Self-locking connector for precast pile connection

Abstract

The invention provides a self-locking connector for precast pile connection, and relates to the technical field of pile foundation engineering. The self-locking connector comprises a base, a ratchet locking piece and an insertion rod. An installation cavity and a communication insertion hole are formed in the base, the ratchet locking piece is formed by splicing at least two locking parts with first ratchet structures, and an elastic piece structure with a bent elastic part is arranged outside the ratchet locking piece. A second ratchet structure is arranged at the end of the insertion rod, when the insertion rod is inserted into the locking space, the locking component is pushed to expand outwards, the elastic piece structure generates continuous thrust under the counter-acting force of the side wall of the installation cavity, and the first ratchet structure and the second ratchet structure are promoted to form rigid meshing locking. According to the design, through the synergistic effect of the split type ratchet locking component and the elastic piece structure, the technical problem that a traditional conical face friction structure is prone to adhesion is solved, self-adaptive adjustment of the insertion depth is achieved, stable pull-out resistance can still be kept under the working condition that the pile top is inclined, and the connection reliability and the construction efficiency are remarkably improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of pile foundation engineering, in particular to a self-locking connector for prefabricated pile connections. Background Art

[0002] Precast concrete piles are widely used as foundation components in modern construction projects. They are prefabricated in factories and then transported to the construction site for pile sinking operations. They have the advantages of high construction efficiency and strong quality controllability. Prestressed concrete piles have become the mainstream choice for pile foundation projects due to their high bearing capacity and excellent settlement stability. During the construction process, the quality of the connection between piles directly affects the bearing capacity of the overall structure. Traditional connection methods often use end plate welding technology, but this process has disadvantages such as complex welding procedures, significant constraints on the operator's technical level, and many restrictions on the on-site construction environment. This can easily lead to problems such as uneven connection strength and reduced durability.

[0003] In recent years, mechanical connectors have gradually become a research hotspot for replacing welding solutions. For example, the screw-type mechanical connector disclosed in the prior art Chinese patent CN114991133A realizes the connection of the pile body by cooperating the tensioning sleeve of the upper connecting part with the insert rod of the lower connecting part. Specifically, the insert rod is inserted into the sleeve to expand the fixed tensioning sleeve composed of multiple arc-shaped petals, and the self-locking structure is formed by the synergistic effect of the tapered through hole and the spring. This design adjusts the insertion depth of the insert rod to adapt to the inclined working condition of the pile top, and theoretically solves the problem of limited stroke of traditional mechanical connectors. The guide property of the insert rod is also improved by the engagement of the internal expansion thread and the external expansion thread, and the position of the tensioning sleeve is fine-tuned by using a threaded fixed sleeve, which further optimizes the assembly adaptability.

[0004] However, through analysis of actual use, it was found that the above-mentioned prior art still has significant defects. The core problem is that adhesion is easily generated between the fixed tensioning sleeve and the tapered through hole in the fixed sleeve (such as Figure 3 、 Figure 4 This defect directly increases the insertion resistance of the rod, especially when the pile top is tilted at a large angle, making it difficult for the rod to overcome the adhesion force and reach the preset fixed point. Furthermore, adhesion reduces the accuracy of the arc-shaped petal repositioning, weakening the axial restraining force of the self-locking mechanism and affecting the stability of the connection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a self-locking connector for prefabricated pile connections, so as to solve the technical problem of unstable use caused by the easy occurrence of adhesion in the self-locking structure in the prior art.

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a self-locking connector for connecting prefabricated piles, comprising: a base, a mounting cavity and a socket connected to the mounting cavity being formed in the base; a ratchet locking member installed in the mounting cavity and restricted in vertical movement by the mounting cavity, the ratchet locking member being composed of at least two ratchet locking components, each ratchet locking component having a first ratchet structure formed inside the interior of the ratchet locking component, a spring structure being provided on the exterior of each ratchet locking component, at least a locking space being formed between the two ratchet locking components, the spring structure being used to contact the side wall of the mounting cavity to provide thrust to the ratchet locking component; an insertion rod, a second ratchet structure being formed on the insertion rod and cooperating with the first ratchet structure; the insertion rod is inserted into the locking space through the socket to push the ratchet locking component to squeeze the spring structure, and the spring structure pushes the ratchet locking component to cause the first ratchet structure to be locked with the second ratchet structure.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one end of the elastic sheet structure is connected to the outside of the ratchet locking component.

[0008] In one embodiment, the spring structure includes a curved elastic portion and two connecting portions respectively provided on both sides of the curved elastic portion, and at least one of the two connecting portions is connected to the exterior of the ratchet locking component.

[0009] In one embodiment, a vertical guide groove is formed on the side wall of the installation cavity, and the guide groove is used to cooperate with the spring structure to limit the installation position of the ratchet locking component.

