Connector system for modular building construction

Abstract

A connector system can be used to secure a first building module to a second building module on a modular construction site. The connector system may include: a male connector secured to the first building module and having a shaft portion having a head and an abutment portion; a female connector secured to the second building module and having: i) a housing defining an internal volume and an orifice sized to receive the shaft portion and open into the internal volume; and ii) a first linkage mechanism and a second linkage mechanism disposed opposite each other within the internal volume for locking the shaft portion therebetween, each of the first and second linkage mechanisms having a series of at least two pivotally interconnected members movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, in which the head is received into the internal volume through the orifice, and in which the end members of the members abut against the abutment portion in the extended configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification generally pertains to the field of construction, more specifically to prefabricated and modular construction, and to snap-fit ​​joints used during on-site assembly. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of modular construction (sometimes referred to as prefabricated construction or precast components), individual components (referred to herein as modules) are built in a factory and subsequently transported to a predetermined site for assembly into a final product. Modules may include, for example, multiple walls as well as ceilings and / or floors, and may, for example, form an entire dwelling (e.g., a living or working space) designed to share walls with one or more adjacent dwellings, or may form a part of a dwelling intended to be assembled to adjoin one or more other parts of that dwelling. A typical motivation behind this approach is to increase the amount of work that can be done in a controlled factory environment and reduce the amount of work that must be done on-site. Since factory work is generally less expensive than work done on-site, this can result in lower overall costs and may also lead to higher quality or less variability due to the more controlled environment.

[0003] Modules are typically transported and shipped individually to the construction site, where they are assembled together to form a building or structure (see, for example, [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 1 ).

[0004] Initially, modular construction was limited to the development of low-rise, temporary, or movable buildings. However, with the development of related technologies and the success of some use cases, the concept of modular construction has become popular, and its use has become increasingly widespread, expanding to multi-story applications and a wider range of building types.

[0005] While previous modular building concepts were satisfactory to some extent for small-scale modular buildings, the need for new approaches has deepened as larger buildings are targeted. Furthermore, there is still room for improvement in areas such as cost, reliability, ease of use, and certain features, such as the relative ease with which modules can be separated when needed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a connector system is provided for securing a first building module to a second building module in a modular construction site. The connector system includes: a male connector secured to the first building module and having a longitudinal member; a female connector releasably engageable to the male connector, the female connector being secured to the second building module and having: a housing defining an internal volume, the housing having an opening leading to the internal volume; and a locking member receiving within the internal volume, the locking member including a first set of locking members pivotally engageable with each other on a first side of the opening and a second set of locking members pivotally engageable with each other on a second side of the opening opposite the first side; wherein the connector system has a release configuration and a locking configuration, in which the longitudinal member of the male connector is detachable from the female connector, and in which the longitudinal member is locked within the housing by the locking member, wherein in the locking configuration, a first locking member of the first set of locking members and a second locking member of the second set of locking members extend toward each other and across the opening of the housing to engage with the longitudinal member of the male connector.

[0007] The connector system described above may include any of the following features, in any combination.

[0008] In some embodiments, the first set of locking members and the second set of locking members each include: a first member engaged to the longitudinal member in the locking configuration, the first member being movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position being biased relative to the orifice of the housing, and in the second position being at least partially extending across the orifice to engage with the longitudinal member; and a second member pivotally engaged to the first member, the second member being movable between a disengaged position when the first member is in the first position and an engaged position when the first member is in the second position, wherein in the engaged position of the second member, a tensile force applied to separate the male connector from the female connector is transmitted to the first member, the tensile force being converted into a compressive force acting on the second member, the compressive force being transmitted to the wall of the housing.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first member is L-shaped and engages with a groove on the longitudinal member of the male connector, the second member is L-shaped and has a first side abutting against the bottom wall of the housing and a second side abutting against a side wall of the housing transverse to the bottom wall, the second member having a protrusion at the junction between the first side and the second side, the protrusion engaging with a notch in the side wall when in the engaged position.

[0010] In some embodiments, the pulling force pushes the protrusion into the recess.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first component is a cam having a curved side that slidably engages with a corresponding curved wall of the housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second member is a rod, and the wall of the housing defines a recess sized to accommodate a portion of the rod in the engagement position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pulling force pushes the rod into the recess.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second member includes a first sub-member pivotally engaged to the first member, and a second sub-member pivotally engaged to both the first sub-member and the top wall of the housing. The longitudinal axes of the first and second sub-members are parallel to each other in a transitional position between a disengaged position and an engaged position, and are not parallel to each other in both the disengaged and engaged positions. In the engaged position, the first and second sub-members abut against a side wall of the housing, which is transmitted to the wall.

[0015] In some embodiments, the tension pushes the first sub-component and the second sub-component against the sidewall of the housing.

[0016] In some embodiments, the male connector includes an end plate fixed to a first building module, the end plate defining an interior space and an opening communicating with the interior space, and wherein a longitudinal member protrudes from a base received within the interior space, the longitudinal member extending through the opening and extending out of the interior space of the end plate.

[0017] In some embodiments, the connecting member is capable of translating relative to the end plate in a direction transverse to the longitudinal member.

[0018] In some embodiments, in a locking configuration, the locking member applies tension to the longitudinal member of the male connector.

[0019] On the other hand, a method for securing two structural members via a connector system is provided, comprising: inserting a longitudinal member of a male connector secured to one of the two structural members into the interior of a housing of a female connector secured to the other of the two structural members; and locking the longitudinal member into the interior of the housing by pivoting two sets of locking members about respective pivots, thereby rotating a cam until the end of the cam engages with the longitudinal member and applying tension to the longitudinal member.

[0020] In some embodiments, the method includes compensating for misalignment between the two structural members by translating the longitudinal member relative to one of the two structural members in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction between the male connector and the female connector.

[0021] According to another aspect, a female connector is provided for securing a first building module to a second building module on a modular construction site. The female connector includes: a housing defining an internal volume and an orifice sized to allow a head of a shaft to engage into the internal volume through the orifice; and a first linkage mechanism and a second linkage mechanism disposed opposite to each other within the internal volume for locking the shaft therebetween. Each of the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism has a series of at least two pivotally interconnected members movable between a folded configuration and an unfolded configuration, in which the head can be received into the internal volume through the orifice, and in which, in the unfolded configuration, an end member of the at least two pivotally interconnected members is engaged with a corresponding abutment formed in the head of the shaft.

[0022] According to another aspect, a connector system is provided for securing a first building module to a second building module in a modular construction site, the connector system comprising: a male connector secured to the first building module and having a shaft portion having a head and an abutment portion; and a female connector secured to the second building module and having: i) a housing defining an internal volume and an orifice sized to receive the shaft portion and open to the internal volume; and ii) a first linkage mechanism and a second linkage mechanism disposed opposite to each other in the internal volume for locking the shaft portion therebetween, each of the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism having a series of at least two pivotally interconnected members movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein in the retracted configuration the head portion is received into the internal volume through the orifice portion, and in the extended configuration an end member of the member portion is engaged with the abutment portion.

[0023] According to another aspect, a method is provided for connecting a male connector of a first building module to a female connector of a second building module, the method comprising: moving the head of the shaft portion of the male connector into an internal volume of the female connector via an orifice of the female connector, and moving it between a first linkage mechanism and a second linkage mechanism disposed in the internal volume; and moving the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, including pivoting at least a first member and a second member of each of the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism relative to each other, thereby positioning the first linkage mechanism and the second linkage mechanism in a locking engagement with the head of the shaft portion.

