Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
20652~3
The invention relates to improvements made to mechanical
connections for concrete reinforcing rods. It concerns a mechanical
connection for reinforcing rods, a connectin9 sleeve permitting the
implementation of the said connection, a reinforcing rod permitting
the implementation of the said connection, and a process for
producing such a connection.
It will find an application in the field devoted to the
construction of concrete buildings, elements or edifices.
In such a field, it is common to use mechanical connections to
connect reinforcing rods in order to be able to ensure the
transmission of tensile stress in a continuous manner.
For example, document FR-2~626.600 proposes such a mechanical
connection for reinforcing rods, wherein the reinforcing rods to be
connected comprise at least one threaded end for insertion into a
tapped connecting sleeve in order to permit substantially coaxial
connection of the two concrete reinforcing rods.
W~en a reinforcing rod sunk in the concrete
has to be connected to a rod with an elbow or the longitudinal axis
of which is not rectilinear, it is then materially impossible to
cause the rod to ratate about the connection axis.
This is, for example, also the case when it is necessary to
connect two reinforcing cages each formed of reinforcing rods,
disposed parallel to one another, and joined by transverse wires.
While it is conceivable to displace a single rod at the time of
connection, it becomes completely impossible in such connecting
operations to provide for even slight rotation of rods connected to
one another by the pins.
That is why, in certain cases, constructors use crimped sleeves,
~herein connection can be made without having to rotate one of the
reinforcing rods.
The latter technique uses a sncket into which are fitted the two
ends of the reinforcing rods, the socket then being crimped onto the
reinforcing rods by means of a jack and a press.
However, the aforenamed technique is criticized in that it
2~2~3
presents high risks of slippage owing to the fact that crimping is
difficult to measure. Furthermore, it is often difficult to
implement on si-te as it has to be possible to operate with crimping
tools at the point where connection is ~o be made.
Furthermore, it should also be noted that, as regards
connections for reinforcing cages, there are sometimes found to be
differences in the `levels of the ends of the reinforcing rods, as
well as axial differences between rods of two successive cages.
These two sources in accuracy still further complicate the
interconnection of such cages.
The object of the present invention is to provide improvements
to mechanical connections for reinforcing rods so that they can
overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, by permitting, in particular,
the connection of reinforcing rods, positioned in relation to one
another, and rotationally immobile.
One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a
mechanical connection for reinforcing rods that encompasses notably
all the advantages in respect of mechanical strength of that
described in document FR-2.626.600 and that permits an extension of
this technique to the connection of reinforcing cages constituted by
several reinforcing rods that are mutuallY positioned and
immobilized. However, the improvements made to the mechanical
connection can also be applied to the connection of two reinforcing
rods that are not subject to the requirements of rotation.
According to the present invention, the mechanical connection
for reinforcing rods, which will find an application particularly in
the field of concrete element construction, for connecting at least
two reinforcing rods, wherein the reinforcing rods comprise, on one
hand, ribs or fins on their outer surface and, on the other hand,
each at least a threaded end, designed to be inserted into a
connecting sleeve having tapped portions, is characterized by the
fact thst it has means for allowing the end of the first rod to be
connected to be passed completely through the sleeve, and for
allowing the rotation of the sleeve about the end of the said first
reinforcing rod and, simultaneously, its screwing, directly or
2~65S~3
--3--
indirect1y, onto the end of the second reinforcing rod, the said
ends of the said first and second rods being placed substantially
coaxially, substantially end to end, and rotationally immobile or
practically immobile.
The process for producing mechanical connections for reinforcing
rods according to the present invention is characterized by the fact
that:
- the end of the first reinforcing rod to be connected is passed
completely through the sleeve,
- the ends of the said first and second rods are placed
substantially coaxially, substantially end to end, the said rods
being rotationally immobile,
- the two reinforc.ing rods are connected by rotating the sleeve
about the end of the said first rod and the sleeve is screwed,
directly or indirectly, to the end of the other rod to be connected,
the said sleeve having at least a first and a second tapped portion
corresponding to the said -threaded ends of the rods to be connected.