[0010] In one embodiment, the ratchet locking member is composed of at least two ratchet locking components assembled into a cylindrical structure, and a locking space is formed in the middle of the cylindrical structure.

[0011] In one embodiment, the ratchet locking element is composed of four ratchet locking components assembled into a cylindrical structure.

[0012] In one embodiment, the base includes a base body and a top cover, the base body is formed with a mounting cavity, and the top cover is formed with a socket communicating with the mounting cavity.

[0013] In one embodiment, the top cover includes a top cover body and a connecting boss provided at the bottom of the top cover body, wherein the connecting boss is inserted into the upper portion of the mounting cavity and connected to the upper portion of the mounting cavity.

[0014] In one embodiment, the connecting boss is threadedly connected to the upper portion of the mounting cavity, and the top cover body is in the shape of a bolt head.

[0015] In one embodiment, the second ratchet structure is formed at the end of the insertion rod.

[0016] By applying the technical solution of the present invention, the self-locking connector realizes an efficient and reliable one-way locking function through the coordinated action of the ratchet locking member provided in the base and the insertion rod. When the insertion rod enters the locking space formed by the ratchet locking member through the insertion hole, its second ratchet structure pushes the ratchet locking member to expand outward. At this time, the external spring structure is constrained by the side wall of the installation cavity to generate a reverse thrust, forcing the first ratchet structure and the second ratchet structure to form a rigid meshing and locking. In this process, the spring structure avoids the adhesion problem caused by the friction of the traditional conical surface through the continuous elastic deformation of the bent elastic part, and ensures the adaptive positioning of the locking member at different insertion depths of the insertion rod, which is more stable.

[0017] In addition to the above-described objects, features and advantages, the present invention has other objects, features and advantages. The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a self-locking connector for precast pile connection according to the present invention is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a base of a self-locking connector;

[0021] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a ratchet locking member of a self-locking connector;

[0022] Figure 4 Shown Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the insertion rod of the self-locking connector.

[0023] The above drawings include the following reference numerals:

[0024] 10. Base; 10a. Mounting cavity; 10b. Insertion hole; 11. Base body; 12. Top cover; 121. Top cover body; 122. Connecting boss; 13. Guide groove; 20. Ratchet locking member; 21. Ratchet locking component; 22. First ratchet structure; 23. Spring structure; 231. Bent elastic portion; 232. Connecting portion; 30. Insertion rod; 31. Second ratchet structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with the embodiments.

[0026] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like in the specification and claims of the present invention and the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate to facilitate the embodiments of the present invention described herein. In addition, the terms "including," "having," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus comprising a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatuses.

[0028] It should be noted that the terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to the present application. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In addition, it should be understood that when the terms "comprise" and / or "include" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0029] Figure 1The present invention illustrates an embodiment of a self-locking connector for precast pile connections. The connector comprises a base 10, a ratchet locking member 20, and an insertion rod 30. The base 10 includes a mounting cavity 10a and a receptacle 10b communicating with the mounting cavity 10a. The ratchet locking member 20 is mounted within the mounting cavity 10a and is restricted in vertical movement by the mounting cavity 10a. The ratchet locking member 20 comprises at least two ratchet locking members 21. Each ratchet locking member 21 has a first ratchet structure 22 formed within it, and a spring structure 23 disposed on the exterior of each ratchet locking member 21. A locking space is formed between at least the two ratchet locking members 21. The spring structure 23 contacts the sidewalls of the mounting cavity 10a to provide thrust to the ratchet locking member 21. The insertion rod 30 includes a second ratchet structure 31 formed on the insertion rod 30, which cooperates with the first ratchet structure 22. The insertion rod is inserted into the locking space through the insertion hole 10 b to push the ratchet locking component 21 to squeeze the elastic structure 23 . The elastic structure 23 pushes the ratchet locking component 21 to lock the first ratchet structure 22 and the second ratchet structure 31 .

[0030] By applying the technical solution of the present invention, the self-locking connector achieves an efficient and reliable one-way locking function through the coordinated action of the ratchet locking member 20 and the insertion rod 30 provided in the base 10. When the insertion rod 30 enters the locking space formed by the ratchet locking member 21 through the insertion hole 10b, its second ratchet structure 31 pushes the ratchet locking member 21 to expand outward. At this time, the external spring structure 23 is constrained by the side wall of the installation cavity 10a to generate a reverse thrust, forcing the first ratchet structure 22 and the second ratchet structure 31 to form a rigid meshing and locking. In this process, the spring structure 23 avoids the adhesion problem caused by traditional conical surface friction through the continuous elastic deformation of the bent elastic portion 231, and ensures the adaptive positioning of the locking member 21 at different insertion depths of the insertion rod 30, which is more stable.