[0024] According to another aspect, a connector system is provided for securing a first building module to a second building module on a modular construction site. The connector system includes: a male connector secured to the first building module and having a first housing and a male member, the first housing defining a first internal volume and a first orifice leading to the internal volume; the male member having a base engaged in the first internal volume and a shaft portion projecting longitudinally from the first orifice, the base being slidable in a transverse plane within the first internal volume; and a female connector secured to the second building module and having a second housing, a first locking member, and a second locking member, the second housing defining a second internal volume and sized to receive the shaft portion and leading to a second orifice within the second internal volume; the first locking member and the second locking member being disposed opposite each other within the internal volume for locking the shaft portion therebetween.

[0025] According to another aspect, a method is provided for connecting a male connector of a first building module to a female connector of a second building module, the method comprising: moving the base of a male member of the male connector laterally within a first internal volume of a first housing of the male connector, thereby aligning the shaft portion of the male member laterally with an orifice of the female connector; moving the aligned shaft portion of the male member through the orifice and within the internal volume of the female connector; and locking the shaft portion of the male member within the internal volume of the female connector.

[0026] According to another aspect, a male connector is provided for securing a first building module to a second building module on a modular construction site. The male connector includes: a housing defining an internal volume and an orifice extending across the housing and into the internal volume; and a male member having a base engaged in the first internal volume and a shaft portion projecting longitudinally from the first orifice, the base being translatable in a transverse plane within the first internal volume. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Now refer to the attached diagram, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 It is a perspective view of the assembly steps of modules in a modular building site based on existing technology;

[0029] Figures 2A to 2D This is a cross-sectional view illustrating a connector system according to one embodiment, the connector system being configured to... Figure 1 The first module of the modular building is connected to the second module of the modular building, and its assembly process is shown;

[0030] Figure 2E It is shown Figures 2A to 2D A perspective view of a connector system, which is partially disconnected to show details;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector system according to another embodiment, which is configured to secure a first module to a second module;

[0032] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the connector system, showing its assembly process;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of a connector system according to another embodiment;

[0034] Figures 5A to 5D This is a cross-sectional view of a connector system according to another embodiment;

[0035] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This is a cross-sectional view of a connector system according to another embodiment; and

[0036] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view showing a connector system according to yet another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Figure 1 An oblique view is shown of an exemplary building module 10 placed into a modular building 12 according to the prior art. In this specific example, two other modules 14 and 16 have been previously placed and secured within the modular building, namely the lower module 14 and the upper module 16.

[0038] In this example, each module 10 includes multiple walls 18 and a floor 20, and thus maintains its structure independently during transport and assembly, such as when lifted by a crane 22. The floors are all based on similar types of construction, and the floors of subsequent modules are placed above those of previous modules, serving as vertical partitions between the two modules. In other embodiments, module 10 may, for example, have a ceiling but no floor 20, where the ceiling of the lower module also serves as its floor, or may have both a floor and a ceiling. Module 10 has an internal volume designed for use as a residential space, which may be used for accommodation or work, for example. Depending on the embodiment, one or more modules 10 may form a single residential unit. Modules 10 are designed to be assembled with each other, typically side-by-side or one on top of the other, to form more complex structures on the construction site. Many alternative embodiments are possible, and depending on the embodiment, more or fewer components may be factory-installed into the module, such as piping systems, wall panels, roofs, electrical installations and wiring, interior finishes, doors, windows, etc.

[0039] like Figure 1As can be seen in this example, the module 10 to be placed is being lifted by crane 22 to the appropriate position on the foundation 24 of the modular building 12, laterally adjacent to the previously placed lower module 14. The foundation 24 may be specifically designed to accommodate the dimensions of the module 10. Once placed in the correct position, the module 10 can be secured to the foundation 24, and subsequent modules 10 can be placed on top of it, similar to how the upper module 16 has been placed on top of the lower module 14. The stacked modules may be designed with suitable features to allow the walls of the stacked modules to be precisely aligned with the walls of the lower modules.

[0040] Module 10 can be fastened and interconnected with surrounding structures, such as building foundations 24, other similar modules 14, 16, and / or different modules, such as modular walls or modular ceilings. Typically, this is accomplished by workers 26 using fasteners, brackets, and other intermediate devices.

[0041] The following figures illustrate possible embodiments of a connector system for connecting modular modules in a modular building construction.

[0042] Figure 2 illustrates a first example embodiment of the connector system 30, which may alternatively be referred to as a snap-fit ​​connector. The connector system typically includes a male connector 40 and a female connector 50. The male connector 40 is integral with structural member M2, while the female connector is integral with structural member M1. The connector system 30 can be used to secure structural member M1 to structural member M2. More specifically, structural members M1 and M2 may, for example, form... Figure 1 The first structural member M1 and the second structural member M2 can be steel pipes, wooden beams, I-beams, etc. The connector system 30 can be integrated with the structural members by embedding, surrounding, adjacent positioning and fastening, brazing, etc. In some embodiments, the connector system 30 can be manufactured as part of the building module, for example, part of the structural member forms part of the connector system, but in many other embodiments, it may be preferable to manufacture the connector system separately from the building module and integrate the connector system with the building module at a later stage, for example, by welding or fastening.

[0043] In the embodiment presented in Figure 2, the male connector has a shaft extending along a first orientation, which will be referred to as the z-axis. Alternatively, the z-axis can be referred to as the longitudinal direction, as the z-axis can correspond to the orientation of the length of the structural member M2 of the building module integral with the male connector 40. This shaft can be alternatively referred to as the longitudinal member 42. The longitudinal member 42 has a head 42A that defines an abutment portion 42B, alternatively referred to as a tooth, disposed on opposite sides laterally along the longitudinal axis L1 of the longitudinal member 42. The abutment portion 42B faces the base.

[0044] The female connector 50 includes a housing 51 and a locking member 52 housed within an internal volume of the housing 51. In this embodiment, the locking member 52 is provided as a linkage mechanism, and each linkage mechanism has a series of members arranged in a pivotally relative to each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, the locking member 52 can be alternatively referred to as a linkage mechanism. The housing 51 has an aperture 51A, sized to receive the longitudinal member 42 of the male connector 40. The aperture 51A opens into the internal volume of the housing 51. The locking member 52 is provided as a pair of laterally opposed linkage mechanisms, each linkage mechanism comprising a series of two or more pivotally interconnected members. The linkage mechanisms are disposed within the internal volume. The linkage mechanisms are disposed on opposite sides of the aperture 51A. The linkage mechanisms are operable to selectively engage the abutment portion 42B. More specifically, the linkage mechanisms in Figure 2B The shown convergence configuration and Figure 2A The extended configurations shown are movable. In the retracted configuration, the head of the shaft can be received into the internal volume of the female connector. In the extended configuration, the end member 52A″ of the component abuts against the corresponding abutment.

[0045] The connector system 30 has an unlocking or retracting configuration in which the longitudinal member 42 of the male connector 40 can be disengaged from the female connector 50; and a locking or unfolding configuration in which the longitudinal member 42 is locked within the housing 51 of the female connector 50 by a locking member 52.

[0046] Locking member 52 includes a first set of members pivotally engaged with each other on a first side of orifice 51A, and a second set of members pivotally engaged with each other on a second side of orifice 51A opposite to the first side. For brevity, only the first set of members will be described below. It should be understood that the same description can be applied to the second set of members, in which example the second set of members is a mirror image of the first set of members. In other words, the first set of members and the second set of members may be symmetrical to each other, and in this embodiment are arranged on opposite sides of the plane of symmetry of connector system 30. This plane of symmetry is shown by reference numeral P0 in FIG. 2 and coincides with the longitudinal axis L1.

