Connector for connecting first and second elements of a structure to one another

Abstract

The invention relates to a connector (1) for connecting first and second elements (2, 3) of a structure (100) to one another, the connector comprising a rod (10) that comprises longitudinal fibres (11) running along the entire length of the rod and a bonding material (12) that bonds the longitudinal fibres (11) to one another, the connector comprising at least one sleeve (13) that is overmoulded around at least one longitudinal portion of the rod. The overmoulded sleeve (13) comprises an external peripheral surface provided with external shapes (13x) that are distributed along the sleeve (13) and run transversally relative to the rod, the rod (10) comprising a plurality of external raised portions (10x) against which the sleeve (13) is overmoulded, said external raised portions (10x) being distributed around the rod (10) and along the sleeve (13), said external raised portions (10x) opposing the movement of the sleeve (13) with respect to the rod (10).

Description

[0001] CONNECTOR INTENDED TO LINK THE FIRST AND SECOND ELEMENTS OF A STRUCTURE TOGETHER

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of connecting connectors intended to connect together first and second elements of a structure, the structure being for example a building or a work of art.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is known to connect first and second elements of a structure using reinforcement-type connectors so as to form a structure, i.e. a construction, for example a building or a work of art.

[0005] In this way, it is possible to connect the walls of a wall to each other, or walls to each other, or a wall and a slab.

[0006] These first and second structural elements are generally cast one after the other and are generally made of concrete around reinforcement-type connectors to create a mechanical connection between the first and second structural elements.

[0007] These reinforcements are of complex shapes and dimensions since they are generally adapted to the overall shapes and dimensions of the work to be obtained.

[0008] Furthermore, these connecting connectors are generally made of steel and are susceptible to corrosion.

[0009] Over time, oxidation of the connectors can lead to bursting and cracking of the structural elements, which compromises the longevity of the structure.

[0010] To limit the risk of corrosion of connectors, connectors have been proposed comprising a composite rod type rod, i.e. a rod comprising longitudinal fibers extending along the entire length of the rod and a bonding material connecting these longitudinal fibers together.

[0011] This type of connecting connector generally comprises at least one sleeve overmolded around at least a longitudinal portion of the rod to serve as a force distribution interface between the rod, which has a reduced external surface, and the construction element in which the connector is anchored.

[0012] The sleeve forms a connecting interface between the rod and the construction element, this sleeve greatly improving the distribution of forces along the rod and the distribution of forces in the construction element.

[0013] It would be useful to develop a connecting connector intended to connect first and second elements of a structure together and having improved tear resistance.

[0014] SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0015] An object of the present invention is to provide a connecting connector solving at least some of the aforementioned problems of the prior art.

[0016] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] To this end, according to a first aspect of the invention, a connecting connector is proposed intended to connect first and second elements of a structure to each other, the connector comprising a rod, the rod comprising longitudinal fibers extending over the entire length of the rod and a connecting material connecting these longitudinal fibers to each other, the connector comprising at least one sleeve overmolded around at least one longitudinal portion of the rod.

[0018] This link connector is essentially characterized in that:

[0019] - the overmolded sleeve comprises an external peripheral surface provided with external shapes distributed along the sleeve and extending transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the rod; and in that

[0020] - the rod comprises a plurality of external reliefs against which the sleeve is overmolded, these external reliefs being distributed around the rod and along the sleeve, each of these external reliefs of the rod opposing any relative movement of the sleeve with respect to the rod.

[0021] The combination of the external shapes of the sleeve distributed along the sleeve with the plurality of external reliefs of the rod against which the sleeve is overmolded and which are also distributed around the rod and along the sleeve, allows for an increased force transmission capacity between the rod and the construction element via the sleeve.

[0022] In fact, the external shapes of the external peripheral surface of the sleeve which extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the rod make it possible to form, all around the sleeve and along the sleeve, support zones to exert tensile forces there in the longitudinal direction of the rod between the sleeve and the construction element.

[0023] The distribution, along the sleeve, of the forces exerted outside the overmolded sleeve and inside the overmolded sleeve helps to minimize the internal stresses in the sleeve, and helps to distribute the stresses at the interface between the rod and the sleeve.

[0024] The risk of destruction of the sleeve due to excessive internal stresses is thus minimized since the forces exerted on the sleeve, inside and outside the sleeve, are distributed around the rod and along the sleeve.

[0025] The risk of the rod being pulled out of the sleeve is drastically reduced by the presence of the rod reliefs which are distributed along the sleeve and against which the sleeve is overmolded.

[0026] Preferably, said reliefs of the stem have respective heights greater than 1 tenth of a millimeter, preferably greater than 5 tenths of a millimeter.

[0027] For example, a given relief of the rod made up of a grain of sand with a grain size of 1 mm will have a height greater than 2 tenths of a millimeter if the grain of sand is embedded 0.8 tenths of a millimeter into the bonding material, the 2 tenths of a millimeter of height of the given relief corresponding to the height of the part of the grain of sand which is available to be put into contact against the material of the sleeve.

