Improved connection device for reinforcing bars

Abstract

An improved connection device for reinforcing steel is disclosed. The connection device includes a coil formed by spin forming a straight steel bar into a continuous, endless "∞" or double-clewed helical structure. The coil is formed with at least two loops. The helical structure includes one or more self-locking bends of the steel bar and one or more steel bars within the perimeter of the coil.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a connection device for connecting at least two reinforcing bars of adjacent concrete elements, such that the connection device enhances the structural performance of the connected reinforcing bars when they are adjacent. Such a connection device is compact and can be used in structures with thinner widths, as well as improving productivity during construction. Background Technology

[0002] The following background discussion is intended only to facilitate understanding of this disclosure. It should be understood that this discussion is not an admission or endorsement that any material mentioned was part of common general knowledge, disclosed or known to those skilled in the art in any jurisdiction at the priority date of this invention.

[0003] Concrete is widely used in the construction industry. However, concrete is a brittle material that performs well under compression but not under tension. To improve the performance of concrete, steel is often introduced as a reinforcement.

[0004] Due to productivity and efficiency considerations, the construction industry is increasingly emphasizing the use of prefabrication or precast technologies, thus requiring innovation focused on connection methods. Reinforcing steel is used in concrete construction and often requires end-to-end connections to create longer steel sections and transfer force from one section to another. Similarly, in precast or prefabricated columns, walls, or concrete structures, these components need to be connected side-by-side and / or end-to-end. Therefore, cost-effective and labor-saving connection solutions between these elements are crucial.

[0005] Known systems exist for connecting prefabricated or pre-fabricated structures side-by-side. One solution involves using cylindrical steel sleeves filled with grout. The reinforcing bars to be joined are then inserted into the sleeves and joined at the middle. Finally, the sleeves are filled with grout.

[0006] Other common connection methods include the use of mechanical connections (such as bolts, pins, or pre-embedded connectors), and adhesives or grouts. These connections are designed to prevent movement and ensure load transfer between adjacent panels.

[0007] However, such systems are typically prefabricated and are more rigid and expensive to use. Furthermore, these connectors are labor-intensive and require installation one at a time, as this installation demands high precision and may require prefabrication, resulting in very tight tolerances and limited flexibility to accommodate any construction deviations. Additionally, such systems cannot be deployed in compact spaces constrained by narrow-width structures, or in slabs, columns, and walls where the design requires very closely spaced reinforcing bars.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for improved connection devices to alleviate one or more of the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure aims to provide a connection device for reinforcing bars. At least one connector is formed by rotating a straight reinforcing bar into a continuous infinite "∞" or double-hinged spiral. Such a connection device is compact in structure and enhances the performance of the reinforcing bar connection by providing effective constraint on the grout filler. Such a connection device also allows the connector to be used in structures with thinner widths, in spaces with more stringent constraints, or in spaces with close-spaced reinforcing bars, and improves productivity during installation. Furthermore, such a connection device can be designed to be installed in many different configurations within precast components or concrete structures based on individual design requirements. Since such a connection device does not require prefabrication, the present invention provides greater flexibility and can accommodate higher construction tolerances.

[0010] Other aspects and features of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings referenced in the description of the embodiments are provided below. The drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can apply this disclosure to other scenarios based on these drawings without any creative effort.

[0012] Figures 1A to 1C Various views of a connection device for reinforcing bars according to some embodiments are shown; Figure 1A It is a three-dimensional view of the connecting device. Figure 1B It is a top view of the connecting device, and Figure 1C This is a front view of the connecting device; Figure 2A These are schematic top and side views of a connecting device with a double-ring configuration according to some embodiments, and Figure 2B A schematic top view and a side view of a connection device with a three-ring configuration according to some embodiments are shown; Figure 3A These are schematic top and side views of a connection device for multiple connectors that are adjacent in a linear engagement manner according to some embodiments. Figure 3B These are schematic top and side views of a connection device according to some embodiments, showing the connection between series and parallel connectors; Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of various configurations of connection devices according to some embodiments, showing the self-limiting force interaction between connectors; Figure 5 These are schematic plan and elevation views of a connection device when two pairs of steel bars are connected, based on some implementation methods; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how the connecting device can be adapted to a smaller width space; Figures 7A to 7C This is a schematic side view of the connecting device, showing the self-locking function of the bent reinforcing bar; Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of a structural element assembly including two pairs of reinforcing bars connected to a connecting device, according to some embodiments; Figure 9 This is a schematic side view of an alternative structural element device including two pairs of reinforcing bars connected to a connecting device, according to some embodiments. Figure 10 These are schematic plan and perspective views of a connection device including a pair of L-shaped steel bars according to some embodiments; and Figure 11 These are top and elevation views of alternative connecting devices for resisting shear forces according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These preferred embodiments are not intended to limit the invention in its broadest sense to these embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description of the embodiments to provide an understanding of these embodiments.

