for example, so that the cross section of the downpipe 141 when viewed along the pipe axis from the upper inlet 141A is circular.
Moreover, the upper inlet 141A is formed to have, for example, the smallest opening diameter (smallest flow path area) of an applicable downpipe.
The material for forming the downspout 141 can be any material such as hard polyvinyl chloride resin, ABS, AES, etc., but from the standpoint of durability, it is preferable to use an olefin-based resin, for example.

As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the connection adapter 110 has, for example, an upper end pipe portion 111, a funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 114, a lower end pipe portion 116, and a second engagement portion (connection means) 112.
The upper end pipe section 111, the funnel-shaped section (reduced flow path area section) 114, and the lower end pipe section 116 are arranged in this order from top to bottom.

The upper end pipe portion 111 is disposed at the upper end portion of the connection adapter 110 and is formed to correspond to the drop hole (opening) 108 .
Specifically, when viewed along the tube axis, the inner circumference is formed into a circle into which the protruding portion 106T can be inserted.
Further, a second engaging portion (connecting means) 112 corresponding to the first engaging portion 109 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end pipe portion 111 .

The second engagement portion (connection means) 112, for example, protrudes inward (toward the tube axis) from the inner peripheral surface of the upper end tube portion 111, forming a gap capable of accommodating the first engagement portion 109, and has protrusions extending at intervals in the circumferential direction and arranged in two (multiple) rows in the tube axis direction.

The second engagement portion (connection means) 112 is configured such that the protruding portion of the first engagement portion 109 has a notch that allows it to move in the tube axial direction, and by inserting the first engagement portion 109 into the second engagement portion 112 in the tube axial direction and rotating it in the circumferential direction, the first engagement portion 109 and the second engagement portion 112 engage with each other, and the protruding portions of the first engagement portion 109 and the second engagement portion 112 engage with each other.

The configurations of the first engaging portion 109 and the second engaging portion (connecting means) 112 are not limited to the above-mentioned configurations and may be set arbitrarily. For example, they may be configured such that no intervals are formed in the circumferential direction.
In addition, the first engagement portion 109 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 106T, and the second engagement portion (connection means) 112 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end pipe portion 111.

The lower end pipe portion 116 is disposed at the lower end of the connection adapter 110 and is formed to correspond to the downspout 141 .
Specifically, the lower end pipe portion 116 has a circular outer shape when viewed along the pipe axis direction, and its outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) is capable of being inserted into the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the upper inlet 141A of the downspout 141.

The funnel-shaped portion (reduced flow path area portion) 114 is formed between the upper end pipe portion 111 and the lower end pipe portion 116, and is configured so that the flow path area is reduced from the upper end pipe portion 111 toward the lower end pipe portion 116.
In addition, the funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 114 is formed, for example, in an approximately conical shape, and the cross section (diameter in this embodiment) when viewed along the tube axis direction gradually becomes smaller from the upper end tube portion 111 to the lower end tube portion 116.

The material from which the connection adapter 110 is made can be any material, such as rigid polyvinyl chloride resin, ABS, or AES, but from the standpoint of durability, it is preferable to use an olefin-based resin, for example.

[Second Application Example (First Embodiment)]
Hereinafter, a gutter connection structure according to a second application example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 3A and 3B.
As shown in Figures 1, 3A, and 3B, the gutter connection structure 102 according to the second application example of the first embodiment includes, for example, a funnel member (eaves gutter) 105, a connection adapter 120, and a downspout 142.

The drop outlet (opening) 108 formed in the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 and the inlet 142A of the downspout 142 are connected by a connection adapter 120, so that rainwater flowing out from the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 flows into the downspout 142 via the connection adapter 120.
In addition, the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 is similar to that in the first application example, so it is given the same reference numeral and the description thereof is omitted.

The downpipe 142 is formed, for example, so that the cross section when the upper inlet 142A is viewed along the pipe axis is circular.
Moreover, the upper inlet 142A is formed, for example, with the maximum opening diameter (maximum flow path area) of an applicable downpipe.
The material for forming the downspout 142 is the same as that in the first application example, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the connection adapter 120 has, for example, an upper end pipe portion 121, a funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 124, a lower end pipe portion 126, and a second engagement portion (connection means) 112.
The upper end pipe section 121, the funnel-shaped section (reduced flow path area section) 124, and the lower end pipe section 126 are arranged in this order from top to bottom.