[0031] like Figure 3 As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, at least one end of the spring structure 23 is connected to the outside of the ratchet locking component 21, so that when the curved elastic portion 231 of the spring structure 23 is squeezed by the ratchet locking component 21, it can form a stable elastic deformation with the connection as a fulcrum.

[0032] Preferably, Figure 3As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the spring structure 23 includes a curved elastic portion 231 and two connecting portions 232 respectively arranged on both sides of the curved elastic portion 231, and at least one of the two connecting portions 232 is connected to the outside of the ratchet locking component 21. By fixedly connecting at least one connecting portion 232 to the outside of the ratchet locking component 21, the curved elastic portion 231 can produce directional elastic deformation with the connecting portion 232 as a fixed fulcrum when the insertion rod 30 squeezes the ratchet locking component 21. On the one hand, this structure uniformly transmits the reaction force of the side wall of the installation cavity 10a to the ratchet locking component 21 through the symmetrical deformation characteristics of the curved elastic portion 231, ensuring a balanced pressure distribution on the meshing surface of the first ratchet structure 22 and the second ratchet structure 31. On the other hand, the rigid fixation of the connecting portion 232 effectively prevents the traditional separate spring from slipping during installation or use.

[0033] As another optional embodiment, if no fixed connection is performed, such as Figure 3 As shown, the mounting groove may also be started on the outer surface of the ratchet locking component 21 , and it is also feasible to install the spring structure 23 in the mounting groove.

[0034] As a preferred embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a vertical guide slot 13 is formed on the sidewall of the mounting cavity 10a. This slot 13 cooperates with a spring structure 23 to restrict the installation position of the ratchet locking component 21. The cooperation between the guide slot 13 and the spring structure 23 constrains the spring structure 23. When the insertion rod 30 is inserted into the locking space, the curved elastic portion 231 of the spring structure 23 deforms along a fixed trajectory under the restraining action of the guide slot 13, forcing the ratchet locking component 21 to expand outward only in a predetermined direction, thereby facilitating the installation and positioning of the ratchet locking component 21.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, the ratchet locking member 20 is composed of at least two ratchet locking components 21 assembled into a cylindrical structure, and a locking space is formed in the middle of the cylindrical structure. The split design allows the locking space to be dynamically adjusted when the inserted rod 30 enters. When the second ratchet structure 31 of the inserted rod 30 is inserted into the locking space, each ratchet locking component 21 is radially squeezed and expanded outward. At this time, the spring structure 23 produces uniform elastic deformation under the constraint of the guide groove 13, pushing the ratchet locking component 21 to synchronously apply an annular constraint force to the inserted rod 30. On the one hand, the cylindrical structure increases the meshing area of ​​the first ratchet structure 22 and the second ratchet structure 31 through the split contact surface, forming a multi-directional locking force superposition; on the other hand, the split structure allows each ratchet locking component 21 to independently adapt to the tilt angle or surface unevenness of the inserted rod 30, thereby achieving high-precision self-locking effect and pull-out stability under the condition of pile top tilt.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the ratchet locking member 20 is composed of a cylindrical structure composed of four ratchet locking parts 21. As another optional embodiment, the ratchet locking member 20 is also composed of three ratchet locking parts 21. The ratchet locking member 20 must be composed of at least two ratchet locking parts 21.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the base 10 comprises a base body 11 and a top cover 12. The base body 11 defines a mounting cavity 10a, while the top cover 12 defines a receptacle 10b communicating with the mounting cavity 10a. This split-body structure allows the ratchet locking component 21 and the spring structure 23 to be precisely pre-assembled within the mounting cavity 10a of the base body 11, with the top cover 12 providing axial restraint. The removable design of the top cover 12 facilitates quick replacement of worn parts during maintenance, significantly extending the connector's service life and adaptability to various operating conditions.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the top cover 12 includes a top cover body 121 and a connecting boss 122 provided at the bottom of the top cover body 121. The connecting boss 122 is inserted into the upper portion of the mounting cavity 10a and connected to the upper portion of the mounting cavity 10a. By inserting the connecting boss 122 into the upper portion of the mounting cavity 10a, the top cover 12 and the base body 11 can be quickly and accurately assembled. The connecting boss 122 forms a radial constraint with the mating surface of the mounting cavity 10a, ensuring that the axis of the socket 10b is strictly coaxial with the locking space of the ratchet locking member 20, so that the second ratchet structure 31 of the insertion rod 30 can be smoothly inserted along the preset path.

[0039] Optionally, a chamfered guide structure is provided at the insertion hole 10b on the top cover 12 so that the insertion rod 30 can be smoothly inserted even when the pile body is tilted.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, the connecting boss 122 is threadedly connected to the upper portion of the mounting cavity 10a, and the top cover body 121 is shaped like a bolt head. This threaded connection allows the bolt head of the top cover body 121 to apply an axial preload when the connecting boss 122 is screwed into the mounting cavity 10a. This ensures uniform distribution of contact pressure between the spring structure 23 and the sidewall of the mounting cavity 10a, while eliminating assembly play in the ratchet locking component 21. The self-locking nature of the threads prevents the top cover 12 from loosening under vibration or impact loads, maintaining stable engagement between the second ratchet structure 31 of the insertion rod 30 and the first ratchet structure 22. The bolt head shape of the top cover body 121 facilitates tightening using standard tools.