[0014] Figures 1A to 1C Perspective, top, and front views of a connection device for reinforcing bars according to some embodiments are shown. This connection device 10 is primarily used in the construction industry to connect adjacent reinforced concrete or precast concrete structures. The connection device 10 includes a coil 20. The coil 20 can be shaped into an infinity "∞" or a double twisted wire shape, as shown in... Figure 1B As can be seen more clearly in the image, the coil 20 has a first end 22 (at the top of the connecting device 10) and terminates at a second end 24 (at the base of the connecting device 10), and can be continuously rotated into an infinite "∞" or a helical structure 28 in the shape of a double twisted wire. Figure 1B As shown, coil 20 is continuously rotated into an infinite "∞" or double twisted wire shape, thus forming two loops 26. Each loop 26 is sized and adapted to receive one or more reinforcing bars, as will be explained later. Depending on design requirements, each loop 26 may be formed to the same or different dimensions.

[0015] The inner circumference of the spiral structure 28 may be provided with at least one reinforcing bar 30 extending through the length of the spiral structure 28. The at least one reinforcing bar 30 provides the structural strength required to join two reinforcing bars and the structural integrity of the spiral structure 28, and helps maintain the overall shape and form of the spiral structure 28. The at least one reinforcing bar 30 also serves as a force-transferring reinforcement to provide a balanced force transmission effect during operation. Although Figures 1A to 1C The illustration shows the use of four reinforcing bars 30, but those skilled in the art will understand that any number of reinforcing bars can be used and selected according to design and load considerations. Optionally and advantageously, the spiral structure 28 may also be equipped with one or more bent reinforcing bars 40. The one or more bent reinforcing bars 40 extend from the top of the spiral structure 28 toward the base of the spiral structure 28. Unlike the one or more reinforcing bars 30, the bent reinforcing bars 40 do not extend across the entire length of the spiral structure 28. The bent reinforcing bars 40 may extend to a distance before the middle of the spiral structure 28, such as... Figure 1A and Figure 1C As shown. The bent reinforcing bar 40 can initially rest on the inner circumference of the spiral structure 28, and then forms a bend 42 towards the center of each ring 26. The bent reinforcing bar 40 facilitates the installation process and allows for pre-installation and inspection. Further features of the bent reinforcing bar 40 will be described later.

[0016] The preceding paragraphs described the connection device 10 with a dual-ring configuration, such as Figure 2A As shown. Figure 2B Schematic top and side views of a connection device with a three-ring configuration according to some embodiments are shown. In this configuration, coil 20 can rotate continuously to form a helical structure 28 of three rings in a linear manner. Depending on design requirements, each ring 26 in the three-ring configuration can be formed to the same size or different sizes.

[0017] Those skilled in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure that the present invention is not limited to two-ring or three-ring connection systems. Figure 3A These are schematic top and side views of a connection device for linearly engaging multiple connectors in a side-by-side manner according to some embodiments. In this example, three pairs of spiral structures 28 connected to each other in a side-by-side manner are shown. This illustrates only one possible configuration, and those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to three pairs of spiral structures linearly connected to each other. As will be understood, “N” spiral structures can be arranged and connected according to this disclosure, where “N” is any number greater than one, as long as the coils 20 can be continuously formed into multiple infinite “∞” or double-twisted wire shapes and spiral structures.

[0018] Figure 3BThese are schematic top and side views of a connection device according to some embodiments, illustrating connections between series and parallel connectors. In this illustration, helical structures 28 are connected in both series and parallel configurations.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic top view of various configurations of connection devices according to some embodiments, illustrating the self-limiting force interaction between connectors. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand upon reading this disclosure that various arrangements in a side-by-side linear manner, whether in series or parallel, are encompassed within the scope of this disclosure, provided that the coils 20 can be continuously formed into a plurality of infinite "∞" or twisted coil shapes. Advantageously, coils continuously formed into a plurality of infinite "∞" or twisted coil shapes provide a self-limiting force interaction between connectors. For example, when one ring 26 is under tension, adjacent rings 26 will help hold it in place because they are continuous rings adjacent to each other. This provides additional structural integrity, with the advantage that the reinforcing steel contained in each ring can remain rigidly fixed in place.