The upper end pipe portion 121 is disposed, for example, at the upper end portion of the connection adapter 120 and is formed to correspond to the drop hole (opening) 108 .
Specifically, when viewed along the tube axis, the inner circumference is formed into a circle into which the protruding portion 106T can be inserted.
Further, a second engagement portion (connection means) 112 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end pipe portion 121 .
In addition, the second engagement portion (connection means) 112 is similar to that in the first application example, so it is given the same reference numeral and the description thereof is omitted.

The lower end pipe portion 126 is disposed at the lower end of the connection adapter 120 and is formed to correspond to the downspout 142 .
Specifically, the lower end pipe portion 126 has a circular outer shape when viewed along the pipe axis direction, and its outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) is capable of being inserted into the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the upper inlet 142A of the downspout 142.

The funnel-shaped portion (reduced flow path area portion) 124 is formed between the upper end pipe portion 121 and the lower end pipe portion 126, and is configured so that the flow path area is reduced from the upper end pipe portion 121 toward the lower end pipe portion 126.
In addition, the funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 124 is formed, for example, in an approximately conical shape, and the cross-sectional shape (diameter in this embodiment) when viewed along the tube axial direction gradually becomes smaller from the upper end tube portion 121 to the lower end tube portion 126.

The funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 124 has a lower end pipe portion 126 formed to have a larger diameter than the lower end pipe portion 116 according to the first application example.
Therefore, the funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 124 is formed so that, for example, the length in the tube axis direction is shorter than that of the funnel-shaped portion 114 according to the first application example.
The material for forming the connection adapter 120 is the same as that in the first application example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[Third Application Example (First Embodiment)]
Hereinafter, a gutter connection structure according to a third application example of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 4A and 4B.
As shown in Figures 1, 4A and 4B, the gutter connection structure 103 according to the third application example of the first embodiment includes, for example, a funnel member (eaves gutter) 105, a connection adapter 130 and a downspout 143.

The drop outlet (opening) 108 formed in the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 and the inlet 143A of the downspout 143 are connected by a connection adapter 130, so that rainwater flowing out from the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 flows into the downspout 143 via the connection adapter 130.
In addition, the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 is similar to that in the first application example, so it is given the same reference numeral and the description thereof is omitted.

The downpipe 143 is formed, for example, so that the cross section when the upper inlet 143A is viewed along the pipe axis is substantially square (quadrilateral).
Specifically, when viewed along the tube axis, arc-shaped corners recessed from the outside to the inside are formed at the four vertices of the square (rectangle).
The material for forming the downspout 143 is the same as that in the first application example, and therefore the description thereof will be omitted.

As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the connection adapter 130 has, for example, an upper end pipe portion 131, a stepped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 134, a lower end pipe portion 136, a slip-out prevention portion 137, and a second engagement portion (connection means) 112.
The upper end pipe section 131, the stepped section (flow path area reduction section) 134, and the lower end pipe section 136 are arranged in this order from top to bottom.

The upper end pipe portion 131 is disposed, for example, at the upper end portion of the connection adapter 130 and is formed to correspond to the drop hole (opening) 108 .
Specifically, when viewed along the tube axis, the inner circumference is formed into a circle into which the protruding portion 106T can be inserted.
Further, a second engagement portion (connection means) 112 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end pipe portion 131 .
In addition, the second engagement portion (connection means) 112 is similar to that in the first application example, so it is given the same reference numeral and the description thereof is omitted.

The lower end pipe portion 136 is disposed at the lower end of the connection adapter 130 and is formed to correspond to the downspout 143 .
Specifically, the lower end pipe portion 136 has a circular outer shape when viewed along the pipe axis direction, and its outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) is capable of being inserted into the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the upper inlet 143A of the downspout 143.

The fall-off prevention shape portions 137 protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the lower end pipe portion 136, for example, and are formed in two rows, one above the other, in the circumferential direction.
The lower end pipe portion 136 is configured to be prevented from coming off the downspout 143 .