[0047] exist Figure 2A In the locking configuration shown, the member referred to as the first group of end member 52A″ in the first group of locking members and the member referred to as the second group of end member in the second group of locking members extend toward each other and across the opening 51A of the housing 51 to engage with the longitudinal member 42 of the male connector 40.

[0048] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first set of locking members includes a first member 52A and a second member 52B. The first member 52A may alternatively be referred to as an end member and is engageable with the longitudinal member 42. In some embodiments, the first member 52A itself may be formed from a series of two members 52A′ and 52A″ that are pivotally engaged with each other, which can provide additional mobility and functionality. In this case, member 52A″ may be referred to as an end member. In other embodiments, the first member 52A may be made from a single component without any internal hinges. The first member 52A and the second member 52B are pivotally engaged with each other. The first member 52A engages with the longitudinal member 42 in the locking configuration. The first member 52A is movable between a first position and a second position, and more specifically slidable in this embodiment. In the first position, the first member 52A is biased relative to the opening 51A of the housing 51. In the second position, the primary locking member 52A extends at least partially across the opening of 51A to engage with the abutment 42B of the longitudinal member 42. The second member 52B is pivotally engaged with the first member 52A and is movable between a disengaged / retracted / unlocked position when the first member 52A is in a first position and an engaged / deployed / locked position when the first member 52A is in a second position, more specifically, pivotally in this embodiment.

[0049] Once the first module M1 is connected to the second module M2 via the connector system 30, a longitudinally oriented tensile force, disengaging the male connector 40 from the female connector 50, is transmitted as a compressive force to the first member 52A. This compressive force is then transmitted to the bottom wall 51B of the housing 51. A portion of this force can be converted via the first member 52A into a compressive force acting on the second member 52B. The second member 52A can transmit the force to the side wall 51C of the housing 51, which protrudes laterally from the bottom wall 51B. In the locking configuration of the connector system 30, the second member 52B is in the engaged position and abuts against one of the side walls 51C of the housing 51, so that the first member 52A remains engaged with the head 42A of the longitudinal member 42 of the male connector 40.

[0050] Referring again to FIG2, in the illustrated embodiment, both the first member 52A and the second member 52B are L-shaped. The second member 52B includes two sub-members 52A′ and 52A″ that are pivotable relative to each other. When the two sub-members engage with the longitudinal member 42, the two sub-members are pivoted to reduce the angle between them. They are pivotable to provide sufficient clearance to insert the first member 52A under the abutment portion 42B of the head 42A of the longitudinal member 42. However, in another embodiment, the two sub-members may be permanently connected to each other. The first member 52A has a first side abutting the longitudinal member 42 below the head 42A and a second side abutting the bottom wall 51B of the housing 51. The second locking member 52B has a first side abutting the bottom wall 51B of the housing 51 in the engaged position. Member 52B has a second side that abuts against the sidewall 51C of housing 51 in the engaged position. A protrusion 52C is located at the junction between the two sides of the second member 52B. The protrusion 52C engages with a groove 51D defined in the sidewall 51C of housing 51. In the locking configuration of connector system 30, the protrusion 52C of the second member 52B is located in the groove 51D of housing 51. When the tensile force acting on the longitudinal member 42 along the longitudinal axis L1 increases, more compressive force is transmitted via the first member 52A to the bottom wall 51B of housing 51. In some cases, the force transmitted via the second member 52B to the sidewall 51C of housing 51 increases, thereby pushing the protrusion 52 into the groove 51D.

[0051] Now refer to Figures 2A to 2D The assembly sequence of male connector 40 and female connector 50 is shown.

[0052] like Figure 2B As shown, in order to assemble the connector system 30, the two modules M1 and M2 are first pre-aligned relative to each other. At this time, the two modules M1 and M2 move toward each other until the longitudinal member 42 of the male connector 40 is received into the orifice 51A of the female connector 50, thereby achieving... Figure 2C The configuration.

[0053] like Figure 2DAs shown, once the longitudinal member 42 is fully inserted into the housing 51, the locking sequence of the locking member 52 can be initiated. The locking sequence begins by pivoting the second member 52B. In embodiments where the second member 52B is accessible, this action can be performed manually, for example by means of an orifice formed in the structural member M1, or via an intermediate mechanism (not shown). One possible example of this intermediate mechanism is a machine screw having an externally accessible head and a shank that engages with a threaded hole defined in the shank arm of member 52B. This causes the first members 52A to move toward each other until the first members 52A extend at least partially across the orifice 51A and are located below the head 42A of the longitudinal member 42, more specifically below the abutment 42B, as shown. Figure 2D As shown. At this point, the longitudinal member 42 is stopped by the housing 51 via the first member 52A. However, care should be taken to avoid applying tension to the longitudinal member 42 causing the first member 52A to pop out of place and disengage from the head 42A. The second member 52B is used to keep the first member 52A engaged with the head 42A of the longitudinal member 42. Therefore, the second member 52B rotates further until its side abuts against the bottom wall 51B and the side wall 51C of the housing 51, as shown. Figure 2A As shown.

[0054] Once the second member 52B abuts against the bottom wall 51B and side wall 51C of the housing 51, the second member 52B can be positioned beyond the transition point, such that any forces applied to them as they pass this point tend to further push the second member 52B against the wall of the housing 51, rather than causing them to rotate out of engagement with the wall. In other words, before the transition point, the lateral force applied to the second member 52B by the first member 52A will tend to pivot them upwards and away from the wall of the housing 51. This will cause the first member 52A to disengage from the longitudinal member 42 of the male connector 40. However, after passing the transition point, the force tends to further enhance the engagement of the second member 52B with the side wall. This provides a stable connection between the two connectors.

[0055] Reference Figure 2C , Figure 2D and Figure 2A As the protrusion 52C approaches the recess 51D, the elastic deformation of the pivoting action of the second member 52B increases. Force may be required to elastically deform the second member 52B and fully pivot it until the protrusion 52C snaps into the recess 51D. At this point, the tensile force applied to the longitudinal member 42 is transmitted via the first member 52A as a compressive force acting on the second member 52B. This compressive force is then resisted by the sidewall 51C of the housing 51. Because the protrusion 52C is received into the recess 51D, the second member 52B remains locked in place. Figure 2AThe position depicted in the figure. As the tension on the longitudinal member 42 increases, more force is applied to position the protrusion 52C within the groove 51D.

[0056] Figures 2A to 2E The embodiments presented integrate additional optional features. These additional features can be alternatively and independently integrated into alternative embodiments. A first of these features is providing the male component 40 in such a way that it includes a male member capable of lateral movement relative to the housing, which may be referred to as the lateral alignment capability of the male component. The lateral alignment capability of the male component 40 allows for easier adaptation to misalignment between the male connector 40 and the female connector 50 that may occur on-site during construction / assembly. A second of these features is the two-dimensional extruded shape of the shaft / male component.

[0057] More specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the male connector 40 includes a support plate 41 fixed to the second structural member M2. The support plate 41 may alternatively be referred to as a housing and defines an internal space 41A (which may alternatively be referred to as an internal volume) and an opening 41B (which may alternatively be referred to as an orifice) communicating with the internal space 41A. The male connector 40 also includes a male member engaging with the support plate 41. The male member has a axial portion or longitudinal member 42 that projects longitudinally from a base 43, for example, along the z-axis. The base 43 is received within the internal space 41A of the support plate 41. As shown in FIG2, the base 43 is movable relative to the support plate 41 within the internal space 41A along one or both lateral orientations (e.g., the x-axis and / or y-axis). The longitudinal member 42 extends through the opening 41B of the support plate 41.