[0028] In the case where the given relief is constituted by a groove or a groove formed on the rod, the height of this given relief will correspond to the depth of the groove or groove available to be put in contact with the material of the overmolded sleeve.

[0029] Preferably, a given relief formed by a groove or a groove will be manufactured so as to have a height greater than 1 tenth of a millimeter, preferably greater than 5 tenths of a millimeter, preferably greater than 1 mm.

[0030] The sleeve can thus be firmly anchored in a structural element, either directly or indirectly via a socket, as will be described below, and it can resist being pulled out from the structural element).

[0031] The connector according to the invention can be used to connect together:

[0032] - a first element of work of the type wall or slab or balcony or load-bearing post or load-bearing beam or wall of a pre-wall or wall of a sandwich wall or wall of building cladding or bridge deck or voussoir; and

[0033] - a second element of the structure such as a wall or slab or balcony or load-bearing post or load-bearing beam or wall of a pre-wall or wall of a sandwich wall or wall of building cladding or bridge deck or voussoir.

[0034] Preferably the work is a building but it could also be a work of art.

[0035] According to a first application, a plurality of connectors according to the invention can be integrated into a chaining system of a building to connect together:

[0036] - first and second structural elements of the load-bearing wall type of a building (the structure is here a building); or

[0037] - a first element of the structure of the load-bearing wall type of a building with a second element of the structure of the load-bearing slab or post or balcony or load-bearing beam type (the structure here is a building).

[0038] According to a second application, a plurality of connectors according to the invention can be used to connect together the walls of the same building wall which is a pre-wall or a sandwich wall, these walls possibly being kept apart from each other by means of this plurality of connectors according to the invention.

[0039] According to a third application, a plurality of connectors according to the invention can be used to connect cladding of a building to a wall of the building and / or to a post of the building and / or to a beam of the building.

[0040] This variety of applications of the connector according to the invention is possible thanks to the capacity of the connector according to the invention to transmit, via its sleeve, significant tensile forces as well as bending forces between first and second elements which it connects to each other.

[0041] Indeed, significant tensile forces can be transmitted along the longitudinal direction of the rod because they can pass through the fibers of the rod which extend continuously from one end of the rod to the other, these fibers being linked together by the binding material encompassing these fibers over the entire length of the rod.

[0042] Furthermore, the external reliefs of the rod against which the sleeve is overmolded form an interface between the rod and the sleeve which makes it possible to distribute the mechanical forces between the rod and the sleeve over a large surface extending on the one hand all around the rod and on the other hand along the sleeve.

[0043] The combination of distributed reliefs and overmolding of the sleeve increases the force transmission capacity between the rod and the sleeve.

[0044] The force transmission capacity between the connector and the building element is much greater than that which a simple composite rod with a straight cylindrical section would allow.

[0045] As indicated above, the sleeve makes it possible to increase the force distribution surface from the connector to the work element while having strong adhesion between the sleeve and the rod.

[0046] The connecting connector according to the invention can be simply sized to be adapted to the forces that one wishes to transmit between the building elements.

[0047] Thus, the section and number of longitudinal fibers, the surface and number of reliefs of the rod in contact with the sleeve and the external shape of the sleeve can be adjusted.

[0048] The connecting connector according to the invention is inexpensive to produce because the rod can be easily manufactured by pultrusion and because the overmolding of the sleeve can be easily carried out with inexpensive materials.

[0049] According to a particular embodiment of the connector according to the invention, possibly combined with the other embodiments, at least some of said external reliefs of the rod are constituted by grains of sand.

[0050] This embodiment allows for excellent adhesion between the sleeve and the rod while limiting the thickness of these reliefs to the strict minimum. This embodiment allows for savings in material and therefore in the cost price of the connector without compromising its mechanical strength.

[0051] According to another particular embodiment of the connector according to the invention, possibly combined with the other embodiments, at least some of said reliefs are constituted by annular grooves of the rod, these grooves being preferably produced by machining the external surface of the rod.

[0052] This embodiment has the advantage of having, along the length of the sleeve, a succession of sleeve portions mechanically engaged in the succession of annular grooves.

[0053] The penetration depth of the sleeve portions into the grooves is here greater than the average height of a grain of sand.

[0054] Thus, the annular grooves (which are distinct from each other), although more complex to produce than the deposition of sand grains, can be useful at least in certain cases to increase the resistance forces to the sleeve being pulled out from the rod.

[0055] According to another particular embodiment of the connector according to the invention possibly combined with the other embodiments, said external shapes distributed along the sleeve and extending transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the rod are constituted by a male thread formed at the periphery of the sleeve.

[0056] Such a male thread is a strong, space-saving and inexpensive way to achieve the external shapes distributed along the sleeve.

[0057] The sleeve can then be screwed, preferably into a socket provided for this purpose, to allow it to be anchored via the socket in the work element.

[0058] As a result, the position of the sleeve and the rod are easily adjustable in relation to the work element while allowing reversibility of the sleeve anchoring.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment, the connector according to the invention also comprises a connection socket intended to be at least partially placed in said first work element to be anchored there.