In this connection, one of the objects of the present invention
is to provide a process for the production of mechanical connections
for reinforcing rods, and such a mechanical connection, as well as
reinforcing rods and sleeves permitting same, which will find an
application in particular in the field devoted to the construction
of concrete elements or edifices, wherein the reinforcing rods are
connected by screwing with the help of tapped connecting sleeves,
which make it possible to encompass the advantages of the connection
covered by the main patent and which combine the advantages of
traditional crimped connections, without inheriting their drawbacks.
This being the case, one of the objects of the improvements of
the present invention is to provide a process for the production of
a mechanical connection for reinforcing rods, and such a mechanical
connection, which can be used with a rod already sunk in concrete,
and whatever the configuration of the other rod to be connected,
complete rotation of the rods not being necessary.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a
mechanical connection sleeve for reinforcing rods that can be
applied to the junction of such rods the ends of which are threaded,
2~6~2~3
while permitting this connection without it being necessary to
rotate the latter.
A particular application of the sleeve according to the present
invention is to be found, notably, in the joining of reinforcing
cages in which the rods are ro~ationall!~ immobile by their very
construction.
Furthermore, the sleeve of the present invention will make it
possible to make up for the different levels of the reinforcing rods
forming these cages, as well as certain alignment defects affecting
rods in two successive cages.
Furthermore, the present invention enables a mechanical
connection for reinforcing rods to be produced wherein the sleeve,
via the threaded ends of the reinforcing rods, transmits the
compressive stresses. Indeed, according to the connection of the
invention, the threads can be placed under traction.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a process
for the production of mechanical connections for reinforcing rods
that is particularly advantageous as it facilitates assembly and
makes it possible to avoid having recourse to crimped sleeves, thus
obviating all their drawbacks.
The present invention also provides in this connection a
connecting sleeve and/or a reinforcing rod permitting the production
of such a mechanical connection for reinforcing rods.
The connecting sleeve according to the invention has a first
tapped portion suitable for being screwed, directly or indirectly,
onto the end of the said first rod to be connected, and a second
tapped portion, suitable for being screwed, directly or indirectly,
onto the end of the said second rod to be connected, the said first
and second tapped portions being such that, on one hand, at least
one of the said first and/or second tapped portions provides a
possibility of rotation in relation to the sleeve and, on the other
hand, they permit longitudinal deflection to adjust for the threads
of the two said ends.
According to one of the forms of embodiment, the said sleeve is
constituted by a sheath emprisonin9 a socket permitting the said
rotation and the said longitudinal deflection. In another form of
20~52~3
embodiment, the sleeve is constituted by a sheath having a conical
bore inside which i5 provided a conical socket in several parts
permitting the said rotation and the said longitudinal deflection.
Furthermore, the connection production proGess according to the
present invention uses advantageously, but this is not essential,
reinforcing rods the ends of which are cold upset and threaded, in
order to increase the strength of the mechanical connection.
The present invention will be more readily understood from
studying the following description which is given, however, only by
by way of illustration, and is not intended to limit it, accompanied
by the annexed drawings, which form an integral part thereof.
Figure 1 represents the principle used for connecting two
reinforcing rods, according to document FR-2.626.600.
Figure 2 shows a first form of embodiment of the mechanical
connection for reinforcing rods according to the present invention.
Figure 3 shows the tapped connecting sleeve designed for the
connection as represented in figure 2.
Figures 4a, b, c, d show the different stages in the
implementation of the reinforcing rod connection according to the
present invention.
Figure 5is a schematic cross-sectional view of a secondform of
embodiment of a mechanical connection for reinforcing rods according
to the present invention.
Figure ~ is a schematic cross-sectional view of a third form of
embodiment of a mechanical connection for reinforcing rods according
to the present invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a fourthform of
embodiment of a mechanical connection for reinforcing rods according
to the present invention.
Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional vie~ of a fifth form of
embodiment of a mechanical connection for reinforcing rods according
to the present invention.
Figures 9a to 9 c illustrate the process for connecting two
reinforcing cages, each formed by reinforcing rods positioned in
relation to one another and rotationally immobilized, in its
different stages, using the connecting principle as illustrated in
figure 5.
20~2B3
--6--
Figure 10 represents a top view of the connection of figure 6.
Figure 11 is a bottom view of the connection of figure 7.
The invention relates to improvements to mechanical connections
for concrete reinforcing rods.
More precisely, the invention relates to a mechanical connection
for reinforcing rods, a connecting sleeve permitting the production
of the said connection, a reinforcing rod permitting the
implementation of the said connection, and a process for producing
such a connection.
The present improvements have been developed especially to avoid
rotating the reinforcing rods to be connected when implementing the
said connection. ~owever, it can also be applied to the production
of mechanical connections for reinforcing rods in which it is
possible to rotate the said rods.
It should be remembered that, according to document
FR-2.626.600, and as illustrated in figure 1, a mechanical
connection makes it possible, in particular to ensure the fixing of
two reinforcing rods, 1 and 2, end to end, substantially coaxially.
For this purpose, use is made of a tapped connecting sleeve 3,
suitable for receiving respectively, on one hand, the threaded end 4
of a first reinforcing rod 1 and, on the other hand, the end 5 of a
second reinforcing rod 2.
Although such a connection can be contemplated with reinforcing
rods the ends of which are threaded directly in the nominal
cross-section of the rod, it may be advantageous to make use of the
teachings of aforementioned document FR-2.626.600 to increase the
tensile strength of the connection, for the same nominal
cross-section of reinforcing rod to be connected.
In this case, the ends 4, 5 of reinforcing rods 1, 2 are
reinforced in such a way that they are stronger than the central
portion of the bar. Thus, at the time of threading, the end is not
rendered fragile in relation to the nominal diameter of the bar.
In particular, if the symbol ~ is used to designate the nominal
cross-section of the reinforcing rod to be connected, the upset end
will then have an outside diameter d1 such that the cross-sectjon of
the reinforcing rod at the bottom of thread d2 is at least equal to
or greater than the nominal cross-section ~, as shown in particular
2~6~2~3
--7--
in figure 1.
More precisely, prior to threading, ends 4 and 5 of reinforciny
rods 1 and 2 to be connected are subjected to cold upsetting
respectively; then the upset ends 4 ancl 5 are respectively threaded,
in accordance with perfectly conventional threading techniques,
notably by cutting.
As regards the threaded and tapped portions, according to the
different forms of embodiment proposed below, use will be made
either of two identical threads, right-hand or left-hand, or of two
opposed threads, one right-hand and the other left-hand.
Generally, as shown in particular in figures2 and 3 reinforcing
rods 1, 2 have on their outer surfaces, ribs 6 or fins which thus
create protuberances permitting the translational immobilisation of
the rod in the concrete when it is sunk therein.
Such reinforcing rods are commonly used and sometimes shaped or
bent, but they are also used in producing reinforcing cages
constituted by an assembly of reinforcing rods joined together and
mutually immobilized by transverse pins. Thus, if it is desired to
accomplish the connection of two rods in the prolongation of one
another, it is practically impossible, or even quite impossible, to
rotate the rod in question.
That is why, according to the present invention, the mechanical
connection for reinforcing rods has means for allowing end 4 of the
first rod for connection to be passed completely through sleeve 3,
and for enabling sleeve 3 to rotate about end 4 of the said
reinforcing rod 1, and, simultaneouslYl for it to be screwed,
directly or indirectly, onto end 5 of second reinforcing rod 2, the
said ends 4, 5 of the said first and second rods, 1, 2, being placed
substantially coaxially, substantially end to end, and rotationally
immobile, as shown in particular in figures 2 toll , as well as the
different successive stages in the production of the connectiOn, as
shown in figures 2, 4 and 9.