[0058] Reference Figure 2EIn the depicted embodiment, orifice 51A has a frustoconical shape to guide longitudinal member 42 into orifice 51A. In some cases, it may be difficult to perfectly align the two modules M1, M2. For example, manufacturing tolerances may be the cause of slight misalignment. Therefore, in the depicted embodiment, if misalignment exists between the two modules, moving the female connector 50 toward the male connector 40 will cause the longitudinal member 42 and base 43 to translate relative to the support plate 41 of the male connector 40 in one or more of directions X and Y, both of which are perpendicular to direction Z. Direction Z is the direction of the tension applied to the longitudinal member 42. Therefore, in the case of misalignment, the movement of the longitudinal member 42 and the base 43 to which it is fixed along directions X and Y allows the longitudinal member 42 to remain centered relative to the housing 51 of the female connector 50. Thus, locking member 52 can engage symmetrically with longitudinal member 42 by means of lateral movement of longitudinal member 42 to compensate for any misalignment. More specifically, the longitudinal member 42 is movable in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction between the male connector 40 and the female connector 50. This mating direction is also the direction in which tension is applied to the longitudinal member 42. The connector system 30 requires the longitudinal member 42 to be centered in the X direction. However, when the depth achieved by the longitudinal member 42 in the Y direction is greater than the depth of the locking member 52, centering of the longitudinal member 42 in the Y direction is not required.

[0059] The lateral movement capability of the male component relative to the housing of the male connector 40 is optional, but can help accommodate slight lateral misalignment or offset between the male and female connectors, which may occur based on manufacturing tolerances or other dimensional variations between one instance (e.g., serial number) of the module and another. Specifically, within modules of the same model, the spacing between structural components may vary slightly but still significantly from one individual module to another, or other dimensional variations may exist, such as those caused by bending or other deformation that may occur during module handling. The lateral movement capability of the male component can be utilized to provide auto-centering capability, for example by providing a tapered shape that widens outward in one or two lateral orientations for the orifice of the female component, and / or by providing an outwardly narrowing head for the shaft portion. The term "outwardly widening" is used herein to indicate that the orifice widens in a direction away from the female connector, and the term "outwardly narrowing" is used herein to indicate that the head narrows in a direction away from the male connector.

[0060] Regardless of whether the male component has lateral movement capability, in some embodiments, such as those described in detail above, the male component may be adapted to engage with a locking component provided in the form of a linkage mechanism, such as the embodiments presented above and other embodiments described in detail below.

[0061] However, it should be noted that the lateral movement capability of the male component can be integrated into alternative embodiments, in which the locking component is implemented as a laterally movable part, such as in U.S. Patent 11,976,461. Figure 4 A and Figure 4 The embodiment shown in B. Therefore, the lateral movement characteristics presented herein are largely independent of the linkage arrangement presented herein.

[0062] In addition, Figures 2A to 2E In the embodiments described in detail, and as Figure 2E As can be seen more clearly, the male component is implemented as a single piece, which can be formed as an extrusion with a transverse orientation (e.g., a two-dimensional pattern projected along the y-axis in this example). Regardless of whether the male component has lateral movement capability, and regardless of whether the locking member is provided in the form of a linkage mechanism or a laterally movable component, in some alternative embodiments, to give another example, the male component can be axisymmetric, for example by having a longitudinal axis (e.g., around the z-axis—see, for example, U.S. Patent 11,976,461). Figure 2A and Figure 2B The solid body (as shown in the embodiments) is defined as a body of revolution and is axially symmetric, or may have a transverse cross-sectional shape of square, rectangle, hexagon or octagon.

[0063] Similarly, in Figures 2A to 2E In the embodiments described in detail, and as Figure 2E Ideally, the female connector has only two locking members, or in other words, a single pair of opposing locking members provided herein in the form of a linkage mechanism. In alternative embodiments, it may be preferable to provide the female connector with more than one pair of locking members, such as two pairs of opposing locking members, an example of which is presented in PCT Publication WO 2024 / 159318. Figure 4 In B, and in some embodiments, the selection of the precise configuration of the locking member can be associated with the selection of the precise configuration of the male member.

[0064] Now refer to Figure 3 Another embodiment of the connector system is shown at 130.

[0065] The connector system 130 includes a first set of members and a second set of members in the form of a linkage mechanism that forms a locking member. Again, for the sake of brevity, only the first set of members located on the first side of the aperture 151A will be described below. It should be understood that the same description applies to the second set of members located on the opposite side of the aperture 151A.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the end member, which may alternatively be referred to as the third member, is a cam 152A. In this embodiment, the cam 152A is rotatable by having an arcuate side extending about a rotation axis to allow the cam 152A to rotate about the rotation axis, and the arcuate side is configured to slide engage with a corresponding curved portion of the wall. In the depicted embodiment, the arcuate side of the cam 152A slides into the corresponding curved bottom wall 151B of the housing 151, such that the cam 152A rotates about the rotation axis while in contact with the curved bottom wall 151B of the housing 151. In an alternative embodiment, the cam may, for example, be rotatably mounted to a laterally extending shaft. In the first case, the cam 152A is able to rotate while maintaining contact with the bottom wall 151B of the housing 151, while in the second case, the cam may not be in contact with the wall. The cam 152A may have one or more teeth. In the disengagement / retraction / unlocking configuration of the connector system 130, cam 152A, i.e., one or more teeth, is biased relative to the orifice 151A of the housing 151. As described below, in the engagement / deployment / locking configuration, cam 152A, i.e., one or more teeth, may extend at least partially across the orifice 151A to engage with the notch 142B defined by the longitudinal member 142.

[0067] The assembly also includes a first member 152B pivotally engaged with the cam 152A, and a second member 152C pivotally engaged with the first member 152A and with the top wall 151D of the housing 151. The first member 152B and the second member 152C are connected end-to-end and define a pivot at their junction. The first member 152B and the second member 152C each extend about a corresponding axis defined between pivot points at their respective ends. The axes of the first member 152B and the second member 152C are... Figure 3The disengagement / retraction / unlocking positions shown are not parallel to each other and more specifically form obtuse angles (i.e., angles between 90 and 180 degrees, excluding 90 and 180 degrees). In this example, when the linkage is deployed, the axes of the first and second members can cross the alignment configuration to reach a configuration in which they form a second obtuse angle, in which the axes of the first member 152B and the second member 152C are aligned with each other (i.e., at 180 degrees), and the second obtuse angle is located on a second side of the alignment configuration compared to the first obtuse angle. In this example, the second obtuse angle is significantly larger than the first obtuse angle. It has been found that in some embodiments, engagement / deployment / locking configurations in which the first member 152B and the second member 152C form such obtuse angles on the second side of the alignment configuration may be suitable. In other examples (one of which will be presented below), the linkage mechanism may preferably be configured such that the first member 152B and the second member 152C change between a first obtuse angle and an alignment configuration, or even between a first obtuse angle and a second obtuse angle greater than the first obtuse angle and located on the same side of the alignment configuration, in other words, to prevent the first member 152B and the second member 152C from forming a housing in a manner that leads to the alignment configuration. Figure 3 In the configuration presented, the axes of the first member 152B and the second member 152C are not parallel to each other in both the disengaged / retracted / unlocked position and the engaged / deployed / locked position. As will be described below, in the engaged / deployed / locked configuration of the connector system 130, the two members 152B and 152C can abut against the sidewall 151C of the housing 151.

[0068] Now refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B The locking sequence of connector system 130 is described in more detail.