The step-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 134 is formed between the upper end pipe portion 131 and the lower end pipe portion 136, and is configured so that the flow path area is reduced from the upper end pipe portion 131 toward the lower end pipe portion 136.
In this embodiment, the step portion (flow path area reduction portion) 134 is formed, for example, by a flat surface facing the drop hole (opening) 108 .
The flow passage area is configured to decrease abruptly (the length in the pipe axis direction becomes zero) from the upper end pipe portion 131 to the lower end pipe portion 136 .
The material for forming the connection adapter 120 is the same as that in the first application example, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

According to the gutter connection structure 101, 102, 103 of the first embodiment, the upper end pipe parts 111, 121, 131 of the connection adapters 110, 120, 130 are formed to correspond to the drop outlet (opening) 108 of the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105, and the lower end pipe parts 116, 126, 136 are formed to correspond to the inlets 141A, 142A, 143A of the downpipes 141, 142, 143, and the flow path area is reduced from the upper end pipe parts 111, 121, 131 toward the lower end pipe parts 116, 126, 136 at the flow path area reduction parts 114, 124, 134, so that the funnel member (eaves gutter) 105 and the downpipes 141, 142, 143 can be easily and efficiently connected.

Furthermore, according to the gutter connection structures 101, 102, 103 of the first embodiment, the connection adapters 110, 120, 130 are provided with the second engagement portion 112 as a connection means, so that the first engagement portion 119 formed on the protrusion 106T of the funnel member 105 can be engaged with the second engagement portion 112 to easily and efficiently connect the upper end pipe portions 111, 121, 131 of the connection adapters 110, 120, 130 to the drop hole (opening) 108.
As a result, many types of downpipes 141, 142, 143 can be connected to one type of funnel member 105, which makes it possible to reduce capital investment such as molds, and reduces inventory and large logistics costs related to funnel members. Also, the development period for a gutter connection structure using the funnel member 105 can be shortened.
Furthermore, since no special tools are required to connect the downspout to the eaves gutter, the connection work can be carried out efficiently.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6A to FIG. 8B.
Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the schematic configuration of the gutter connection structure according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 6A, 7A, and 8A are vertical cross-sectional views for explaining the schematic configuration of the first to third application examples of the gutter connection structure according to the second embodiment, and Figs. 6B, 7B, and 8B are perspective views for explaining the schematic configuration of the first to third application examples. Note that Figs. 6A, 7A, and 8A omit the downpipe, and Figs. 6B, 7B, and 8B omit the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter).

5 and 6A to 8B, reference numeral 200 indicates a gutter connection structure, and reference numerals 201 to 203 indicate gutter connection structures according to first to third application examples of the second embodiment.
Furthermore, reference numeral 205 denotes a horizontal gutter (eaves gutter), reference numeral 208 denotes a drop outlet (opening), reference numerals 210, 220, and 230 denote connection adapters, reference numeral 250 denotes a strainer member (a member arranged on the upper surface of the eaves gutter), and reference numerals 141, 142, and 143 denote vertical gutters.

As shown in FIG. 5, the gutter connection structure 200 according to the second embodiment includes, for example, a horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205, three (multiple) types of connection adapters 210, 220, 230, three (multiple) types of vertical gutters 141, 142, 143, and a strainer member (member placed on the top surface of the eaves gutter) 250.

Then, by using the connection adapters 210, 220, 230 and the strainer member (member placed on the top surface of the eaves gutter) 250, the cut hole (opening) 208 with a constant cross section formed in the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 can be connected to multiple types (three types in this case) of inlet downpipes 141, 142, 143 that have different cross sections (at least one of the shape and inner diameter) and smaller flow area than the cut hole (opening) 208.

In other words, it is possible to freely connect a plurality of types of downpipes 141, 142, 143 having different cross sections to a cut hole (opening) 208 having a constant cross section (here, a circle with a constant diameter).
For this reason, the connection adapters 210 , 220 , 230 have reduced flow passage areas corresponding to the cut hole (opening) 208 and the downpipes 141 , 142 , 143 .
The gutter connection structure 200 is configured to direct rainwater flowing down from the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 through the connection adapters 210 , 220 , 230 to the downpipes 141 , 142 , 143 .

[First Application Example (Second Embodiment)]
Hereinafter, a gutter connection structure according to a first application example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5, 6A and 6B.
The gutter connection structure 201 relating to the first application example of the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 5, 6A, and 6B, comprises, for example, a horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205, a connection adapter 210, a vertical gutter 141, and a strainer member (eaves gutter upper surface placement member) 250.

The cut hole (opening) 208 formed in the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 and the inlet 141A of the vertical gutter 141 are connected by a connection adapter 210, so that rainwater flowing out from the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 flows into the vertical gutter 141 via the connection adapter 210.