[0041] As another embodiment not shown in the figures, the connecting boss 122 and the upper portion of the mounting cavity 10a may also be connected by snapping or welding.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, in the technical solution of this embodiment, the second ratchet structure 31 is formed at the end of the insertion rod, so that the insertion rod 30 forms a meshing pre-contact with the first ratchet structure 22 of the ratchet locking component 21 at the initial stage of entering the installation cavity 10a. The end arrangement of the second ratchet structure 31 triggers the locking action before the insertion rod 30 is fully inserted. Combined with the elastic thrust of the spring structure 23, this ensures that when the ratchet locking component 21 expands outward, the meshing depth of the first ratchet structure 22 and the second ratchet structure 31 increases synchronously with the insertion process. This ensures that progressive self-locking can still be achieved under the working condition of the pile top tilt, effectively improving the linear response characteristics of the pull-out resistance, while avoiding the risk of locking failure caused by local stress concentration in the traditional middle ratchet.

[0043] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, the numerical expressions and the numerical values ​​set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. At the same time, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn according to the actual proportional relationship. The techniques, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, the techniques, methods and equipment should be considered as part of the authorization specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as being merely exemplary and not as limiting. Therefore, other examples of the exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following figures, and therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0044] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above," "above," "on the upper surface of," and "upper" may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in a drawing is inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" another device or structure would then be positioned as "below" or "below" the other device or structure. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both the "above" and "below" orientations. The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0046] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-locking connector for prefabricated pile connection, characterized in that: include: A base (10), wherein the base (10) is formed with a mounting cavity (10a) and a socket (10b) connected to the mounting cavity (10a); A ratchet locking member (20) is installed in the installation cavity (10a) and is restricted in vertical movement by the installation cavity (10a). The ratchet locking member (20) is composed of at least two ratchet locking components (21) spliced ​​together. A first ratchet structure (22) is formed inside each ratchet locking component (21). A spring structure (23) is provided outside each ratchet locking component (21). A locking space is formed between at least two ratchet locking components (21). The spring structure (23) is used to contact the side wall of the installation cavity (10a) to provide thrust to the ratchet locking component (21). an insertion rod (30), wherein a second ratchet structure (31) is formed on the insertion rod (30) and matches the first ratchet structure (22); The insertion rod is inserted into the locking space through the insertion hole (10b) to push the ratchet locking component (21) to squeeze the spring structure (23), and the spring structure (23) pushes the ratchet locking component (21) to cause the first ratchet structure (22) and the second ratchet structure (31) to be locked.

2. The self-locking connector for prefabricated pile connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one end of the elastic sheet structure (23) is connected to the outside of the ratchet locking component (21).

3. The self-locking connector for prefabricated pile connection according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spring structure (23) comprises a curved elastic portion (231) and two connecting portions (232) respectively arranged on both sides of the curved elastic portion (231), at least one of the two connecting portions (232) being connected to the outside of the ratchet locking component (21).

4. The self-locking connector for precast pile connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: A vertically arranged guide groove (13) is formed on the side wall of the installation cavity (10a), and the guide groove (13) is used to cooperate with the elastic sheet structure (23) to limit the installation position of the ratchet locking component (21).

5. The self-locking connector for precast pile connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ratchet locking member (20) is composed of at least two ratchet locking components (21) assembled together to form a cylindrical structure, and the middle portion of the cylindrical structure forms the locking space.

6. The self-locking connector for precast pile connection according to claim 5, characterized in that: The ratchet locking piece (20) is composed of four ratchet locking parts (21) assembled together to form a cylindrical structure.

7. The self-locking connector for precast pile connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The base (10) comprises a base body (11) and a top cover (12); the base body (11) is formed with the mounting cavity (10a); and the top cover (12) is formed with the jack (10b) connected to the mounting cavity (10a).

8. The self-locking connector for precast pile connection according to claim 7, characterized in that: The top cover (12) comprises a top cover body (121) and a connecting boss (122) arranged at the bottom of the top cover body (121); the connecting boss (122) is inserted into the upper part of the installation cavity (10a) and connected to the upper part of the installation cavity (10a).

9. The self-locking connector for precast pile connection according to claim 8, characterized in that: The connecting boss (122) is threadedly connected to the upper portion of the installation cavity (10a), and the top cover body (121) is in the shape of a bolt head.

10. The self-locking connector for precast pile connection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second ratchet structure (31) is formed at the end of the insertion rod.

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