[0020] Figure 5 These are schematic plan and elevation views of a connection device when two pairs of reinforcing bars are connected, according to some embodiments. Steel bars (referred to as reinforcing bars) can be introduced into concrete elements to strengthen the concrete elements or blocks so that they perform well under both compression and tension. The concrete element with the introduced steel bars is called a reinforced concrete element. The upper reinforced concrete element includes a first pair of reinforcing bars 52, and the lower reinforced concrete element includes a second pair of reinforcing bars 62. The reinforcing bars 52 and 62 can be introduced into the upper and lower reinforced concrete elements by any known means. Figure 5 As shown, the ends of the first reinforcing bar 52 and the second reinforcing bar 62 that are close to each other may optionally be provided with enlarged ends 54, 64. The advantages of the enlarged ends 54, 64 when used with one or more bent reinforcing bars 40 will be described later.

[0021] When used in the positioning configuration according to the invention, the first reinforcing bar 52 and the second reinforcing bar 62 are received within the confines of the helical structure 28. The enlarged ends 54 and 64 are advantageous because they also enhance resistance to prevent the first reinforcing bar 52 and the second reinforcing bar 62 from slipping off the connecting device 10.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating how a connecting device can be adapted to a narrow space. In the example configuration on the left, a connecting device formed by coils is deployed, which are shaped and continuously looped into a spiral structure in the shape of multiple infinite "∞" or double twisted wires. This spiral structure can be installed in a thinner structure compared to two separately connected connectors of similar size. Such individually engaged connectors must also meet minimum tolerances.

[0023] Figures 7A to 7C This is a schematic side view of the connecting device, illustrating the self-locking function of the bent reinforcing bar 40. For simplicity, half of the coil 20 has been removed from these figures. Figure 7A As shown, the first reinforcing bar 52 is not yet installed within the space of the spiral structure 28. When the first reinforcing bar 52 is inserted through the coil 20 in the direction of the arrow, the enlarged end 54 of the first reinforcing bar 52 supports and abuts against the bend 42 of each bent reinforcing bar 40. This causes the bend 42 of each bent reinforcing bar 40 to axially... Figure 7B The middle arrow indicates outward bias. After the enlarged end 54 of the first reinforcing bar 52 is further inserted through the bend 42, the bend 42 then... Figure 7C The bias returns to its original position in the direction indicated by the middle arrow. Figure 7C In the position shown, the first reinforcing bar 52 is "locked" within the spiral structure 28. Therefore, the self-locking function of the bent reinforcing bar 40 prevents accidental removal of the reinforcing bar. Furthermore, the bent reinforcing bar advantageously serves as a system for suspension connections and is thus convenient for on-site installation, as described later.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a schematic side view of a structural element assembly 70 comprising two pairs of reinforcing bars connected to a connecting device, according to some embodiments. The structural element assembly 70 includes structural elements such as an upper reinforced concrete element 50 and a lower reinforced concrete element 60. The upper reinforced concrete element 50 is provided with a recess forming a groove 56 and a sidewall 57 on its surface. This surface of the upper reinforced concrete element 50 is the surface from which the pair of first reinforcing bars 52 extend. Arbitrarily and as... Figure 8 As shown, the upper reinforced concrete element 50 is provided with a groove 56 and a sidewall 57. For precast concrete devices, only one of the reinforced concrete elements needs to be provided with a recess, so that when in place, an enclosure for positioning the connecting device 70 can be formed between the reinforced concrete elements 50 and 60.

[0025] The upper concrete element 50 may have at least one orifice (not shown) that passes through the sidewall 57 to allow the introduction of an adhesive medium 58. The inner circumference of the spiral structure 28 may be provided with at least one reinforcing bar 30 extending through the length of the spiral structure 28.

[0026] When used in the positioning configuration according to the present invention, the first pair of reinforcing bars 52 and the second pair of reinforcing bars 62 are received within the space of the spiral structure 28, as shown below. Figure 8As shown. In use, the upper reinforced concrete element 50 is arranged such that the groove 56 faces the second reinforcing bar 62 to be connected. Then, the spiral structure 28 is arranged on the upwardly extending second reinforcing bar 62, such that the first reinforcing bar 52 is positioned within the internal confines of the spiral structure 28.

[0027] Next, the upper reinforced concrete element 50 is positioned on the lower reinforced concrete element 60 to form an enclosure and to position the first reinforcing bar 52 within the space of the enclosure and in close or adjacent relationship with the second reinforcing bar 62.