The configuration of the gutter (eaves gutter) 205 can be set as desired, and may be, for example, a large one installed along the roof of a logistics center or a small one installed under the eaves of a house. In this embodiment, the gutter (eaves gutter) 205 has a cut hole (opening) 208 formed using a cutting tool such as a hole saw.

The material from which the gutter (eaves gutter) 205 is made can be selected as desired, and in this embodiment, it is made from, for example, rigid polyvinyl chloride resin.

As shown in Figures 5 and 6A, the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 has, for example, a bottom plate 206, side plates 207 formed on both sides of the width of the bottom plate 206 and extending upward, and a cut hole (opening) 208.
It is configured to receive rainwater flowing down from the roof surface (not shown) and allow it to flow out through the cut holes (openings) 208.

The bottom plate 206 is formed, for example, long along the edge of the roof, and is formed, for example, in a long rectangular shape in plan view.
The bottom plate 206 is also formed with a cut hole (opening) 208 that is circular in plan view and penetrates the plate in the thickness direction.
The diameter of the cut hole (opening) 208 can be set arbitrarily, but in this embodiment, it is formed to have the maximum diameter relative to the width dimension of the bottom plate 106. The shape of the cut hole 208 may also be set arbitrarily.
The downspout 141 is similar to that in the first application example according to the first embodiment, and so is given the same reference numeral and its description is omitted.

The strainer member (eaves gutter upper surface placement member) 250 comprises an upper flange portion 251 placed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 206, a cylindrical portion 252 extending downward from the upper flange portion 251, a ring portion 253 placed above the upper flange portion 251 to hook and remove large foreign objects, a number of support portions 254 formed on an axis erected on the upper flange portion 251 and supporting the ring portion 253, and a first engagement portion 255.

The upper flange portion 251 is, for example, an annular shape with a circular outer shape in a plan view and a circular hole formed on the inner circumference. It can be positioned on the periphery of the cut hole (opening) 208 and can clamp the bottom plate 206 in cooperation with the connection adapter 210.

The cylindrical portion 252 is formed below the circular hole of the upper flange portion 251, and is formed in a generally inverted cone shape.
In this embodiment, the cylindrical portion 252 is formed to protrude below the bottom plate 206 through the cut hole 208, and is configured to allow the connection adapter 210 to be connected.

The ring portion 253 is composed of, for example, a linear member formed into a circular ring shape, and is supported at a predetermined position by the support portion 254.

The first engagement portion 255 is, for example, formed on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical portion 252 and configured of protruding portions arranged in two (plural) rows in the tube axial direction protruding toward the outer circumferential side.
Each protrusion has four (a plurality of) notches extending in the circumferential direction (e.g., extending longer than 90°), and the four notches are equally spaced and formed at the same circumferential positions in the two rows of protrusions.

That is, each protrusion has four (a plurality of) protrusions formed in the circumferential direction (eg, less than 90°) and arranged at equal intervals (eg, greater than 90°) in the circumferential direction.
The number of projections arranged in the first engagement portion 255, the number in the circumferential direction, the circumferential length, and the length of the notches can be set arbitrarily.

As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the connection adapter 210 has, for example, an upper end pipe portion 211, a funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 214, a lower end pipe portion 216, and a second engagement portion (connection means) 212.
The upper end pipe section 211, the funnel-shaped section (reduced flow path area section) 214, and the lower end pipe section 216 are arranged in this order from top to bottom.

The upper end pipe portion 211 is disposed at the upper end portion of the connection adapter 210 and is formed to correspond to the cut hole (opening) 208 .
Specifically, when viewed along the pipe axis, the inner periphery is formed into a circular shape into which a cylindrical portion 252 of a strainer member (member to be placed on the upper surface of the eaves gutter) 250 can be inserted.

Further, the upper end pipe portion 211 is formed with a flange portion 211F, for example, toward the radially outer periphery, which corresponds to an upper surface flange portion 251 of a strainer member (a member disposed on the upper surface of the eaves gutter) 250.
The flange portion 211F cooperates with the upper flange portion 251 at the periphery of the cut hole 208 to sandwich and hold the bottom plate 206.
Further, a second engaging portion (connecting means) 212 corresponding to the first engaging portion 255 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end pipe portion 211 .

The second engagement portion (connection means) 212, for example, protrudes inward (toward the tube axis) from the inner peripheral surface of the upper end tube portion 211, forming a gap capable of accommodating the first engagement portion 255, and has protrusions that extend at intervals in the circumferential direction and are arranged in two (multiple) rows in the tube axis direction.