This characteristic of the connection of the present application
is an advantage as it practically no longer, or even no longer in
fact, necessitates any relative rotary movement of the two rods.
This being the case, the mechanical connection of the present
invention, and more precisely the said means for allowing passage,
and then the said rotation, and screwing, take the form of a sleeve
-8- ~652~
3, the different variants of which are illustrated in figures 2 to
11 , bearing a first tapped portion 7; 17; 27; 37, suitable for being
screwed, directly or indirectly, onto end 4 of the said first rod to
be connected !, and a second tapped portion 8; 18; 28; 38, suitable
for being screwed, directly or indirectly, onto end 5 of the said
second reinforcing rod 2.
Furthermore, . ~ such as
those in figures 2 to 11, the said first 7; 17; 27; 37 and second 8;
18; 28; 38 tapped portions are designed in the region of the sleeve
such that, on one hand, at least one of the said first and/or second
tapped portions allows for the possibility of rotation in relation
to sleeve 3 and, on the other hand, they permit longitudinal
deflection to adjust for the threads of the two said ends 4,5.
Thanks to this arrangement, it will be possible to connect
together two reinforcing rods that are completely rotationally
immobile, sleeve 4 then making it possible to adjust for any lack of
correspondence between the threads of the two ends and, furthermore,
to adjust for any level differential between the two said ends.
Figures 2 and 5 show a first type of connection wherein the
said sleeve is formed by a sheath 9; 19 the bore of which has a
first threaded cylindrical portion 10, 20 constituting the second
tapped portion 8; 18, as well as a second portion 14; 24 emprisoning
a socket 11; 21.
The said socket 11; 21 has internally a cylindrical portion 12;
22 on which is provided the said first tapped portion 7; 17.
Furthermore, the outer face 13; 23 of the socket permits its
rotation in relation to sheath 9; 19 and its longitudinal blocking
in relation to the sheath, as well as the said longitudinal
deflection.
This being the case, there can advantageously be provided at
least one of ends 4 of the first reinforcing rod 1, pre-reinforced
by the said upsetting, such that the said sleeve 3 can be screwed
completely thereover, despite the presence of the said ribc 6 or
fins. This is illustrated, in particular, in figures 4b and 4c.
More precisely, in an alternative form of embodiment, upsetting
diameter dll of the end is such that bottom of thread diameter d
of the threaded portion of the said end 4 in question is greater
2~6~3
g
than or equal to diameter ~Cl of the reinforcing rod incl~ding ribs
6 or fins. This is illustrated, in particular, in figure L~a.
In another alter~ative form of embodiment, instead of designing
the upsetting diameter as a function of the diameter of the rod
including the ribs, the threading is provided over upset end 4, but
this threaded portion will also be extended over at least one part
of the ribs 6 or fins of the end of said reinforcing rod l. Thus,
the reinforcing rod will have at its end the threaded portion of the
upset end prolonged by as much over the said ribs 6 or fins~
In the secondform of embodiment, as illustrated in fi3ure 3, the
said cy1indrical portion 10 is prolonged by a truncated cone 14, the
larger base 15 of which faces çylindrical portion 10. Socket 11 is,
for its part, designed to cooperate with the truncated cone 14 of
the sheath, i.e. is has at least one frustoconical portion 13, the
conicity of which corresponds to that, 14, of sheath 9, and the
larger base 16 of which is smaller in size than that of sheath 9.
It should be noted tha~, if socket 11 and the sleeve are not
produced by fcrging, an intermediate ring 16 will then be provided
which will permit the introduction of socket 11.
As regards the respective tapped portions 7 and 8 of the sleeve,
according to the principle previouslY explained, it must be possible
for the sleeve to be passed completelY over the end 4 of the first
reinforcing rod 1 to be connected.