[0060] This socket has a passage having internal shapes complementary to said external shapes of the sleeve, the connector selectively adopting a disassembled configuration in which the socket and the sleeve are spaced apart from each other and an assembled configuration in which the sleeve is assembled in the passage of the socket.

[0061] The internal and external shapes are arranged so that the passage of the connector between the assembled configuration and the disassembled configuration is done by a movement of displacement of the sleeve relative to the socket combining at least one translational movement of the sleeve relative to the socket in the longitudinal direction of the rod and at least one rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the socket around the longitudinal direction of the rod.

[0062] Typically, the internal and external shapes may form a bayonet fastening system in which the assembly of the sleeve in the socket is done first by a translational movement of the sleeve along the longitudinal direction of the rod and then by a rotational movement of the sleeve around the longitudinal direction of the rod.

[0063] This first embodiment has the advantage of allowing rapid assembly of the sleeve in the socket, which speeds up assembly.

[0064] However, this embodiment remains more cumbersome and less mechanically resistant than a screw-nut type assembly.

[0065] Alternatively, the internal and external shapes can form a screw-nut type fixing system in which the assembly of the sleeve in the socket is done by a movement combining simultaneously the translation and rotation of the sleeve relative to the socket following the longitudinal direction of the rod.

[0066] This type of screw-nut assembly is less bulky and more mechanically resistant than the bayonet assembly but it takes longer to implement (screwing time is generally longer than the bayonet assembly).

[0067] In the preferred embodiment where the external shapes distributed along the sleeve are constituted by a male thread, the internal passage of the socket then has a female thread complementary to said male thread, the rod thus being fixed in the socket by screwing the sleeve into the internal passage of the socket.

[0068] In a particular embodiment, the male thread may be a quarter-turn type thread, which allows the assembly between the sleeve and the socket to be carried out by screwing with a quarter turn.

[0069] Optionally, said bonding material connecting the longitudinal fibers together is a thermoplastic polymer material which may contain polyamide resin.

[0070] Optionally, the sleeve is made of a material identical to the bonding material connecting the longitudinal fibers together.

[0071] Optionally, the material constituting the sleeve is loaded with short fibers such as glass fibers.

[0072] Optionally, said longitudinal fibers are prestressed in tension along the longitudinal direction of the rod.

[0073] Optionally, said external shapes distributed along the sleeve and extending transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the rod are constituted by a male thread formed at the periphery of the sleeve.

[0074] The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a connecting connector according to any of the embodiments described or claimed in the present application.

[0075] This method according to the invention comprises the manufacture of the rod by pultrusion, the reliefs of the rod being constituted by grains of sand applied before crosslinking of said connecting material connecting said longitudinal fibers together, the sleeve being overmolded against at least some of said grains of sand constituting said reliefs.

[0076] Optionally, according to this method, the sleeve is molded using a mold surrounding a portion of the rod and comprising, during the molding of the sleeve, a first end of the mold coming into sealed contact against a first circular groove in the rod to create a first seal all around the rod at the location of this first groove.

[0077] Optionally, according to this method, during the molding of the sleeve, a second end of the mold comes into sealing contact against a second circular groove of the rod or a circular shoulder of the rod to create a second seal all around the rod at the location of this second groove or this circular shoulder.

[0078] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0079] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description given below, for information purposes only and in no way limiting, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an E0 equipment for manufacturing connecting rods

[0080] 10 by pultrusion, each rod 10 comprising longitudinal fibers 11 and a bonding material 12 connecting the longitudinal fibers 11 together, the equipment E0 comprising means for forming external reliefs 10x all around the rod 10 by applying sand to the bonding material 12 before its crosslinking by heating via an oven FT°;

[0081] [Fig. 2a] Figure 2a is a view of a connecting connector 1 according to the invention, the rod 10 of which comprises external reliefs 10x constituted by annular grooves of the rod 10 distinct from each other, the sleeve 13 overmolded around the rod and against these reliefs 10x comprising external shapes 13x here constituted by a male thread;

[0082] [Fig. 2b] Figure 2b is a view of a connecting connector 1 according to the invention, the rod 10 of which comprises external reliefs 10x constituted by grains of sand arranged along and around the rod 10, the sleeve 13 being overmolded around the rod and against these reliefs 10x, the sleeve still comprising external shapes 13x constituted by a male thread;

[0083] [Fig. 3a] Figure 3 illustrates a bar, obtained by pultrusion using the E0 equipment of Figure 1, this bar comprising longitudinal fibers 11 and a bonding material 12 connecting the longitudinal fibers

[0084] 11 between them and grains of sand to form external reliefs 10x all around and along the bar, the cutting of this bar into several longitudinal sections making it possible to form several rods 10 of connector 1 according to the invention (this cutting of the bar is carried out using cutting means Cx);

[0085] [Fig. 3b] Figure 3b illustrates a connector rod 10 according to the invention on which two grooves G1, G2 have been machined, each intended to form smooth circular surfaces around the rod in order to provide a seal necessary for molding the sleeve between these grooves G1, G2, these grooves are here formed by locally removing the reliefs 10x from the periphery of the rod 10 (in this case by removing grains of sand and penetrating slightly into the rod to create smooth cylindrical surfaces at the bottom of the grooves G1, G2);