The second engagement portion (connection means) 212 is configured such that the protruding portion of the first engagement portion 255 has a notch that allows it to move in the tube axial direction, and by inserting the first engagement portion 255 into the second engagement portion 212 in the tube axial direction and rotating it in the circumferential direction, the first engagement portion 255 and the second engagement portion 212 engage with each other, and the protruding portions of the first engagement portion 255 and the second engagement portion 212 engage with each other.

The configurations of the first engaging portion 255 and the second engaging portion (connecting means) 212 are not limited to the above-mentioned configurations and may be set arbitrarily. For example, they may be configured such that no intervals are formed in the circumferential direction.
In addition, the first engagement portion 255 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 252 , and the second engagement portion (connection means) 212 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end pipe portion 211 .

The lower end pipe portion 216 is disposed at the lower end of the connection adapter 210 and is formed to correspond to the downspout 141 .
Specifically, the lower end pipe portion 216 has a circular outer shape when viewed along the pipe axis direction, and its outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) is capable of being inserted into the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the upper inlet 141A of the downspout 141.

The funnel-shaped section (reduced flow path area section) 214 is formed between the upper end pipe section 211 and the lower end pipe section 216, and is configured so that the flow path area is reduced from the upper end pipe section 211 toward the lower end pipe section 216.
In addition, the funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 214 is formed, for example, in an approximately conical shape, and the cross section (diameter in this embodiment) when viewed along the pipe axis direction gradually becomes smaller from the upper end pipe portion 211 to the lower end pipe portion 216.

The material from which the connection adapter 210 is made can be any material, such as rigid polyvinyl chloride resin, ABS, or AES, but from the standpoint of durability, it is preferable to use an olefin-based resin, for example.

[Second Application Example (Second Embodiment)]
Hereinafter, a gutter connection structure according to a second application example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5, 7A and 7B.
The gutter connection structure 202 relating to the second application example of the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 5, 7A, and 7B, comprises, for example, a horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205, a connection adapter 220, a vertical gutter 142, and a strainer member (eaves gutter upper surface placement member) 250.

The cut hole (opening) 208 formed in the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 and the inlet 142A of the downspout 142 are connected by a connection adapter 220, so that rainwater flowing out from the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 flows into the downspout 142 via the connection adapter 220.
In addition, the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 and the strainer member 250 are similar to those in the first application example of the second embodiment, and the downspout 142 is similar to those in the second application example of the first embodiment, so the same symbols are used and descriptions are omitted.

As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the connection adapter 220 has, for example, an upper end pipe portion 221, a funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 224, a lower end pipe portion 226, and a second engagement portion (connection means) 212.
The upper end pipe section 221, the funnel-shaped section (reduced flow path area section) 224, and the lower end pipe section 226 are arranged in this order from top to bottom.

The upper end pipe portion 221 is disposed, for example, at the upper end portion of the connection adapter 220 and is formed to correspond to the cut hole (opening) 208 .
Furthermore, the upper end pipe portion 221 is formed with a flange portion 211F, for example, toward the radially outer periphery, which corresponds to an upper surface flange portion 251 of a strainer member (a member disposed on the upper surface of the eaves gutter) 250.
Further, a second engagement portion (connection means) 212 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end pipe portion 221 .
In addition, the flange portion 211F and the second engagement portion (connection means) 212 are similar to those in the first application example of the second embodiment, so they are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The lower end pipe portion 226 is disposed at the lower end of the connection adapter 220 and is formed to correspond to the downspout 142 .
Specifically, the lower end pipe portion 226 has a circular outer shape when viewed along the pipe axis direction, and its outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) is capable of being inserted into the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the upper inlet 142A of the downspout 142.

The funnel-shaped section (reduced flow path area section) 224 is formed between the upper end pipe section 221 and the lower end pipe section 226, and is configured so that the flow path area is reduced from the upper end pipe section 221 toward the lower end pipe section 226.
In addition, the funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 224 is formed, for example, in an approximately conical shape, and the cross-sectional shape (diameter in this embodiment) when viewed along the tube axial direction gradually becomes smaller from the upper end tube portion 221 to the lower end tube portion 226.

The funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 224 has a lower end pipe portion 226 formed to have a larger diameter than the lower end pipe portion 216 according to the first application example of the second embodiment.
Therefore, the funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 224 is formed so that, for example, the length in the tube axis direction is shorter than that of the funnel-shaped portion 214 according to the first application example.
The material for forming the connection adapter 220 is the same as that in the first application example of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[Third Application Example (Second Embodiment)]
Hereinafter, a gutter connection structure according to a third application example of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5, 8A and 8B.
The gutter connection structure 203 relating to the third application example of the second embodiment includes, for example, a horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205, a connection adapter 230, a vertical gutter 143, and a strainer member (eaves gutter upper surface placement member) 250, as shown in Figures 5, 8A, and 8B.

The cut hole (opening) 208 formed in the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 and the inlet 143A of the downspout 143 are connected by a connection adapter 230, so that rainwater flowing out from the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 flows into the downspout 143 via the connection adapter 230.
In addition, the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 and the strainer member 250 are similar to those in the first application example of the second embodiment, and the vertical gutter 143 is similar to those in the third application example of the first embodiment, so the same symbols are used and descriptions are omitted.

As shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the connection adapter 230 has, for example, an upper end pipe portion 231, a stepped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 234, a lower end pipe portion 236, a slip-out prevention portion 137, and a second engagement portion (connection means) 212.
The upper end pipe section 231, the stepped section (reduced flow path area section) 234, and the lower end pipe section 236 are arranged in this order from top to bottom.

The upper end pipe portion 231 is disposed, for example, at the upper end portion of the connection adapter 230 and is formed to correspond to the cutting hole (opening) 208 .
Furthermore, the upper end pipe portion 231 is formed with a flange portion 211F, for example, toward the radially outer periphery, which corresponds to an upper surface flange portion 251 of a strainer member (a member disposed on the upper surface of the eaves gutter) 250.
Further, a second engagement portion (connection means) 212 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end pipe portion 231 .
In addition, the flange portion 211F and the second engagement portion (connection means) 212 are similar to those in the first application example of the second embodiment, so they are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

The lower end pipe portion 236 is disposed at the lower end of the connection adapter 230 and is formed to correspond to the downspout 143 .
Specifically, the lower end pipe portion 236 has a circular outer shape when viewed along the pipe axis direction, and its outer peripheral surface (outer diameter) is capable of being inserted into the inner peripheral surface (inner diameter) of the upper inlet 143A of the downspout 143.

The anti-slip shape portion 237 protrudes from the outer circumferential surface of the lower end pipe portion 236 and is formed in two rows, one above the other, in the circumferential direction. It is configured to prevent the lower end pipe portion 236 from coming off the downspout 143.

The step-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion) 234 is formed between the upper end pipe portion 231 and the lower end pipe portion 236, and is configured so that the flow path area is reduced from the upper end pipe portion 231 toward the lower end pipe portion 236.
In this embodiment, the step portion (flow path area reduction portion) 234 is formed, for example, by a flat surface facing the cut hole (opening) 208 .
The flow passage area is configured to decrease abruptly (as the length in the pipe axis direction decreases) from the upper end pipe portion 231 to the lower end pipe portion 236 .
The material for forming the connection adapter 220 is the same as that in the first application example of the second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

According to the gutter connection structure 200 of the second embodiment, the upper end pipe parts 211, 221, 231 of the connection adapters 210, 220, 230 are formed to correspond to the cut hole (opening) 208 of the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205, and the lower end pipe parts 216, 226, 236 are formed to correspond to the inlets 141A, 142A, 143A of the downpipes 141, 142, 143, and the flow path area is reduced from the upper end pipe parts 211, 221, 231 toward the lower end pipe parts 216, 226, 236 in the flow path area reduction parts 214, 224, 234, so that the horizontal gutter (eaves gutter) 205 and the downpipes 141, 142, 143 can be easily and efficiently connected.