[0069] Connector system 130 in Figure 3A The configuration is shown in the middle as disengagement / retraction / release, and in Figure 3BThe diagram is shown in an engaged / disengaged / locked configuration. An actuator (which may be referred to herein as pusher 154 or plunger) biases a second member 152C, and a linkage mechanism is configured to convert this bias into a rotational torque acting on a cam 152A. When the female connector 150 disengages from the male connector 140, this rotational torque pushes the cam 152A into engagement with a cap 153, which acts as a stop. When it is necessary to move the connector system 130 from the unlocked position to the locked position, the longitudinal member 142 of the male connector 140 is inserted into an aperture 151A in the housing 151. The end of the longitudinal member 152 overcomes the bias to push away the cap 153, which is used to hold the cam 152A biased relative to the aperture 151A. In some embodiments, one or more magnets may be integrated into the cap 153 to magnetically connect the cap 153 to the longitudinal member 142 or another component. The shapes of the heads of the cap 153 and the longitudinal member 142 are designed such that when the cap 153 is moved to disengage from the interference of the cam 152A, the head of the longitudinal member 142 engages with the cam 152A until the longitudinal member 142 is pushed deep enough into the housing 151 so that the notch 142B (which may alternatively be referred to as the inter-tooth recess) aligns with one or more teeth of the cam 152A. At this point, the cam becomes able to rotate freely under bias, causing the teeth of the cam to engage with the teeth of the shaft in a rack and pinion manner, which disperses the members 152C from each other, thereby allowing the pusher 154 to move downwards. Figure 3B In the configuration shown, the pusher 154 can be used as a stop to prevent the linkage mechanism from returning to the disengagement / retraction / release configuration, thereby ensuring the locking connection.

[0070] In this embodiment, the pusher 154 is actuated by a biasing member 155, such as a spring. More specifically, when the cap 153 is removed from its blocking orifice 151A, the biasing member 155 pushes the pusher 154 to move the two sets of locking members away from each other (e.g., by pivoting the second member 152C, which in turn pivots the first member 152B). Figure 3AAs shown, a first pivot P1 is disposed between the first member 152B and the cam 152A, a second pivot P2 is disposed between the first member 152B and the second member 152C, and a third pivot P3 is disposed between the second member 152C and the top wall of the housing 151. A pusher 154 is used to pivot the first member 152B relative to the second member 152C about the second pivot P2, and to pivot the first member 152B and the second member 152C relative to the housing 151 about the first pivot P1 and the third pivot P3, until the longitudinal axes of the first member 152B and the second member 152C are parallel to each other, for example, parallel or nearly parallel. Subsequently, the pusher 154 pushes further until the pivots pass an alignment point where the longitudinal axes of the members are parallel or nearly parallel to each other. This allows the first member and the second member to engage with the side wall 151C of the housing 151. In this configuration, components 152B and 152C are in the engaged position and remain so, as they are supported by the sidewall 151C of the housing 151. Furthermore, the rotation of the first component 152B and the second component 152C relative to each other causes the cam 152A to rotate until the end of the cam is received into the notch 142B of the longitudinal component 142.

[0071] exist Figure 3B In the engaged / deployed / locked configuration, any tension applied to the longitudinal member 142 applies a torque to the cam 152A, causing the cam 152A to rotate about its axis of rotation. This torque translates into a compressive force applied to the first member 152B and the second member 152C. This compressive force is resisted by the sidewall 151C of the housing 151, as the members abut against it. In some embodiments, the sidewall may define a slight recess to allow the longitudinal axes of the members to be non-parallel to each other. This may not be necessary in all cases. The pusher 154 also serves as an element to hold the system in the engaged / deployed / locked position, thereby preventing the second member 152C from returning to the disengaged / retracted / unlocked position. The pusher 154 needs to be removed before any attempt is made to bring the system into the disengaged / retracted / unlocked configuration.

[0072] Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, in order to secure the two structural members via the connector system 130, the longitudinal member is inserted into the housing; and the longitudinal member is locked inside the housing by pivoting the two sets of locking members about their respective pivots, thereby rotating the cam until the end of the cam engages with the longitudinal member. The system is designed to apply tension to the longitudinal member, thereby ensuring clamping force between the housing 151 and the support plate 141.

[0073] In some embodiments, the locking sequence from male connector 140 to female connector 150 can be initiated automatically. In some cases, the weight of a structural member disposed on top of connector system 130 can be used for this purpose. This weight can transmit force to actuator 154 to lock female member 150 to male member 140.

[0074] It should be noted that labels such as "first," "second," and "end" are used to distinguish one component or group of components of a linkage mechanism from another, and can be arbitrarily chosen and vary from one embodiment's description to another. For example, in Figures 3 to 3B In the alternative description of the embodiments presented herein, the term "second component" can be used to refer to both the component designated 152C and the component designated 152B, and cam 152A can alternatively be referred to as end component or first component. While efforts have been made herein to maintain consistent use of labels within the given descriptions of embodiments, more than one description may exist for the same embodiment, and different labels may be used in such different descriptions.

[0075] It should also be noted that Figure 3 The specific embodiment shown further incorporates the lateral movement capability of the male component, but this feature is optional. More specifically, misalignment between the two structural components can be compensated by translating the longitudinal component in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction between the male and female connectors (direction Z in this case).

[0076] Now refer to Figure 4 Another embodiment of the connector system is shown at 230. For the sake of brevity, only the version referred to above will be described below. Figure 3 The connector system 130 is described with different features.

[0077] In the depicted embodiment, cap 253 is used to keep cam 252A biased relative to orifice 251A of housing 251 by preventing cam 252A from rotating about its respective axis of rotation. Pusher 254 engages cap 253 via biasing member 255. Pusher 254 may abut against both first members 252B. A slight bias may be present to keep pusher 254 abutting. When longitudinal member 142 is inserted into housing 251, longitudinal member 142 can push cap 253 to bias cap 253 relative to orifice 251A and increase the load on biasing member, thereby allowing force to be transmitted to pusher 254. However, cam 252A is still prevented from rotating at this point, now by the presence of the head of longitudinal member, which also prevents the linkage mechanism from being pushed away from each other by pusher 254, during which the increased longitudinal movement of longitudinal member results in an increased load on spring. At some point, notch reaches cam 252A, causing cam 252A to rotate. At this point, the spring is under load, and the pusher 254 applies a significant force to the two first members 252B, causing them to move away from each other, thus moving them to a position as shown in the image. Figure 3B The engagement position is shown and described above, simultaneously rotating the cam 252A and engaging the cam into the notch. In this embodiment, the pusher 254 has a tapered shape, but other shapes are also contemplated.

[0078] It should be noted that, Figure 3 In the embodiments presented, the energy used to switch the mechanism from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration is energy stored in the biasing member. Figure 4 In this process, the energy from the external force causing relative displacement between the male and female components is instead used to switch the mechanism, and more specifically, this energy is first used to load the biasing member 255 until the mechanism allows it to operate the movement. Therefore, in Figure 4 In the embodiment presented, external energy is used to cause the mechanism to switch, and Figure 3 On the contrary, Figure 3 In this system, energy from within is used instead.

[0079] It should be noted that Figure 4 The specific embodiment shown further incorporates the lateral movement capability of the male component, but this feature is optional. More specifically, misalignment between the two structural components can be compensated by translating the longitudinal component in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction between the male and female connectors (direction Z in this case).