Thus, socket 11 bears a tapped portion 7 corresponding to the
bottom of thread diameter d2l of the threaded portion of end 4 of
the first rod to be connected, this diameter d21, it should be
remembered, being greater than or equal to the outside diameter ~C
of the concrete reinforcing rod 1 including the ribs or fins, or
else the threaded portion of the upset end 4 of the first rod 1 is
prolonged by as much, according to the sleeve, over the said ribs or
fins 6.
Furthermore, also to permit complete passage over the first
reinforcing rod, the said second tapped portion 8 must be at least
equal to or greater than the first tapped portion 7.
In other words, the threaded portion of end 4 of the first
reinforcing rod 1 is equal to or less than that of end 5 of the
second reinforcing rod 2 (d21 > d22).
20S~3
-10-
However, advantageOu51y, to facilitate the putting into place of
the connection, the threaded portion and/or the upset portion of end
5 of the second rod 2 is greater than that of end 4 of the said
first rod 1, as illustrated in particular in figure 4.
This being the case, to produce a mechanical connection for
reinforcing rods, as described in document FR-2.626.60û, cold
upsetting is carried out at the different ends 4, 5 of reinforcing
rods 1,2 advantageously over a length corresponding to that of the
threaded portion.
Furthermore, in order to be able to pass and, in the case in
point, screw sleeve 3 completely over end 4 of the first rod 1,
either end 4 is upset such that it is greater than or equal to the
outside diameter ~Cl including the ribs or fins, or the threaded
portion of end 4 is prolonged over at least one portion of the ribs
6 or fins of the said end 4.
The procedure for forming the connection is then carried out
according to the different steps, as shown in figures 4 a to 4d and,
in particular:
- sleeve 3 is screwed completely over one of the ends to be
connected, i.e., in the present case, end 4 of the first rod 1,
- ends 4, 5 of the rods 2 to be connected are placed
substantially coaxially and substantially end to end, as shown in
figure 4c,
- the two rods 1, 2 are connected by subsequently unscrewing, at
least partially, sleeve 3, which then screws onto the other of the
ends to be connected, in the case in point end 5 of the second
reinforcing rod 2.
When sleeve 3 has been screwed completely onto end 4 of rod 1,
in accordance with the characteristics described above, either
sleeve 3 is slidable on end 4 of the reinforcing rod, as the
dimensions of the threaded end 4 are less than the dimensions of
tapped portion 8 and the dimensions of tapped portion 7 are greater
than the cross section ~C1 of the rod, or the sleeve 3, or more
precisely, socket 11, is screwed over the threaded portion extended
over ribs 6 of rod 1, as shown in particular in figure 4 b.
After the two ends, 4 and 51 have been placed end to end, when
the movement of unscrewing sleeve 3 from rod 1 commences, the
20652~3
threaded portion 4 will engage with tapped portion 7, and threaded
portion 5 will engage with tapped portion 8.
The relative mobility between socket 11 and sheath 9 will permit
the automatic adaptation and matching of the threads, at the sarne
time maintaining the two ends 4 and 5 in abutment, and without
absolutely necessitating the rotation, even slightly, of the two
rods in relation to one another.
Once this adaptation to the thread has been made, the screwing
of socket 11 onto end 4 and of sheath 8, 9, 10 onto end 5 will be
synchronized, any difference in this thread pitch being compensated
for by relative rotation of the two truncated cones, 13 and 14.
When the connection has been installed, i.e. when the ends 4 and
5 are respectively screwed into the tapped portions 7 and 8, the
connecticn is tightened until the socket 11 is locked longitudinally
and prevented from sustaining any deflection in relation to the
sheath, by blocking the two truncated cones 13, 14. This is
obtained, for example, by relatively positioning end 5 in abutment
in relation to socket 11, as shown, in particular, in figure 5d.
In this respect, it should be noted that the said socket 11 and
sheath 9 advantageously have independent gripping means enabling the
connection to be tightened.
Such a connection will permit the joining of reinforcing cages
wherein the rods are rotationally immobilized in relation to one
another in the same cage and whereof rotation is impossible from one
cage to another.