[0028] Once the upper reinforced concrete element 50 and the lower reinforced concrete element 60 are in place, the adhesive medium 58 can then be introduced into the enclosure through an orifice. The adhesive medium 58 can be introduced using a high-pressure source or other methods. When pressure is introduced, a second orifice is preferably provided as an outlet to prevent pressure buildup inside the enclosure. Having a second outlet allows the enclosure to be completely filled with the adhesive medium 58. Once the adhesive medium 58 has solidified, the connection device 70 is complete. Furthermore, since the design of the spiral structure 28 does not require prefabrication, the spiral structure 28 can move flexibly within the pre-formed enclosure. The enlarged ends 54, 64 and the bent reinforcing bars 40 allow the spiral structure 28 to be suspended and slid along the longitudinal axis of the reinforcing bars 52. This combination of movements provides flexibility and greater tolerance margins, allowing alignment with pre-embedded field pins, thereby facilitating installation and reducing the time and manpower required for precast slab installation.

[0029] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating the advantages of the connecting device of the present invention is also shown. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the interaction between the adhesive medium 58 and the enlarged ends 54, 64 of the first reinforcing bar 52 and the second reinforcing bar 62 causes the adhesive medium 58 to provide a force opposite to the tensile force, thereby holding the first and second reinforcing bars in place within the space of the spiral structure 28 when an external tensile force is applied.

[0030] Furthermore, the enlarged ends 54, 64 of the first reinforcing bar 52 and the second reinforcing bar 62 direct the force toward at least one reinforcing bar 30, which in turn directs the force back to the first reinforcing bar 52 and the second reinforcing bar 62, or more specifically the first enlarged end and the second enlarged end, so that the externally applied tensile force is again counteracted internally within the enclosure.

[0031] The helical structure 28 also has the advantage that the inner edge of the helix provides radially inward compression, which provides cohesion to prevent the first reinforcing bar 52 and the second reinforcing bar 62 from slipping when subjected to external tension. Furthermore, and as previously described, the coils of the helical structure, formed and continuously looped into multiple infinite "∞" or double-needle-shaped loops, provide self-limiting force interactions between the connectors.

[0032] Therefore, when the adhesive medium 58 is introduced into the enclosure, the spiral structure 28, one or more reinforcing bars 30, and the enlarged ends 54, 64 work together to effectively resist external tension. The connecting device 70 thus effectively resists tension. Compressive forces are also resisted.

[0033] Figure 9 An alternative mounting configuration of a structural element assembly 70 comprising two pairs of reinforcing bars connected to a connecting device, according to some embodiments, is shown. The structural element assembly 70 includes structural elements, such as an upper reinforced concrete element 50 and a lower reinforced concrete element 60. The lower reinforced concrete element 60 is provided with recesses forming grooves 66 and sidewalls 67 on its surface. This surface of the lower reinforced concrete element 60 is the surface from which the pair of second reinforcing bars 62 extend. Arbitrarily and as... Figure 9 As shown, the lower reinforced concrete element 60 is provided with a groove 66 and a sidewall 67. For precast concrete devices, only one of the reinforced concrete elements needs to be provided with a recess, so that when in place, an enclosure for positioning the connecting device 70 can be formed between the reinforced concrete elements 50 and 60.

[0034] The lower concrete element 60 may have at least one orifice (not shown) that passes through the sidewall 67 to allow the introduction of an adhesive medium 68. The inner circumference of the spiral structure 28 may be provided with at least one reinforcing bar 30 extending through the length of the spiral structure 28.

[0035] When used in the positioning configuration according to the present invention, the first pair of reinforcing bars 52 and the second pair of reinforcing bars 62 are received within the space of the spiral structure 28, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown. In use, the upper reinforced concrete element 50 is arranged such that the first reinforcing bar 52 extends downward. A spiral structure 28 is then arranged on the downwardly extending first reinforcing bar 52, such that the first reinforcing bar 52 is positioned within the internal space of the spiral structure 28. One or more bent reinforcing bars help to hold the first reinforcing bar 52 within the spiral structure 28.

[0036] Next, the upper reinforced concrete element 50 is positioned on the lower reinforced concrete element 60 to form an enclosure and to position the first reinforcing bar 52 within the space of the second reinforcing bar 62 and in close or adjacent relationship with the second reinforcing bar. Figure 9 The second installation method shown advantageously eliminates the need for any pressure grouting.