[0086] [Fig. 3c] Figure 3c illustrates the rod 10 of Figure 3b placed in a mold M, the ends of the mold being respectively in sealed annular support against the grooves G1 and G2 to define a space internal to the sealed mold to form the sleeve there;

[0087] [Fig. 3d] Figure 3d illustrates the rod 10 and the mold M of Figure 3c after injection of the material constituting the overmolded sleeve;

[0088] [Fig. 3e] Figure 3e illustrates the connector 1 according to the invention once removed from the mold M (thus Figures 3a to 3e illustrate a succession of steps in the manufacturing process of a connector 1 according to the invention);

[0089] [Fig. 4a] Figure 4a illustrates the connector 1 according to the invention in an embodiment where it comprises a socket 1b0 which is here directly anchored in a first element 2 of a structure 100 (the element 2 is made of concrete and is molded around the socket 1b0), the sleeve 13 is screwed into the socket to anchor the rod in the element 2 via the sleeve and the socket, the sleeve 13 has a collar 13a bearing against a terminal end of the socket which makes it possible to ensure the correct positioning / anchoring of the rod in the socket 1b0; [Fig. 4b] Figure 4b illustrates the connector 1 of Figure 4a after the second element 3 of the structure 100 has been molded all around a free portion of the rod 10 which is outside the sleeve 1b0 (this second element 3 of the structure 100 is made of concrete and here comes into contact with an external face of the first element 2 of the structure, the connector 1 according to the invention connecting these elements 2 and 3 together);

[0090] [Fig. 4c] Figure 4c illustrates a variant of the connector

[0091] 1 according to the invention connecting together first and second elements 2, 3 made of cast concrete, this connector 1 having the only difference compared to the connector 1 of figure 4b of having external reliefs 10x of the rod 10 which are formed by sand (the external reliefs 10x of the rod 10 illustrated in figures 4a and 4b are circular grooves).

[0092] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0093] Figure 1 illustrates equipment E0 making it possible to implement the manufacturing method of the connection connector 1 according to the invention.

[0094] This E0 equipment is arranged to manufacture the rod 10 by pultrusion.

[0095] For this purpose, the equipment includes:

[0096] - a resin bath E1 containing a non-crosslinked binding material 12, in this case a non-crosslinked resin for the manufacture of a polymer;

[0097] - means for passing longitudinal fibers

[0098] II to be connected together in the bath E1 in order to coat them with said connecting material 12 not yet crosslinked;

[0099] - a die E2 for the passage of the fibers 11 thus coated with the binding material 12 not yet crosslinked, the die being arranged to compress the fibers 11 against each other and preform a rod so that it has a constant section along its length, the fibers being compressed in the die to connect them together by means of the binding material 12, these fibers 11 and the material 12 emerging from the die together form a bar section to be crosslinked;

[0100] - a means of applying sand E3 around the section of bar not yet crosslinked (in this case, this application means E3 comprises a reserve of sand S0 open towards a zone of passage of the bar to be crosslinked so as to distribute this sand on the connecting material 12 not yet crosslinked during the passage of the bar;

[0101] - an FT° furnace having a through opening for the passage of the bar section not yet crosslinked, the bonding material which is here a thermosetting polymer being crosslinked under the effect of heat in the furnace, the grains of sand thus being subjected to this crosslinked bonding material 12 to form external reliefs 10x all around the bar and all along the bar;

[0102] - a traction apparatus E4 of the bar thus crosslinked (also called a caterpillar) being arranged so as to exert continuous traction on a crosslinked portion of the bar to force the displacement of the stretched fibers 11 through the die E2, through the sand application means E3 and through the furnace FT°.

[0103] The bar thus produced contains fibers 11 prestressed in longitudinal tension and connected to each other by the connecting material 12 in the crosslinked state, and external reliefs 10x formed by grains of sand fixed to the external periphery of the bar. The rod of the connector 1 is obtained by cutting the bar into longitudinal sections. This cutting is carried out by cutting means Cx shown diagrammatically in Figure 3a.

[0104] An overmolded sleeve 13 is then formed around a longitudinal section of the rod 10 thus produced.

[0105] For this purpose, it is preferred to use a mold M which must allow the material constituting the sleeve to be injected under high pressure around the rod 10 and against the external reliefs 10x.

[0106] As illustrated in Figures 3b and 3c, to enable sealing between the mold M and the rod 10, first and second circular grooves G1, G2 may be formed around the rod 10.

[0107] As illustrated in Figure 3c and 3d, the mold M which is in at least two parts can then be closed around the rod 10 to define a sealed volume into which the material constituting the overmolded sleeve 13 is injected.