By way of a non-limitative example, for the purpose of
connecting HA50 high adherence concrete reinforcing rods, the end 4
of the first rod l was subjected to upsetting, to enable an M56
threaded portion to be produced, while the second rod, 2, was
subjected to upsetting to enable its end to be provided with an M64
thread.
Figure 5 shows an otherform of embodiment similar to that
illustrated in figure 3.
In this case, sleeve 3 is constituted by a sheath 19 having two
cylindrical faces, numbered 20 and 23. More precise~y, the said
tapped cylindrical portion 20 is prolonged by a second, smooth
cylindrical portion 23 defining a shoulder 25 in sheath 19 and the
outside dimensions of which coincide with those of the said socket
21 to allow the said rotation.
~0652~3
Furthermore, as illustrated in particular in figure 5~ the said
first cylindrical portion 20 comprises a removable internal ring 26
capable of being immobilized in the slleeve, and more precisely in
sheath lg, the dimensions of which are such as to allow the
inclusion in sheath l9, notab!y in the region of face 23, of the
said socket 21.
The process for manufacturing such a connection is very similar
to that described previously, i.e.:
~ end 4 of the first rod 1 to be connected is passed completely
through sleeve 3 and, notably sheath 19,
- socket 21 is screwed, via the tapped portion 17, provided
internally in the bore of socket 21, onto end 4,
- intermediate ring 26 is screwed onto end 5, via the said
second tapped porticn 18, provided internallY in the bore of ring
26,
- ends 4, 5 of the said first and second rods, 1, 2, are placed
substantially coaxially, and substantially end to end
- the two reinforcing rods, 1, 2 are connected by rotating
sheath 19 about end 4, 21 and sheath 19 is screwed onto end 5 of the
other rod via intermediate ring 26 and its corresponding external
threaded portion.
Furthermore, the positioning of the said ends of the first and
second reinforcing rods is adjusted by rotating at least one of the
two said first and/or second tapped portions and the said tapped
portion is blocked in the sleeve when the connection is screwed.
During screwing, if the two threads of the threaded portions of
ends 4 and 5 are not matched, this is compensated for through the
said rotation allowed socket 21 in sleeve 19.
When sleeve 1g has finished being screwed onto end 5, ring 26
comes into abutment with socket 21, locking and immobilizing the
latter. Connection is thus achieved.
Figures 9a to 9 c illustrate the process producing a connection
that has just been described and show, in particular, the
possibility of adjusting for gaps between rods at different levels.
In this connection, the reference numbers concernjns the first
20~5203
-13-
connection on the left-hand side of the drawing correspond to those
of the preceding description, while the other two rods have
respectively the same numbers bearing prime and second signs.
Figure gc shows the connection of the two rods 1' and 2"
wherein the ends 4 and 5 are in abutment with one another. On the
other hand, more significant gaps between ends are illustrated in
the case of connections 1-2 and l'-2'.
At shoulder 25 will advantageously be provided a rounded shape
permitting good stress distribution. In addition, the contact of
socket 21 on intermediate ring 26 ensures that the compressive
stresses are taken up and enables the sleeve to be locked.
Furthermore, it is to be noted that a lock-nut can be provided,
notably as illustrated in figure 6, which will enable the threads to
be placed under traction, by the tightening of the lock-nut, to
transmit the compressive stress.
For this purpose, there must be abutting contact, at the ends of
the reinforcing rods, or at the portions screwed thereonto, 21, 26,
this being after tightening the lock-nut.
With regard to locking, to enable the different elements to be
tightened, the connection, and more precisely sheath l9 and
intermediate ring 26 have independent gripping means enabling the
connection to be tightened.
Furthermore, taking account of the different relative movements
of the elements possible, tightnening will be facilitated by
choosing the threads as follows:
- end 4 of first reinforcing rod 1: left-hand thread,
- end 5 of second reinforcing rod 2: left-hand thread,
- tapped portion of sheath 19: right-hand thread,
- external threaded portion of ring 26: right-hand thread,
- tapped portion of ring 26: left-hand thread,
- tapped portion of lock-nut: left-hand thread.