[0037] Figure 8 and Figure 9Two examples of connections between upper and lower reinforced concrete elements are shown. Those skilled in the art will recognize, upon reading this disclosure, that other forms and methods of connection between upper and lower reinforced concrete elements can be reproduced.

[0038] In addition to tension and compression, adjacent structural elements are also subject to shear forces. Figure 10 These are schematic plan and perspective views of a connection device including a pair of L-shaped steel bars, according to some embodiments. Figure 10 In the example shown, the first structural element 80 is connected to the adjacent second structural element 90 via a helical structure 28. To resist tensile and shear forces, a pair of L-shaped reinforcing bars 82 can be installed between each loop 26 of the helical structure 28 and the first structural element 80. The first end of the L-shaped reinforcing bar extends from within the helical structure 28 and is bent into an L-shape to terminate within the first structural element 80.

[0039] Similarly, for the second structural element 90, a second pair of L-shaped reinforcing bars 92 can be installed between each ring 26 of the helical structure 28 and the second structural element 90. The first end of the L-shaped reinforcing bars extends from within the helical structure 28 and is bent into an L-shape to terminate within the second structural element 90. The interaction of the L-shaped reinforcing bars 82, 92 with the helical structure 28 and the first and second structural elements 80 provides good tensile and shear resistance. The gaps and spaces between the two elements can be filled with any suitable adhesive medium.

[0040] Alternatively, in place of L-shaped steel bars, the following can also be used: Figures 8 to 9 The connecting device described herein is for use in accordance with Figure 11 The arrangement shown resists tensile and shear forces. Here, the connection is not perpendicular; rather, it has been rotated 90 degrees, resulting in a horizontal configuration. This beneficially helps resist tensile and shear forces between the two structural elements.

[0041] It will now be apparent to those skilled in the art that this specification has described, in sufficiently specific a manner, a novel and improved connection device for connecting at least two reinforcing bars of adjacent concrete elements, enabling them to be understood. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, variations, substitutions, and equivalents exist for the features of the device and system without substantially departing from the scope of the invention.

[0042] Those skilled in the art should further understand that variations and combinations of the above features (not substitutions or replacements) can be combined to form yet another implementation method that falls within the intended scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A connecting device for connecting two or more structural elements, comprising: A coil having a double-hooked cross-section, the coil being continuously formed into a helical structure; as well as A pair of rings, defined by the coil, each ring configured to receive one or more reinforcing bars.

2. The connection device of claim 1, wherein, The coil comprises three or more loops.

3. The connecting device according to claim 1 or 2 further includes one or more reinforcing bars extending through the longitudinal length of the spiral structure.

4. The connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes one or more bent reinforcing bars, each bent reinforcing bar extending from a first end of the spiral structure and placed on the inner circumference of the spiral structure, and extending toward a second end of the spiral structure.

5. The connection device according to claim 4, wherein Each bent reinforcing bar forms a bend toward the center of the ring.

6. The connection device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The rings are arranged in series and / or parallel configurations.

7. The connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes at least two reinforcing bars located in each loop of the coil.

8. The connection device of claim 7, wherein, Each rebar is equipped with an enlarged end.

9. The connection device of claim 8, wherein, When each reinforcing bar is inserted into the spiral structure, the enlarged end of each reinforcing bar is configured to support and push against the bend of each bent reinforcing bar.

10. The connecting device according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a pair of L-shaped steel bars in each ring.

11. The connection device of claim 10, wherein, Each L-shaped reinforcing bar has a first end extending from within the spiral structure, and the L-shaped reinforcing bar is bent into an L shape to terminate within a corresponding structural element.

12. The connection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, The structural elements are positioned by being arranged vertically.

13. The connection device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The structural elements are positioned in a side-by-side configuration.

14. A structural element device, comprising: The first structural element includes: A recess suitable for receiving a coil having a bifurcated cross-section, the coil being continuously formed into a helical structure; and A pair of rings, defined by the coil, each ring configured to receive a first pair of reinforcing bars; and The second structural element has a second pair of reinforcing bars, and the second structural element is arranged to form an enclosure with the first structural element.

15. A method for connecting two structural elements, comprising the following steps: a. Provide a first structural element having: a recess adapted to receive a coil having a bifurcated cross-section, the coil being continuously formed into a helical structure; And a pair of rings defined by the coil, each ring configured to receive the first pair of reinforcing bars; b. Provide a second structural element having a second pair of reinforcing bars; c. Connect the first structural element and the second structural element to form an enclosure; as well as d. Introduce the adhesive medium into the enclosure.

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