[0108] After demolding, as illustrated in Figure 3e, a connecting connector 1 is obtained according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0109] In summary, the method of manufacturing this connector 1 according to the invention comprises the manufacture of the rod 10 by pultrusion, the reliefs of the rod being constituted by grains of sand S0 applied before crosslinking of said connecting material 12 connecting said longitudinal fibers 11 together, the sleeve 13 being overmolded against at least some of said grains of sand S0 constituting said reliefs 10x.

[0110] According to this method, the sleeve 13 is molded using a mold M surrounding a part of the rod 10 and comprising, during the molding of the sleeve, a first end of the mold coming into sealed contact against a first circular groove G1 of the rod 10 to create a first seal all around the rod at the location of this first groove G1.

[0111] Still according to this method of manufacturing the connector 1, during the molding of the sleeve 13, a second end of the mold M comes into sealed contact against a second circular groove G2 of the rod 10, or a circular shoulder of the rod 10, to produce a second seal all around the rod at the location of this second groove G2 or this circular shoulder G2.

[0112] The sleeve is thus perfectly fixed around the rod thanks to the 10x reliefs.

[0113] Preferably, the mold M comprises a molding surface suitable for shaping the external peripheral surface of the sleeve so that it comprises external shapes 13x distributed along the sleeve 13 and extending transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the rod.

[0114] These external shapes 13x are useful for increasing the resistance to tearing of the sleeve 13 with respect to the first element 2 of the structure 100 in which it is anchored either directly or indirectly by means of a connection sleeve 1b0.

[0115] As will be seen later, in certain embodiments illustrated in figures 2a, 4a, 4b the reliefs 10x of the rod of the connector 1 according to the invention, can be constituted by annular grooves of the rod.

[0116] Depending on the case, these 10x reliefs can be made up of:

[0117] - by annular grooves alone, without the presence of grains of sand; or

[0118] - by a combination of annular grooves and sand grains; or

[0119] - only by grains of sand.

[0120] In the case where the 10x reliefs are exclusively made up of annular grooves, as in figures 2a, 4a, 4b, it will be possible to carry out machining of the reticulated rod (formed without application of sand).

[0121] We will now describe different embodiments of the connecting connector 1 according to the invention which is intended to connect together first and second elements 2, 3 of a structure 100.

[0122] As indicated above, connector 1 always includes:

[0123] - at least one rod 10 comprising longitudinal fibers 11 extending over the entire length of the rod and a connecting material 12 connecting these longitudinal fibers 11 together;

[0124] - at least one overmolded sleeve 13 around at least one longitudinal portion of the rod 10, the overmolded sleeve 13 comprising an external peripheral surface provided with external shapes 13x distributed along the sleeve 13 and extending transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the rod; and

[0125] - the rod 10 comprising a plurality of external reliefs 10x against which the sleeve 13 is overmolded, these external reliefs 10x being distributed around the rod 10 and along the sleeve 13, each of these external reliefs 10x of the rod opposing any relative movement of the sleeve 13 with respect to the rod 10.

[0126] Preferably, the external reliefs 10x are distributed over a major part of the length of the sleeve 13, preferably over the entire length of the sleeve 13.

[0127] Preferably, these external reliefs 10x are also distributed over a major part of the length of the rod to increase the capacity for transmitting mechanical forces between the first and second work elements via the rod (some of the external reliefs 10x being engaged in the overmolded sleeve while certain others of these external reliefs 10x are intended to be in contact against the second work element 3).

[0128] According to the embodiments of the connector 1 illustrated in figures 2b, 3e, 4c, at least some of said reliefs 10x are constituted by grains of sand.

[0129] According to the embodiments of the connector 1 illustrated in figures 2a, 4a, 4b, at least some of said external reliefs 10x are constituted by annular grooves of the rod, in this case machined annular grooves.

[0130] Here, the annular grooves have the same symmetrical V-shaped section but they could have different shapes from each other and take any other shape favorable to improving the resistance to tearing of the rod with respect to the overmolded sleeve.

[0131] Ideally, the depth of the annular grooves should be such that these grooves remain at a distance from the longitudinal fibers 11 so as not to cut them.

[0132] Preferably, the longitudinal portion of the rod around which the sleeve 13 is overmolded extends over less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, of the total length of the rod, this longitudinal portion being proximal to a first terminal end 10a of the rod 10 and distal to a second end 10b of the rod 10.

[0133] The longitudinal portion of the rod around which the sleeve 13 is overmolded preferably extends exclusively between the first end 10a of the rod and a limit located at a distance from the first end 10a of the rod which is at most 30%, preferably at most 15%, of the total length of the rod.

[0134] Thus, the sleeve 13 may in certain cases extend around the first end 10a of the rod or extend at a distance from this first end 10a so that there is a part of the rod proximal to the first terminal end of the rod which is bare, that is to say not covered by the overmolded sleeve 13 (as is the case in figures 2a, 2b 3e, 4a, 4b).

[0135] As indicated above and illustrated in figures 2a, 2b, 3b to 4c, the rod 10 may also comprise a first circular groove G1 of the rod which extends between the sleeve 13 and one of the terminal ends 10b of the rod 10 which is located furthest from said first groove G1.