Of course, the converse solution could also be adopted, i.e. by
replacing the right-hand threads by the left-hand threads, and vice
versa.
By implementing such an arrangement, when sheath 19 is screwed,
2~52~3
-14-
socket 21 and ring 26 will tend to come together. Indeed, as sheath
19 is screwed, for example, by turning towards the left,
intermediate ring 26 is unscrewed in this direction from rod 2, and
this ring is brought into abutment on socket 21.
It should be noted that, in the description, with reference to
figure 5, there is provided an intermediate ring 26; in this case,
the two ends 4 and 5 of the reinforcing rods have identical
threading. However, one could contemplate, as for example in the
case of figure 2, providing one of ends 5 with a larger diameter and
threading.
Furthermore, the arrangement as represented in figure 5
advantageous7y enables adjustment to be made for a certain angle
between two reinforcing rods to be connected, and a certain axial
deflection of the ends of these two rods.
Indeed, as shown, in particular, in figure ~, by providing the
diameter of socket 21 so as to be less than the diameter of the
internal tapped portion of sheath 19, and, additionally as a
functiuon of the respective lengths of socket 21 and of the said
internal tapped portion, if there is an axial disalignment between
rods 1" and 2", for example, when sheath 19" is lowered and when one
begins screwing it onto ring 26", socket 21 will be located in
portion 20" of the sheath, and screwing will commence with an axial
disalignment of rods 1" and 2". In proportion as screwing
progresses, and thanks to the forms imparted to the socket and to
the bore of the sheath, socket 21" will take up position in portion
24" of the sheath, at the same time taking up the angular
disalignment and restoring, notablY by deformation of the rod, rod
1" and rod 2" to alignment, as shown in figure sc.
This being the case, the present invention provides other forms
of embodiment of mechanical connection, based on the same principle,
as illustrated in figures 6, 7 and 8.
In this case, sleeve 3 is constituted by a sheath having a
conical bore, 29; 39, inside which is provided a socket 31; 41 in
several conical portions, the outer face 33; 43 of which allows it
to be rotated and to be longitudinallY locked in relation to sheaths
2~6~2~
29; 39 and the internal bore 32; 42 of which has the said first and
second tapped portlons 27, 38; 37, 38, in this case with opposed
threads.
Such a sleeve comprises the. said means for allowing the end 4 of
the first rod 1 to be passed completely through sheath 29;39 as well
as for allowing the sheath 29; 39 to be rotated about the end of the
said first rod 1 and, simultaneously, screwed, directly or
indirectly, onto end 5 of second reinforcing rod 2. In this case,
the ends of the first and second rnds are placed substantially
coaxially, substantially end to end, and rotationally immobile.
Furthermore, in accordance with the above description, the said
first and second tapped portions 27, 28; 37, 38 must provide for a
possibi7ity of rotation in relation to sleeve 3 and permit
longitudinal deflection to adiust for the threads of the two said
ends 4 and 5 .
To allow this, conical socket 31; 41 placed in the conical bore
corresponding to sheath 29; 39 is made in several portions and takes
the form, notably, of at least two shell halves 311 and 312; 411 and
412 suitable for being placed on either side of ends 4 and 5 of the
said first and second rods 1, 2 and for emprisoning them when they
are placed in sheath 2~; 39, as shown, in particular, in figures 11
and 12 in the case of the embodiment of figure ~
The said shell halves 311, 312; 411, 412 have a conical external
face complementary to face 33; 43 of sheath 29; 3g. Furthermore, the
said shell halves have on the internal portion, in each end area, a
tapped portion 351, 35z, 361, 362; 451, 452, ~61, 462.
If it is assumed that end 4 of the first reinforcing rod has a
right-hand thread, the said first tapped portion 27; 37 will thus
have a right-hand thread and will be substantially constituted by a
right-hand tapped portion on each of the shell halves 351, 352; 451,
452. In this case, the other end, 5, of the second reinforcing rod
will have a left-hand thread and the said se~ond tapped portion 28;
38 ~ill be substanttally formed by a left-hand tapped portion
provided on each shell half 361, 362; 461, 462.
