Mechanical Joint Device

Abstract

To provide a joint device capable of joining strength members with sufficient strength using a small number of fasteners without strict control of fastening force. [Solution] This device joins strength members each having a plurality of hanging holes, and is provided with a main joining device having protrusions that fit into two or more hanging holes in each strength member and insertion holes that overlap with one or more other hanging holes in each strength member while holding the strength members in a predetermined joining posture, and fasteners that fasten the main joining device to the strength members by inserting through the insertion holes and the hanging holes that overlap with them.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical joint device (hereinafter referred to as "joint device") for connecting members (hereinafter referred to as "strength members") that require a considerable degree of strength and that constitute architectural structures such as pillars and beams, or supports for supporting heavy objects. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, when joining strength components such as square steel pipes used in building structures, etc., where welding is difficult or disassembly is expected, the method of fastening them with bolts and nuts via joint fittings has been used.

[0003] However, because a considerable degree of strength is required at the connection points, a large number of bolts and nuts are used (for example, several tens to 100 bolts and nuts may be used at one connection point), and this requires the time-consuming process of tightening each bolt and nut while controlling the torque.

[0004] Also, during maintenance, it is necessary to check that all bolts and nuts are tightened to the specified torque.

[0005] Furthermore, the joint fittings have holes for inserting the bolts that are larger than the bolt diameter, and if force is applied in the radial direction of the hole, the reinforcing member and the joint fitting may slip and become misaligned at their joint surfaces. This may require a time-consuming process such as increasing the surface roughness of the joint surfaces by rusting them, and using the resulting friction to prevent slippage. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2025-67494 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems all at once, and its main intended object is to provide a joint device that can exert sufficient joining strength between strength members using a small number of fasteners and without strict control of fastening force. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] That is, the joint device according to the present invention is for joining strength members each having a plurality of hook holes therebetween, a main coupling having protrusions that fit into two or more hooking holes in each of the strength members while holding the strength members in a coupled position, and insertion holes that overlap with one or more other hooking holes in each of the strength members; The present invention is characterized in that it includes a fastener that is inserted through the insertion hole and the latch hole overlapping therewith to fasten the main connector to the strength member.

[0009] In such a case, the load generated between the strength members is essentially supported by the engagement between the protrusion and the latching hole, so the main function of the fastener is to tightly attach the main connector to the strength member rather than to join the strength members together.

[0010] Therefore, compared to conventional structures in which strength members are joined together using bolts and nuts (fasteners), the number of fasteners can be significantly reduced, and there is no need to strictly control the fastening force of the fasteners; for example, it is sufficient to control it to the extent that there is no loosening.This makes it possible to dramatically simplify the joining and maintenance processes while maintaining the joining strength between strength members.

[0011] Furthermore, since the protrusions of the main fastener engage with the strength member, the strength member and the main fastener will not shift, and there is no need for a shift prevention process such as rusting the joining surfaces, as was previously required.

[0012] In addition, since two or more protrusions are engaged with each strength member, sufficient connection strength can be exerted against various loads such as thrust loads and torque loads.

[0013] In addition, in order to keep the strength members in a connected position and make it easier to attach the main connector to these strength members, it is preferable to further provide secondary connectors that engage with further hanging holes on each strength member and maintain the strength members in the connected position with a connection strength weaker than the connection strength provided by the main connector and fastener. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the joint device of the present invention configured in this manner, strength members can be joined with sufficient strength using a small number of fasteners and without strict control of fastening force. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a support using two types of joint devices in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 1, and is a perspective view showing a state in which strength members are joined together by one joint device. FIG. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are three-view diagrams showing the main coupler (main coupler) of one of the joint devices. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a secondary coupling (secondary coupling) in one of the joint devices. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are perspective views showing a procedure for joining strength members together using one of the joint devices. [Figure 6]10A and 10B are perspective views showing a procedure for joining strength members together using one of the joint devices. [Figure 7] 1. FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of part B in FIG. 1, showing a state in which the strength members are joined together by the other joint device. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are a left side view and a front view showing a mounting member of the strength member. [Figure 9] 10 is a perspective view showing a procedure for joining strength members together using the other joint device. FIG. [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view showing a procedure for joining strength members together using the other joint device. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a main coupling according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the joint device 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0017] [1] Overview The joint device 1 of this embodiment is used in a support 100 that is attached to the ceiling of a building, as shown in Fig. 1. Prior to a detailed description of this joint device 1, the support 100 of this embodiment will first be described.