[0136] In this case, this first groove G1 is located between the sleeve 13 and the second end 10b of the rod.

[0137] This first groove G1 is useful during the molding of the sleeve 13 to create a seal all around the rod, at the location of the first circular groove G1, between the rod and a first end of the mold M in which the sleeve 13 is molded.

[0138] As the first end of the mold M comes into contact with the first groove G1, it prevents leakage of the material injected into the mold M while opposing the sliding of the rod with respect to the mold M (the first end of the mold M is here in axial abutment against at least one of the lateral edges of the first circular groove G1).

[0139] In this way the sleeve can be precisely positioned along the rod.

[0140] Preferably, the rod comprises a second circular groove G2 of the rod or a circular shoulder G2 of the rod extending between the sleeve 13 and the other of the terminal ends 10a of the rod.

[0141] In this case, this second groove G2 is located between the sleeve 13 and the first end 10a of the rod.

[0142] As seen in the figures, this second groove G2 may have the form of a circular shoulder G2 at the first terminal end of the rod.

[0143] This second groove G2 is useful during the molding of the sleeve 13 to create a seal all around the rod, at the location of the second circular groove G2, between the rod and a second end of the mold M in which the sleeve 13 is molded.

[0144] As the second end of the mold M comes into contact with the second groove G2 (here in the form of a shoulder G2), it prevents leakage of the material injected into the mold M while preventing the rod 10 from sliding relative to the mold M.

[0145] As illustrated in Figures 3c and 3d, the second end of the mold M may be in axial abutment against at least one of the lateral edges of the second circular groove G2 or against the lateral edge of the shoulder G2.

[0146] When the mold M is pressurized by injecting the molded material, the rod 10 is held fixedly in the mold because the groove G1 and the groove or shoulder G2 are respectively in sealed mechanical engagement with the ends of the mold M.

[0147] As indicated above, the rod 10 may be formed from a bar manufactured by pultrusion, the bar being cut (with a cutting means Cx shown diagrammatically in FIG. 3a) to define the respective terminal ends 10a, 10b of the rod.

[0148] The rod or bar may be machined, for example by turning, to form the first groove G1 and possibly the second groove G2 in the form of a shoulder G2.

[0149] This manufacturing process is particularly economical to implement.

[0150] In the embodiment where the external reliefs 10x of the rod are formed by machining a series of annular grooves of the rod, the operation of machining the series of annular grooves can be carried out before or after cutting the bar (by the cutting means Cx) and before or after having produced the first groove G1 and said possible second groove G2.

[0151] Preferably, the longitudinal fibers 11 are chosen from glass, carbon, or boron fibers.

[0152] These materials have the advantage of having high tensile strength while having a low coefficient of thermal conductivity compared to steel which is generally used to manufacture connection connectors.

[0153] Preferably, the connecting material 12 connecting the longitudinal fibers 11 together is a thermosetting polymer material.

[0154] The bonding material 12 could be a thermoplastic material, however, it is preferred to use a thermosetting material which allows the coating, the bonding of the sand grains before passing it through the FT° oven.

[0155] Thus, when heated in the oven, the thermosetting material solidifies around the grains of sand which are thus permanently fixed to the rest of the rod.

[0156] If the bonding material were a thermoplastic, its passage in the oven would on the contrary lead to its softening, consequently inducing a risk of uncontrolled deformation of the rod.

[0157] For this reason, it is preferred to use a thermosetting polymer type bonding material.

[0158] Preferably, the connecting material 12 connecting these longitudinal fibers 11 together is selected from a thermosetting polymer based on epoxy resin or phenolic resin, or polyester resin, or vinyl ester VE resin, or urethane resin, or polyimide resin resin, or a thermoplastic polymer such as polyamide PA resin. When the connecting material connecting these longitudinal fibers is a polyamide PA polymer, this connecting material is by definition thermoplastic and not thermosetting. Such a polyamide is for example PA 6-6.

[0159] Preferably, the sleeve 13 is made of a material identical to the connecting material 12 connecting these longitudinal fibers 11 together.

[0160] The fact that the material of the sleeve 13 is identical to the connecting material 12 is a factor improving the mechanical cohesion between the sleeve 13 and the rod 10.

[0161] By identical material, we mean that these materials contain the same polymer material which is favorable to the fusion between these materials.

[0162] Preferably, the material constituting the sleeve is loaded with short fibers to increase the mechanical resistance of the sleeve.

[0163] Short fiber means fibers less than 3 centimeters in length.

[0164] Preferably, these short fibers are glass fibers, but they could also be carbon or boron fibers or any mixture of these short fibers.

[0165] In some embodiments, the sleeve 13 may be made of a thermoplastic material while the connecting material 12 connecting these longitudinal fibers 11 together may be a thermosetting material.

[0166] According to this particular embodiment, when molding the sleeve 13, the already solidified rod 10 can be heated without generating a risk of deformation of the rod because the fiber bonding material is a thermosetting material.

[0167] As indicated above with reference to the method of manufacturing the connector according to the invention, said longitudinal fibers 11 are preferably prestressed in tension along the longitudinal direction of the rod.