The said tapped portions of the shell halves have technical
~0652~3
-16-
characteristics that are adapted to the threaded portions of the
said ends so that they can be placed around them and form, as it
were, a nut for the threaded ends.
In this respect, the two shell halves 311, 312; 411, 412 are
spaced apart by a gap 53, 57 and positioned by adjusting spacers 54;
55; 56 allowing the threads of the two shell halves to be tightened
on the threads of the ends of the rods.
Such an arrangemer,t permits the shell halves 31t, 312; 411, 412
to be put into place on the ends 4, 5 of the two rods in question,
1, 2, substantially coaxially, substantiallY end to end and
rotationally immobile.
Indeed, the presence of a right-hand thread and of a left-hand
thread makes it possible to increase or to decrease the distance
between the threads of the first end and of the second end, and
whatever their correspondence. In other words, when the ends are
positioned opposite one another, a shell half 311; 411 is placed on
ends 4 and 5 and the shell half is rotated about the ends to find
the position in which the threads 351; 451 coincide with those, 27;
37, of end 4 and threads 361; 461 coincide with those, 28; 38, of
end 5.
Then, once this position has been found, the other shell half
312; 412 and adjusting spacers 54; 55; 56 are placed opposite.
Socket 31 is then formed. It then has to be rendered integral with
ends 4, 5 and, for this purpose, it is then fitted into sheath 29;
39, which will have been passed previously around end 4.
To allow the shell halves to be locked in the sleeve, hence
rotationally and translationally immobilized, in the case shown in
figures 6 and 7, the two shell halves 311, 31z further possess an
external threaded portion 40 suitable for cooperating with a
corresponding tapped portion provided in the bore of sheath 29.
Furthermore, to enable the connection to be tightened, socket 31
and sheath 29 are provided with independent gripping means, notably
constituted by points for engagement by any type of spanner, these
points being constituted, for example, by orifices or flats.
In the case illustrated in fi~ure 8I the locking of shell halves
206~203
411, 412 in sheath 39 is permitted by a nut 50, suitable for
cooperating with a corresponding threaded portion 51 provided
externally on sheath 39 which, when it is screwed, will act on the
two shell halves 411 and 422 tQ push them towards the interior of
sheath 39 and thus form a wedging system.
In the case represented in figures 6 to 8, the different threads
are freely determined, with the exception of the internally threaded
portions of the shell halves 351, 352; 361, 362; 451, 452, 461, 462.
Indeed, for the same socket, two threaded portions of opposed thread
are required on either side: for example, a right-hand thread for
rod N~. 1 and threaded portion 35; 45 and a left-hand thread for rod
N-. 2 and threaded portion 36; 46.
In the case of the connections represented in figures 6, 7 and
8, their implementation is as follows:
- end 4 of the first rod 1 for connection is passed completely
through sleeve 3 and, more precisely, sheath 29; 39,
- ends 4, 5, rotationally immobile, of the said first and second
rods 1, 2 are placed substantially coaxially, substantially end to
end,
- the said ends of the first rods and the second rods are
positioned by rotating the said first and second tapped portions 7,
8 around the ends, firstly by means of a first shell half and then
by positioning the other shell half,
- sheath 29; 39 is passed over socket 31; 41 thus formed and
sheath 29; 39 is screwed onto socket 31; 41 by means of threaded
portion 40, or possibly via nut 50,
- the shell halves being thus maintained, they are screwed onto
the ends to place the threads under tension,
- sheath 29; 39 continues to be screwed until the connection is
completely locked and socket 31; 41 is rotationally immobilized in
relation to sheath 29; 39.
Other embodiments of the present invention1 within reach of a
man of the art, could, of course, be contemplated without thereby
departing from the scope of the said invention.