[0080] Now refer to Figures 5A to 5D Another embodiment of the connector system 400 will be described below. In this example, the connector system 400 is similar to that described above. Figure 3The connector system 130 presented in the previous example is similar, but there are some differences. Specifically, in this embodiment, the end member 414 (or cam) is also rotatable and has one or more teeth, in this example three teeth, which is optional. Furthermore, the shaft head 416 also has one or more teeth, in this example two teeth and two recesses on each side, which is optional. One or more teeth of the end member 414 are configured to engage with one or more teeth of the shaft head 416 in a rack and pinion manner. This allows the energy from the longitudinal movement of the shaft head 416 to be converted into rotational movement of the end member 414, and to move the linkage mechanism 418 from a retracted configuration ( Figure 5B (as shown in the image) transforms into an unfolded configuration ( Figure 5A (As shown in the image). It should be noted that in... Figure 5A In the embodiment presented, the energy from the longitudinal movement of the shaft is added to the bias energy of the plunger and used to change the linkage mechanism from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration, while Figure 3 In the embodiments presented, the energy source is solely the energy stored in the biasing member (e.g., a spring) of the plunger. Using the longitudinal movement of the shaft as the energy source can be advantageous, especially when the weight applied by the module can be utilized for this purpose.

[0081] Reference Figures 5A to 5D The unfolding action is illustrated. In the first step, the shaft head 416 can engage with the orifice 420 and form a gear-rack meshing with the end member, as shown. Figure 5C , Figure 5D and Figure 5A As shown. In each pivotally interconnected series of components of the linkage 418, in addition to the end component 414, a first component 422 and a second component 424 may also be included. In this embodiment, the first components 424 may be biased toward each other, for example by being connected to each other by a tension spring. The shape of the first components 424 may be designed to stably abut against each other under bias in a retracted configuration. Therefore, in the absence of external force, the biasing action can hold the linkage in place. Figure 5B In the retractable configuration shown, the longitudinal axis of the first member 422 (which can be said to extend between corresponding pivot points at the two opposite ends) can be aligned between the lateral rotation axis of the end member 414 and the orifice 420, in such a way that if a compressive force is transmitted by the first member, a torque can be generated on the end member, causing the end member to rotate in the orientation indicated by the arrow, thereby resisting the insertion of the shaft. Such a compressive force can be generated by the biasing of the plunger 426. Similarly, a bias applied between the two first members 422 can also generate a torque in the end member resisting the insertion of the shaft. However, the magnitude of these biases is designed such that they can be overcome by the magnitude of the insertion force that the shaft head can apply.

[0082] exist Figure 5B When biased in the illustrated configuration, a stop in the second member 424 integrated into the linkage 418 can abut against the end of the plunger 426 and prevent the plunger from moving, whereas the plunger could otherwise be biased toward the orifice 420. The selected shape of these stops can facilitate this action, i.e., when provided on the laterally extending plunger receiving surface in the retracted configuration. The bias between the first members 422 can also help resist this bias of the plunger 426. The pressure from the plunger 426 is converted into a compressive force in the first members 422, but as detailed above, this force can be negligible compared to the bias force between the first members 422, or can otherwise tend to rotate the end member 414 at an angle oriented to the insertion of the resisting shaft.

[0083] When the shaft and end member 414 engage in gear and rack meshing, such as Figure 5C As shown, the insertion force of the shaft head 416 can overcome the bias of the tension springs that interconnect the first members 422, and the length axis extending between the two opposite pivot points of the first members can be switched to the other side of the lateral rotation axis of the end member 414. From this point onward, the compressive force transmitted between the pivot points of the first members 422 can act to rotate the end member 414 in opposite angular orientations, as... Figure 5C As indicated by the arrow, this facilitates the insertion of the shaft head 416. The insertion of the shaft head 416 can further rotate the end member 414 and widen the gap between the stops of the second member 424 and between the first member 422. At a certain moment, as... Figure 5D As shown, the widening of the gap between the stops of the second member reaches the point where the end of the plunger 426 engages between the stops. From this point onward, the shaft head can be locked to engage with the end member 414. Furthermore, the biasing force acting on the plunger 426 can push the plunger 426 toward the orifice 420, and under the action of the biasing force, the tapered surface of the plunger 426 can help to further widen the gap between the stops and extend the linkage mechanism until it reaches the unfolded configuration.

[0084] Depending on the embodiment, in the unfolded configuration, the axis defined between the corresponding pivot pairs of the first and second members (corresponding to the lengths of the first and second members, which can be aligned with each other in the aligned configuration) forms an obtuse angle on the first side of the aligned configuration (opposite to the configuration in the folded configuration), or forms an obtuse angle on the second side of the aligned configuration (located on the same side as the folded configuration, but with a smaller obtuse angle).

[0085] More specifically, in this embodiment, the first and second components of each linkage mechanism each have a length defined between two pivot points and move from a retracted configuration to an aligned configuration in which the lengths of the first and second components are aligned, such as... Figure 5A As shown. In Figure 5A In the example shown, the movement of the first and second components can be stopped in the alignment configuration, provided the plunger is shaped to prevent the linkage mechanism from moving back to the retracted position. In embodiments where the plunger does not have this function, it may be preferable that the first and second components form a first obtuse angle from their first sides of the alignment configuration (e.g., as shown in the example). Figures 5B to 5D (As shown) They continue to move to a configuration that forms a second obtuse angle on the other side of the alignment configuration. The second obtuse angle is usually different from the first angle and is greater than the first angle but not 180 degrees. For example, it can have the effect of locking the linkage mechanism in a locked / unlocked configuration.

[0086] exist Figure 5A In the illustrated deployment configuration, as long as the plunger remains engaged between the stops formed in the first members of the first and second linkages, pulling the male member away from the female connector will encounter resistance from the linkage that locks the shaft in the illustrated position. In some embodiments, it may be desirable for the male connector to be able to disengage from the female connector. This may be desirable, for example, in cases where the male connector is prematurely connected to the female connector, or otherwise connected to the female connector by mistake, or otherwise used in temporary structures or during the dismantling of a building at the end of its life. In the illustrated embodiment, although the housing of the female member may engage within the hollow interior of the HSS structural beam, or otherwise be placed near the structural members of the building module, the screw may protrude from the housing and engage with a nut or other threaded stop. As long as the nut or other threaded stop is accessible, a tool can engage it and operate the threaded stop in a manner that retracts the plunger. Once the plunger has been brought back... Figure 5B The configuration shown allows the male connector to be pulled away from the female component without resistance from the linkage mechanism, which can then return to its original position. Figure 5B The retracted configuration is shown under the action of a biasing force applied between the second members. In the unfolded configuration, where the first and second members maintain a non-180-degree obtuse angle and are located on the same side of the aligned configuration as the retracted configuration (not shown), the recovery action is easier. From the moment the linkage mechanism has returned to the retracted configuration, the nut or other threaded stop can be actuated in the opposite direction to restore the spring biasing force applied by the plunger abutting the stop and place the female connector back into its configuration ready to engage with the male connector.

[0087] It should be noted that Figures 5A to 5C The specific embodiments shown do not include the lateral movement capability feature of the common component, but this feature may alternatively be included in alternative embodiments based on the teachings presented above.

[0088] Now refer to Figure 6A and Figure 6BAnother embodiment of the connector system is shown in 330.

[0089] In the illustrated embodiment, the female connector 350 includes cams 352A disposed on opposite sides of an opening 351A in the housing 351. The cams 352A slidably engage with corresponding curved walls of the housing 351. A second member is a rod 352B pivotally engaged with the cams 352A. The housing 351, more specifically, the sidewalls 351C of the housing 351, define a recess 351D, the shape of which is designed to... Figure 6B The depicted engagement location accommodates a portion of rod 352B.