Furthermore, according to the gutter connection structure 200 of the second embodiment, the connection adapters 2, 220, 230 are provided with the second engagement portion 212 as a connection means, so that the first engagement portion 255 formed on the cylindrical portion 252 of the strainer member (eaves gutter upper surface placement member) 250 can be engaged with the second engagement portion 212, thereby easily and efficiently connecting the upper end pipe portions 211, 221, 231 of the connection adapters 210, 220, 230 to the cutting hole (opening) 208.
As a result, multiple types of downpipes 141, 142, 143 can be connected using a single type of strainer member (eaves gutter upper surface placement member) (eaves gutter upper surface placement member and downpipe upper end joint, etc.) 250, which makes it possible to reduce capital investment such as molds, and also reduces inventory related to connecting members and large logistics costs.
Furthermore, since no special tools are required to connect the downspout to the eaves gutter, the connection work can be carried out efficiently.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, the diameter of the drop opening (opening) 108 formed in the funnel member 105 and the cut hole (opening) 208 of the horizontal gutter 205 is maximum relative to the width dimension of the bottom plates 106, 206, but the diameter of the drop opening 108 and the cut hole 208 can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the shapes of the drop opening (opening) 108 and the cut hole 208 are not limited to circular shapes and can be set arbitrarily.

In the above embodiment, the gutter connection structures 100, 200 are described as using downpipes 141, 142 with a circular cross section in plan view and downpipe 143 with a substantially square cross section in plan view, but the cross section (shape, diameter) of the downpipe used in the gutter connection structure when viewed in plan view can be set arbitrarily. In addition, the types of applicable downpipes and connection adapters are not limited to three types and can be set arbitrarily.

In the above embodiment, the connection adapter 110...230 is provided with the second engagement portion 112, 212 as a connection means, and is connected to the funnel member 105 and the side gutter 205 by engaging with the first engagement portion 109, 255. However, it is possible to arbitrarily set whether or not to provide the first engagement portion 109, 255 and the second engagement portion 112, 212, and the funnel member 105 and the side gutter 205 may be connected to the connection adapter 110...230 using, for example, adhesives or attachment members (e.g., screw members) without using the first engagement portion 109, 255 and the second engagement portion 112, 212.

In the above embodiment, the first engagement portion 109, 255 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 106T and the cylindrical portion 252, and the second engagement portion 112, 212 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the upper end tube portion 111...131 of the connection adapter 110...230. However, the first engagement portion 109, 255 may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the protrusion 106T and the cylindrical portion 252, and the second engagement portion 112, 212 may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper end tube portion 111...131 of the connection adapter 110...230.

In addition, in the above embodiment, the first engagement portions 109, 255 and the second engagement portions 112, 212 have two rows of protrusions that are complementary to each other and extend in the circumferential direction, and each protrusion has four protrusions with four notches formed at intervals. However, the configuration of the first engagement portions 109, 255 and the second engagement portions 112, 212 can be set arbitrarily, and the number of rows of protrusions, the number in the circumferential direction, the circumferential length, and the length of the notches can be set arbitrarily.
It is composed of protruding parts arranged in two (multiple) rows in the tube axial direction protruding toward the outer periphery.
Furthermore, instead of or in addition to the above-mentioned configuration, the first engagement portions 109, 255 and the second engagement portions 112, 212 may be configured to have a configuration including an inclination like a screw mechanism (e.g., a pipe thread), a taper (e.g., a wedge structure) that is engaged in the axial direction of the pipe by rotating circumferentially, or the like.

In the above embodiment, the first engagement portion 255 for connecting the connection adapters 210, 221, 23 to the horizontal gutter 205 is formed on the strainer member (the member disposed on the upper surface of the gutter) 250, but another member disposed on the upper surface of the gutter may be used instead of the strainer member 250. Also, a side joint at the upper end of the downpipe may be used instead of the member disposed on the upper surface of the gutter.
In addition, in the above embodiment, a case has been described in which the cylindrical portion 252 of the strainer member 250 protrudes below the bottom plate 206 through the cut hole 208, but the cylindrical portion 252 may also be configured to be arranged on the upper surface of the cut hole 208.

In the above embodiment, the flow path area reduction portion of the connection adapter 110...230 is described as being a funnel-shaped portion 114, 124, 214, 224 or a stepped portion 134, 234, but it may be formed, for example, as a curved shape that is recessed inward or bulges outward along the pipe axis direction.