[0168] This makes it possible to improve the rigidity of the connector according to the invention.

[0169] As illustrated in the embodiments shown in Figures 2a, 2b, 3c to 4c, the external shapes of the sleeve 13 which are distributed along the sleeve 13 and which extend transversely relative to a longitudinal direction of the rod are preferably constituted by a male thread formed at the periphery of the sleeve 13.

[0170] This male thread preferably extends over a major part of the length of the sleeve 13.

[0171] This male thread is preferably produced during the molding of the sleeve thanks to complementary thread shapes present inside the mold M.

[0172] However, in a non-preferential manner (because this would complicate the manufacturing process of the connector and increase the manufacturing cost), this male thread could be produced by machining the external surface of the sleeve 13 (by turning) or by a counterform applied around the already molded sleeve to deform it (this counterform being able to be heated to, for example, melt the material constituting the sleeve which would then be a thermoplastic material).

[0173] As illustrated in Figures 4a, 4b, 4c, the connector 1 according to the invention may also comprise a connection socket 1b0 intended to be at least partially placed in said first work element 2 to be anchored there.

[0174] This socket has first and second terminal ends, respectively wide and narrow, the wide end being intended to be anchored deep into the first structural element 2 which is made of concrete overmolded around this wide end, while the narrow end of the socket is intended to be placed to open onto an external face of this first structural element 2.

[0175] The wide end can thus be firmly fixed in the building element to distribute the forces of its tearing over a large volume of material of the building element.

[0176] This socket 1b0 has a passage lbl having internal shapes complementary to said external shapes 13x of the sleeve 13, the connector selectively adopting:

[0177] - a disassembled configuration in which the socket 1b0 and the sleeve 13 are spaced apart from each other; and

[0178] - an assembled configuration in which the sleeve is assembled into the socket passage.

[0179] The internal shapes of the socket 1b0 and the external shapes of the sleeve 13 are arranged so that the passage of the connector between the assembled configuration and the disassembled configuration is done by a movement of displacement of the sleeve 13 relative to the socket 1b0 combining at least one translational movement of the sleeve 13 relative to the socket 1b0 in the longitudinal direction of the rod 10 and at least one rotational movement of the sleeve 13 relative to the socket 1b0 around the longitudinal direction of the rod 10.

[0180] Preferably, the first and second elements 2, 3 of the work 100 are respectively molded one after the other.

[0181] Work 100 can thus be manufactured:

[0182] - by positioning the sleeve 1b0 in a mold M for molding the first element 2 so that the sleeve 1b0 is anchored in the first molded element with the internal passage 1b1 of the sleeve opening out towards the outside of the first molded element; then

[0183] - by fixing the rod 10 opposite the socket 1b0 thus anchored in the first element 2 previously molded by introducing and fixing the sleeve 13 in the socket 1b0 (here by screwing the sleeve 13 into the socket passage); then

[0184] - by molding the second element 3 of work 100 all around a part of the rod 10 located outside the first element of work 2.

[0185] This makes it easier to manufacture the work 100 since the first and second elements 2, 3 can be molded one after the other, the first work element being able to be molded without having to position the connecting rod there.

[0186] The manufacture of the first work element is thus greatly facilitated due to the absence of a rod during the molding of the first element 2. However, the connector according to the invention also makes it possible to greatly improve the quality of the mechanical connection between the first and second work elements because:

[0187] - the 1b0 socket allows a resistance capacity to the removal of the socket which is much higher than the resistance capacity to the removal of a simple connecting rod; because

[0188] - the pull-out resistance capacity of the rod is improved by the combination of the 10x reliefs of the rod and the 13x external shapes of the sleeve (in this case the male thread); because

[0189] - a major part of the length of the rod is anchored in the second element 3 (which increases the resistance capacity of the rod to tearing from the second element of the structure); and because

[0190] - in the mode where the rod comprises sand over a major part of its length, including between the sleeve 13 and the second terminal end 10b of the rod 10, these reliefs 10x drastically increase the resistance capacity of the rod to tearing with respect to the second molded element 3 of the structure 100. Of course, several connectors 1 according to the invention can be used together to connect the first and second structure elements together, the structure then comprising a plurality of connectors 1 according to the invention individually anchored in the first and second elements 2, 3.

[0191] The connecting rod made of the particular fibers and the polymer material binding the fibers is thus essentially composite, which gives it a thermal conductivity lower than the thermal conductivity of steel.

[0192] This is particularly interesting in all applications where we want to limit the transmission of heat between the elements of the structure.

[0193] In addition, this composite material has the advantage over steel of not corroding over time, which allows the structure to last 100 years.

[0194] The invention is not limited to the examples described above and it encompasses any variant falling within the scope defined by the claims.

[0195] In particular, although the application of the sand is preferably carried out by bringing the sand into contact with the bonding material 12 which has not yet been crosslinked, it is also possible for the sand to be bonded after crosslinking of this bonding material.

[0196] In this case, the sand can be bonded either using a glue applied to the rod after crosslinking the bonding material, the sand being either mixed with this glue or brought into contact with this glue by pouring or spraying the sand onto the glued rod.