[0018] [2] Support 100 The support 100 comprises a pair of steel square pipes (hereinafter referred to as first strength members 21) hanging down from the ceiling, and a steel square pipe (hereinafter referred to as second strength member 22) spanning the lower ends of these first strength members 21.

[0019] Each surface of the first strength member 21 and the second strength member 22 is provided with circular hook holes 3 arranged at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction.

[0020] The support 100 further includes a mounting member 10 for attaching the first strength member 21 to the ceiling. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting member 10 includes a rectangular flat flange body 10a that is attached directly to the ceiling, and a third strength member 23 (hereinafter referred to as the third strength member 23) that is fixed integrally to the underside of the flange body 10a.

[0021] The third strength member 23 is a steel angle-shaped mounting piece having a U-shaped cross section, and its back panel and left and right side panels are each provided with circular hanging holes 3 arranged at a constant pitch along the longitudinal direction, similar to the first strength member 21 and second strength member 22. The first strength member 21 has its upper end attached to the third strength member 23 and is suspended from the ceiling.

[0022] A plurality of such supports 100 are attached to the ceiling, and pipes and wires are held between the second strength members 22 of the supports 100 so as to be stretched across them.

[0023] [3] Joint Device 1 As shown in FIG. 1, two types of joint devices 1 are available in this embodiment.

[0024] One joint device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as a first joint device 1(1)) is used to connect the first strength member 21 and the second strength member 22 together.

[0025] The other joint device 1 (hereinafter also referred to as the first joint device 1(2)) is used to connect the third strength member 23 and the first strength member 21 together.

[0026] (1) First Joint Device 1(1) As shown in Figs. 2 to 6, the first joint device 1(1) comprises a steel main coupler 4, a secondary coupler 5, and bolts 6 and nuts 7 which are fasteners.

[0027] (1-1) Main connector 4 2, 6, etc., the main coupling 4 is flat, and its plate surface is provided with a first region to which a first strength member 21 is attached and a second region to which the other strength member, a second strength member 22, is attached. A first line is imaginarily set in the first region, and a second line orthogonal to the first line is set in the second region, and a plurality of circular insertion holes 8 penetrating in the thickness direction and a plurality of cylindrical protrusions 9 protruding in the thickness direction are provided in a row on each of these lines.

[0028] The intervals between the insertion holes 8 arranged on each straight line are set to be an integer multiple of the pitch of the hook holes 3 provided in the strength members 21, 22. In this embodiment, the insertion holes 8 are formed at the intersections of the first straight line and the second straight line.

[0029] The spacing between the protrusions 9 arranged on each straight line is set to an integer multiple of the pitch of the hanging holes 3, and the spacing between the insertion holes 8 and the protrusions 9 is also set to an integer multiple of the pitch of the hanging holes 3.

[0030] With this configuration, when the projections 9 are fitted into the respective hooking holes 3 of the strength members 21 and 22, the insertion holes 8 and the other hooking holes 3 overlap in this state.

[0031] (1-2) Fasteners The fasteners in this embodiment are the bolt 6 inserted through the insertion hole 8 and the locking hole 3 and the nut 7 screwed onto the bolt 6, but are not limited to this.

[0032] (1-3) Secondary connector 5 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, this secondary fastener 5 is made of steel and is an L-shaped member formed by bending a strip-like flat plate in the middle, and a through hole 5a is provided in one location on each of the first flat plate 51, which is the vertical part, and the second flat plate 52, which is the horizontal part, so that it overlaps with the hanging hole 3 of the strength member.

[0033] (2) Second Joint Device 1(2) As shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, this first joint device 1 (2) includes a steel main coupling 4 and a fastening tool.