In addition, the components in the above embodiments may be replaced with well-known components as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

100, 101, 102, 103, 200, 201, 202, 203 Rain gutter connection structure 105 Funnel member (eaves gutter)
106 Bottom plate 106T Protruding portion 107 Side plate 108 Drop opening (opening)
109 (first engagement portion)
110, 120, 130 Connection adapter 111, 121, 131 Upper end pipe portion 112 Second engagement portion 114, 124 Funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion)
116, 126, 136 Lower end pipe portion 134 Step shape portion (flow passage area reduction portion)
141, 142, 143 Vertical gutter 205 Horizontal gutter (eave gutter)
206 Bottom plate 207 Side plate 208 Cutting hole (opening)
250 Strainer member (member arranged on top of eaves gutter)
251 Upper flange portion 252 Cylindrical portion 255 First engagement portion 210, 220, 230 Connection adapter 211, 221, 231 Upper end pipe portion 211F Flange portion 212 Second engagement portion 214, 224 Funnel-shaped portion (flow path area reduction portion)
216, 226, 236 Lower end pipe portion 234 Step shape portion (flow path area reduction portion)

Claims (6)

A gutter having a bottom plate, side plates extending upward from both ends of the bottom plate in a width direction, and an opening formed in the bottom plate;
A downspout that allows rainwater flowing out of the eaves gutter to flow downward;
A connection adapter that allows rainwater flowing from an opening of the eaves gutter to flow into the downspout;
Equipped with
A gutter connection structure for connecting an eaves gutter and a downspout, which allows rainwater to flow from the eaves gutter to the downspout via the connection adapter,
The downspout is formed so that a flow path area is smaller than that of the opening,
The connection adapter has a flow path area reduced from the opening toward the downspout,
The connection adapter is
an upper end pipe portion having a circumferential surface formed to correspond to the opening;
A lower end pipe portion having an outer circumferential surface formed to correspond to the downspout;
a flow path area reduction portion formed between the upper end pipe portion and the lower end pipe portion, the flow path area being reduced from the upper end pipe portion toward the lower end pipe portion;
a connecting means for connecting the upper end pipe portion and an opening of the eaves gutter ,
The lower end pipe portion has a straight pipe shape,
The eaves gutter is a funnel member that is integrally formed with the bottom plate, has a protruding portion that extends downward, has a drop opening formed on the periphery of the protruding portion, and has a first engagement portion formed on the periphery of the protruding portion, and the opening is the drop opening,
The connection adapter is
The connecting means includes a second engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening.
A gutter connection structure characterized by the above. A gutter having a bottom plate, side plates extending upward from both ends of the bottom plate in a width direction, and an opening formed in the bottom plate;
A downspout that allows rainwater flowing out of the eaves gutter to flow downward;
A connection adapter that allows rainwater flowing from an opening of the eaves gutter to flow into the downspout;
Equipped with
A gutter connection structure for connecting an eaves gutter and a downspout, which allows rainwater to flow from the eaves gutter to the downspout via the connection adapter,
The downspout is formed so that a flow path area is smaller than that of the opening,
The connection adapter has a flow path area reduced from the opening toward the downspout,
The connection adapter is
an upper end pipe portion having a circumferential surface formed to correspond to the opening;
A lower end pipe portion having an outer circumferential surface formed to correspond to the downspout,
The lower end pipe portion has a straight pipe shape,
The gutter connection structure includes a plurality of the connection adapters and the downpipes,
The types of the inlets of the plurality of downpipes are different,
The outer circumferential surfaces of the lower end pipe portions correspond to the inlets of any of the downpipes.
A gutter connection structure characterized by the above. The gutter connection structure according to claim 2 ,
The connection adapter is
a flow path area reduction portion formed between the upper end pipe portion and the lower end pipe portion, the flow path area being reduced from the upper end pipe portion toward the lower end pipe portion;
a connecting means for connecting the upper end pipe portion and an opening of the eaves gutter;
A gutter connection structure comprising: The gutter connection structure according to claim 3 ,
The eaves gutter is a funnel member that is integrally formed with the bottom plate, has a protruding portion that extends downward, has a drop opening formed on the periphery of the protruding portion, and has a first engagement portion formed on the periphery of the protruding portion, and the opening is the drop opening,
The connection adapter is
The gutter connection structure is characterized in that the connection means includes a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening. The gutter connection structure according to claim 3 ,
The opening is a cut hole formed by cutting the bottom plate into a circular shape,
A gutter upper surface arrangement member is provided on an upper surface of the peripheral portion of the opening, and a first engagement portion is formed on a peripheral surface of the gutter upper surface arrangement member,
The gutter connection structure is characterized in that the connection means includes a second engagement portion that engages with the first engagement portion to connect the upper end pipe portion to the opening. The gutter connection structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5 ,
A gutter connection structure, characterized in that the width direction size of the connection adapter is smaller than the width direction size of the bottom plate.

Images