[0090] When the longitudinal member 342 of the male connector 340 is inserted into the housing 351, a locking sequence can be initiated. In this embodiment, the locking sequence includes pushing the rods 352B downward and away from each other, causing the cams 352A to rotate until they extend at least partially across the orifice 351A of the housing 351 to engage the recess of the longitudinal member 342. To lock the connector system 330 in this position, the rods 352B are further pushed away from each other until they are located within a correspondingly shaped recess 351D defined by the housing 351. Furthermore, in this position, the protrusions 352C of the rods 352B are received within a correspondingly shaped groove 351E defined at the junction between the sidewall 351C and the top wall 351F of the housing 351. The tension applied to the longitudinal member 342 causes a torque on the cam 352A. This torque is converted into a compressive force applied to the rods 352B. The compressive force pushes the protrusion 352C of the rod 352B deeper into the groove 351E, thereby holding the connector system 330 in a locked configuration. More specifically, the more the pulling force used to separate the male connector 340 from the female connector 350 increases, the more the rod 352B resists this force due to the engagement of the protrusion 352C of the rod 352B into the groove 351E.

[0091] Now refer to Figure 7 Another embodiment of the connector system is shown at 440. Similar to other configurations of the connector system, connector system 430 includes a male connector 440 having a longitudinal member 442 and a female connector 450 having a locking member. In this configuration, the locking member includes a cam 452A and a series of members 452B, which are pivotally engaged with each other and pivotally engaged with the cam 452A. It should be understood that all members on the first side of the longitudinal member 442 are shown, but the same configuration exists on the opposite sides of the longitudinal member 442.

[0092] Therefore, in Figure 7In the locking configuration depicted, the tension applied to the longitudinal member 442 generates a torque on the cam 452A, which is converted into a compressive force applied to the member 452B. This compressive force is resisted by the top wall 451D of the housing 451. To ensure that the member 452B remains in this position, one of the members 452B defines a protrusion 452C that engages with a groove 451E defined in the top wall 451D of the housing 451.

[0093] The disclosed connector systems can provide automated connection and can be integrated during manufacturing, such as in a shop floor. When lateral alignment features are integrated into the connector systems, they can accommodate a degree of lateral misalignment, such as 2 mm, 3 mm, or more, located in a plane transverse to the coupling direction between the male and female connectors. These connector systems can absorb clearance in the coupling direction to generate tension in the longitudinal members similar to a bolted connection. Furthermore, these connectors can apply clamping forces similar to those in a bolted connection within the assembly. More specifically, one or more locking members can elastically compress due to a transition from an unlocking configuration to a locking configuration, and in response to the compression of the locking members, the male member can elastically elongate, thereby clamping the male member to the female member.

[0094] It should be noted that various connections between elements are illustrated in the foregoing description and figures. It should be noted that these connections are general and, unless otherwise stated, can be direct or indirect, and this specification is not intended to be limiting in this regard. A connection between two or more entities can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection. An indirect connection may include one or more intermediate entities. Therefore, the term "connection" or "linked to" can include both a direct connection (where two elements connected to each other are in contact with each other) and an indirect connection (where at least one additional element is located between the two elements).

[0095] It should also be noted that various method or process steps of embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following description and accompanying drawings. This description may present the method and / or process steps in a particular order. However, the method or process should not be limited to the specific order of steps described herein, to the extent that it does not depend on such a specific order. Other orders of steps may be possible, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specific order of steps set forth in the description should not be construed as limiting.

[0096] Furthermore, regardless of whether an element, component, or method step is expressly recited in the claims, no element, component, or method step in this disclosure is intended to be exclusive to the public. As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0097] While various aspects of this disclosure have been disclosed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that further embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of this disclosure. For example, this disclosure as described herein includes several aspects and embodiments that include specific features. Although these specific features may be described individually, some or all of these features may be combined with any aspect within the scope of this disclosure and remain within its scope. References to “various embodiments,” “an embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “exemplary embodiment,” etc., indicate that the described embodiment may include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment is not necessarily required to include that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. The use of the indefinite article “a” as used herein to refer to a specific element is intended to cover “one or more” such elements, and similarly, the use of the definite article “the” as to a specific element is not intended to exclude the possibility that there may be multiple such elements.

[0098] The embodiments described in this document provide non-limiting examples of possible implementations of the technology.

[0099] Some embodiments described herein include a connector system configured for end-to-end connection of structural elements of a building module while applying tension in the axial direction, similar to the force applied by a bolted connection. In some jurisdictions, the lateral clearance of such components is limited to 3 mm for 89 mm × 89 mm pipe fittings, and it has been found that some embodiments allow this standard to be met.

[0100] In one embodiment, the connector system includes two connectors: a male connector and a female connector. The male and female connectors can be, for example, fully integrated within a hollow portion of a tubular structural element, or integrally formed with one or both sides of a tubular or solid structural element. The male connector may include an end plate fixed to a first structural element and contain a cavity within which a connector can move. The female connector may have a housing fixed to another tubular component. Within the housing, two assemblies comprising cams and rods are arranged. The two assemblies are symmetrical to each other. When the two tubular components are aligned relative to each other, the connector of the male connector is inserted into the housing of the female component. The orifice of the housing may be frustoconical in shape to guide the connector of the male connector into the housing. If the tubular components are not perfectly aligned, the connector can slide laterally within the end plate of the female connector by approximately 3 mm. The system is designed such that the connector is always centered within the housing of the female connector (which would be a good position to associate centering with clearance).

[0101] In some embodiments, the cam acts as a winch pawl and abuts against the connector when the connector is fully engaged within the housing of the female connector. In this position, the mechanism is not yet locked. To lock the male connector to the female connector, both levers are actuated, thereby pushing the cam to apply a force along its longitudinal axis to the connector, creating tension on the male connector. Once stretched, the connector applies a compressive force to the cam within the housing of the female connector. This compressive force is similar to that found in bolted connections, where a degree of elastic elongation in the shaft remains present in the assembly throughout operation. When the system is subjected to tension, such as a force that tends to pull structural members apart, this force helps to release the compression from the cam and allow it to continue applying force to the connector. By varying the stiffness of the connector, a connection very similar to a bolted connection can be obtained.

[0102] Upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further modifications can also be implemented by those skilled in the art in light of this disclosure, and such modifications will fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connector system for securing a first building module to a second building module on a modular construction site, the connector system comprising: A male connector, which is fixed to the first building module and has a longitudinal member; A female connector, capable of engaging with the male connector, is fixed to the second building module and has: A housing defining an internal volume, the housing having an opening leading to the internal volume; as well as A locking member is received within the internal volume, the locking member comprising a first set of members pivotally engaged with each other on a first side of the orifice and a second set of members pivotally engaged with each other on a second side of the orifice opposite to the first side; The connector system described herein has an unlocking configuration and a locking configuration. In the locking configuration, the first member of the first group of components and the first member of the second group of components extend toward each other and engage with the longitudinal member of the male connector.

2. The connector system according to claim 1, wherein, The female connector is releasably engaged with the male connector, and the first member of the first group of components and the first member of the second group of components extend across the orifice of the housing to engage with the longitudinal member of the male connector, wherein in the release configuration, the longitudinal member of the male connector is detachable from the female connector, and in the locking configuration, the longitudinal member is locked within the housing by the locking member.

3. The connector system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first group of components and the second group of components each include: The first member, engaged to the longitudinal member in the locking configuration, is movable between a first position and a second position, in the first position being biased relative to the orifice of the housing, and in the second position extending at least partially across the orifice to engage the longitudinal member; and A second component, pivotally engageable to the first component, is movable between a disengaged position when the first component is in the first position and an engaged position when the first component is in the second position. In the locking configuration, a tensile force applied to separate the male connector from the female connector is transmitted to the first member, and the tensile force is converted into a compressive force acting on the second member.