[0197] In the non-preferred case where the bonding material is a thermoplastic, it would also be possible to consider applying hot sand against the bonding material to soften it and embed the sand grains.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Connecting connector (1) intended to connect together first and second elements (2, 3) of a structure (100), the connector comprising a rod (10), the rod comprising longitudinal fibers (11) extending over the entire length of the rod and a connecting material (12) connecting these longitudinal fibers (11) together, the connector comprising at least one overmolded sleeve (13) around at least one longitudinal portion of the rod, characterized in that the overmolded sleeve (13) comprises an external peripheral surface having external forms (13x) distributed along the sleeve (13) and extending transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the rod, the rod (10) comprising a plurality of external reliefs (10x) against which the sleeve (13) is overmolded, these external reliefs (10x) being distributed around the rod (10) and along the sleeve (13),Each of these external reliefs (10x) of the stem opposes any relative displacement of the sleeve (13) with respect to the stem (10).

2. Connecting connector (1) according to claim 1, wherein said external reliefs (10x) are distributed against a major part of the length of the sleeve (13), preferably over the entire length of the sleeve (13).

3. Connecting connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least some of said external reliefs (10x) are made up of grains of sand.

4. Linking connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least some of said external reliefs (10x) are constituted by annular grooves of the stem.

5. Connecting connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the longitudinal portion of the stem around which the sleeve (13) is overmolded extends over less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, of the total length of the stem, this longitudinal portion being proximal to a first terminal end (10a) of the stem (10) and distal to a second end (10b) of the stem (10).

6. Linking connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the rod has a first circular groove (G1) of the rod extending between the sleeve (13) and one of the terminal ends (10b) of the rod (10) which is furthest from said first groove (G1).

7. Linking connector (1) according to claim 6, wherein the rod has a second circular groove (G2) of the rod extending between the sleeve (13) and the other of the terminal ends (10a) of the rod.

8. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the longitudinal fibers are selected from glass or carbon or boron fibers.

9. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bonding material (12) linking these longitudinal fibers (11) together is a thermosetting polymer material.

10. A connecting connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the connecting material (12) linking these longitudinal fibers (11) together is selected from an epoxy resin-based polymer. or phenolic resin, or polyester resin, or vinyl ester (VE) resin, or urethane resin, or polyimide resin.

11. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the bonding material (12) linking these longitudinal fibers (11) together is a thermoplastic polymer material.

12. Connector according to claim 11, wherein the bonding material (12) connects these longitudinal fibers (11) between them contains polyamide resin (PA).

13. Linking connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the sleeve (13) is made of a material identical to the linking material (12) linking these longitudinal fibers (11) together.

14. Connecting connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the material constituting the sleeve is loaded with short fibers.

15. Linking connector (1) according to claim 14, wherein said short fibers are glass fibers.

16. Linking connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the sleeve (13) is made of a thermoplastic material while the linking material (12) connecting these longitudinal fibers (11) together is a thermosetting material.

17. A connecting link (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said longitudinal fibers (11) are prestressed in tension along the longitudinal direction of the stem.

18. Connecting connector (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein said external forms distributed along the sleeve (13) and extending transversely with respect to a longitudinal direction of the rod are constituted by a male thread formed at the periphery of the sleeve (13).

19. Connector according to any one of claims 1 to 18, comprising a connection socket (1b0) intended to be at least partially placed in said first structural element for anchoring thereto, this socket (1b0) having a passage (1b1) having internal shapes complementary to said external shapes of the sleeve (13), the connector selectively adopting a disassembled configuration in which the socket (1b0) and the sleeve are separated from each other and an assembled configuration in which the sleeve is assembled in the passage of the socket,the internal and external shapes being arranged so that the passage of the connector between the assembled and disassembled configurations is achieved by a displacement movement of the sleeve (13) relative to the socket (1b0) combining at least one translational movement of the sleeve relative to the socket along the longitudinal direction of the rod and at least one rotational movement of the sleeve relative to the socket around the longitudinal direction of the rod.

20. A method for manufacturing a connector according to any one of claims 1 to 19, comprising manufacturing the stem (10) by pultrusion, the reliefs of the stem being constituted by grains of sand applied before cross-linking said bonding material (12) linking said longitudinal fibers together, the sleeve (13) being overmolded against at least some of said sand grains constituting said reliefs.

21. Method of manufacturing a connector according to claim 20, in which the sleeve (13) is molded using a mold (M) surrounding a part of the rod (10) and having, during the molding of the sleeve, a first end of the mold coming into tight contact against a first circular groove (G1) of the rod (10) to achieve a first seal all around the rod at the location of this first groove (G1).

22. Method of manufacturing a connector according to claim 21, wherein during the molding of the sleeve (13), a second end of the mold (M) comes into tight contact against a second circular groove (G2) of the rod (10) or a circular shoulder of the rod (10) to achieve a second seal all around the rod at the location of this second groove (G2) or this circular shoulder.

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