4. The connector system according to claim 3, wherein, The compressive force is transmitted to the wall of the housing.

5. The connector system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The first component of the first group of components is formed by two first parts pivotally connected to each other, and the first component of the second group of components is formed by two parts pivotally connected to each other.

6. The connector system according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, The first member is L-shaped and engages with a groove on the longitudinal member of the male connector. The second member is L-shaped and has a first side abutting against the bottom wall of the housing and a second side abutting against a side wall of the housing transverse to the bottom wall. The second member has a protrusion at the junction between the first side and the second side, which engages with a notch in the side wall when in the engaged position.

7. The connector system according to claim 6, wherein, The pulling force pushes the protrusion into the notch.

8. The connector system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The first component is a cam that is capable of rotating about a transverse axis.

9. The connector system according to claim 8, wherein, The cam is rotatable by means of a curved side that slidably engages with the corresponding curved wall of the housing.

10. The connector system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein, The second member is a rod, and the wall of the housing defines a recess, the recess being sized to accommodate a portion of the rod in the engagement position.

11. The connector system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The pulling force pushes the rod into the recess.

12. The connector system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein, The longitudinal member has at least one tooth, and the cam has at least one tooth configured to engage with the at least one tooth of the longitudinal member in a rack and pinion manner.

13. The connector system according to any one of claims 3 to 5 and 8 to 12, wherein, The second component includes a first part pivotally engaged to the first component, and a second part pivotally engaged to both the first component and the top wall of the housing.

14. The connector system according to claim 13, wherein, The longitudinal axes of the first component and the second component form an obtuse angle in the release configuration.

15. The connector system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The longitudinal axes of the first component and the second component are parallel to each other in the transition position between the unlocking configuration and the locking configuration, and are not parallel to each other in the unlocking configuration.

16. The connector system according to claim 15, wherein, The longitudinal axes of the first component and the second component are not parallel to each other in the locking configuration.

17. The connector system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein, The first component and the second component abut against the sidewall of the housing at the engagement position.

18. The connector system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein, The pulling force pushes the first component and the second component against the side wall of the housing.

19. The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein, The male connector includes an end plate fixed to the first building module, the end plate defining an interior space and an orifice communicating with the interior space, and wherein the longitudinal member protrudes from a base received within the interior space, the longitudinal member extending through the orifice and extending out of the interior space of the end plate.

20. The connector system of claim 19, wherein, The connecting member is capable of translating relative to the end plate in a direction transverse to the longitudinal member.

21. The connector system according to claim 19 or 20, wherein, The longitudinal member has a tapered head and / or the orifice of the housing of the female connector is tapered.

22. The connector system according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein, In the locking configuration, the locking member applies tension to the longitudinal member of the male connector.

23. A method for securing two structural members using a connector system, comprising: The longitudinal member of the male connector, which is fixed to one of the two structural members, is inserted into the housing of the female connector, which is fixed to the other of the two structural members. as well as The longitudinal member is locked inside the housing by pivoting the two members about their respective pivots, thereby rotating the cam until the teeth of the cam engage with the longitudinal member.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The rotation of the cam includes engaging the teeth of the cam with the teeth of the longitudinal member in a rack and pinion manner.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, further comprising compensating for misalignment between the two structural members by translating the longitudinal member relative to one of the two structural members in a plane perpendicular to the mating direction between the male connector and the female connector.

26. A female connector for securing a first building module to a second building module on a modular construction site, the female connector comprising: A housing that defines an internal volume and an orifice, the orifice being sized to allow the head of a shaft to engage into the internal volume through the orifice. as well as A first linkage and a second linkage, disposed opposite each other within the internal volume, are used to lock the shaft between the first linkage and the second linkage. Each of the first linkage and the second linkage has a series of at least two pivotally interconnected members that are movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. In the retracted configuration, the head is received into the internal volume through the orifice. In the extended configuration, the end members of the at least two pivotally interconnected members are engaged with corresponding abutments formed in the head of the shaft.

27. The female connector according to claim 26, wherein, The end members of both the first and second linkage mechanisms are capable of rotating about their respective lateral orientation axes.

28. The female connector according to claim 27, wherein, Each of the end members has at least one tooth, which is configured to engage with at least one tooth formed in the shaft portion in a gear-rack meshing manner.

29. The female connector according to claim 27 or 28, wherein, Each end member has a sliding surface that bends about the corresponding transverse orientation axis, the sliding surface engaging with a mating sliding surface formed in the housing, the mating sliding surface each supporting the rotation of the corresponding end member.

30. The female connector according to any one of claims 26 to 29, wherein, The first linkage and the second linkage each have a series of at least three pivotally interconnected components. In addition to the end components, the at least three pivotally interconnected components also include a first component and a second component. The first component has a first end pivotally engaged with the second component and a second end pivotally engaged with the housing.

31. The female connector according to claim 30, wherein, The first and second members are elongated and each has a length defined between two pivot points, allowing them to move from the closed configuration to an aligned configuration in which the lengths of the first and second members are aligned, and in the closed configuration, the lengths of the first and second members form a first obtuse angle on a first side of the aligned configuration.

32. The female connector according to claim 31, wherein, In the unfolded configuration, the lengths of the first member and the second member form a second obtuse angle on the first side of the alignment configuration, the second obtuse angle being greater than the first obtuse angle. The female connector also includes a plunger that is spring-biased toward the orifice, but when in the retracted configuration, it is stopped by the first and second linkage mechanisms to overcome the bias. When released from the stop of the first and second linkage mechanisms, the plunger pushes the first member and the second member into the unfolded configuration and blocks the first and second linkage mechanisms in the unfolded configuration.

33. The female connector according to any one of claims 30 to 32, further comprising at least one tension spring, the at least one tension spring biasing the first member of the first linkage toward the first member of the second linkage.

34. The female connector according to any one of claims 31 or 32, further comprising at least one biasing member biasing the first member and the second member to the first obtuse angle.

35. The female connector according to any one of claims 26 to 34, further comprising a plunger spring-biased toward the orifice, but stopped by the first linkage and the second linkage when in the retracted configuration.

36. The female connector according to claim 36, wherein, The plunger blocks the first linkage and the second linkage when it is in the locked configuration.

37. The female connector according to claim 35 or 36, wherein, When released from the stop of the first linkage and the second linkage, the plunger pushes the first member and the second member into the deployed configuration.

38. A connector system for securing a first building module to a second building module on a modular construction site, the connector system comprising: Male connector, the male connector being fixed to the first building module and having: A first housing, defining a first internal volume and a first opening leading to the internal volume. A male component having a base that is engaged in the first internal volume and a shaft that protrudes longitudinally from the first opening, the base being capable of sliding in a transverse plane within the first internal volume; as well as Female connector, the female connector being fixed to the second building module and having: A second housing, the second housing defining a second internal volume and dimensions designed to receive the shaft portion and open to a second orifice in the second internal volume; A first locking member and a second locking member are disposed opposite to each other in the internal volume for locking the shaft portion between the first locking member and the second locking member.

39. The connector system according to claim 38, wherein, The male component has an extruded shape with a two-dimensional cross-section projected in the lateral orientation.

40. The connector system of claim 39, wherein, The shaft portion has a tapered head that narrows in a direction away from the extension of the first internal volume.

41. A method for connecting a male connector of a first building module to a female connector of a second building module, the method comprising: The base of the male component of the male connector is moved laterally within the first internal volume of the first housing of the male connector, thereby aligning the shaft portion of the male component laterally with the orifice of the female connector; The aligned shaft portion of the male component passes through the orifice and moves within the internal volume of the female connector; as well as The shaft portion of the male component is locked within the internal volume of the female connector.

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