[0034] (2-1) Main connector 4 As shown in Figures 7, 10, etc., this main connector 4 is strip-shaped, and has an upper flat plate portion 41 attached to the third strength member 23 to be connected and a lower flat plate portion 42 attached to the first strength member 21, which are offset in the thickness direction at the center and have a stepped shape.

[0035] The upper flat plate portion 41 and the lower flat plate portion 42 are provided with insertion holes 8 and protrusions 9, similar to those of the first joint device 1(1), which are aligned in a straight line along the longitudinal direction. The spacing between the insertion holes 8 and the spacing between the protrusions 9 are set to an integer multiple of the pitch of the hooking holes 3 formed in the strength members 21, 23, and the spacing between the insertion holes 8 and the protrusions 9 is also set to an integer multiple of the pitch of the hooking holes 3. These are also formed on the upper flat plate portion 41 and the lower flat plate portion 42.

[0036] With this configuration, when each of the protrusions 9 is engaged with the hook holes 3 of the first strength member 21 and the third strength member 23, respectively, the insertion holes 8 and the other hook holes 3 overlap in that state.

[0037] [4] Explanation of the joining method using the joint device 1

[0038] (1) A method for joining a first strength member 21 and a second strength member 22 using a first joint device 1(1)

[0039] (1-1) Temporary fixing process As shown in FIG. 5, first, the end face of the second strength member 22 is butted against the side peripheral surface of the first strength member 21 so that they form a right angle, and the first strength member 21 and the second strength member 22 are in a joined position.

[0040] Next, the first flat plate 51 and the second flat plate 52 of the secondary fastener 5 are placed against the orthogonal side peripheral surfaces of the strength members 21, 22. Then, the secondary fastener 5 is attached to each strength member 21, 22 by inserting the bolts 6 into the overlapping through holes 5a and the latch holes 3 and tightening them with the nuts 7.

[0041] As a result, the first strength member 21 and the second strength member 22 are temporarily held in the joined posture.

[0042] For fastening, the threaded portion of the bolt 6 is passed through the insertion hole 8 of the secondary fastener 5, through the hanging hole 3 of the square pipe overlapping it, and further through the hanging hole 3 provided on the opposing surface of the square pipe, protruding from the opposing surface. The nut 7 is screwed onto this protruding threaded portion for fastening. In other words, the bolt 6 is fastened by passing through each of the strength members 21, 22.

[0043] (1-2) Bonding process Next, two symmetrical main fasteners 4 are used to fasten the strength members 21 and 22 together.

[0044] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, when each of the strength members 21, 22 is in the connected position, the main connectors 4 are attached to the flush sides, i.e., to both side faces of the secondary connector 5 in this case, so that the projections 9 fit into the latch holes 3 of each of the strength members 21, 22.

[0045] Next, the threaded portion of the bolt 6 is passed through the insertion hole 8 of one of the main fasteners 4 and the hanging hole 3 of the strength members 21, 22 overlapping it, and then through the hanging hole 3 on the opposite side and the insertion hole 8 of the other main fastener 4.

[0046] Then, a nut 7 is screwed onto the threaded portion of the bolt 6 protruding from the insertion hole 8 of the other main coupling 4, and fastened. The above fastening work is performed for each insertion hole 8. In this case, three locations are used as shown in FIG. 6.

[0047] This completes the process of joining the first strength member 21 and the second strength member 22.

[0048] (2) A method for connecting the first strength member 21 and the third strength member 23 using the second joint device 1(2)

[0049] (2-1) Temporary fixing process 9 and 10, the upper end of the first strength member 21 is fitted inside the third strength member 23. Then, the hooking holes 3 provided in the back panel of the third strength member 23 are aligned with the hooking holes 3 of the first strength member 21, and bolts 6 are inserted through these hooking holes 3 and fastened with nuts 7.

[0050] As a result, the first strength member 21 and the third strength member 23 are temporarily held in the joined posture.

[0051] (2-2) Bonding process Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the first strength member 21 and the third strength member 23 are joined together using two symmetrical main joining devices 4.

[0052] Specifically, the main connectors 4 are attached to both side surfaces of the third strength member 23 and both side surfaces of the first strength member 21 in the connected position so that the projections 9 fit into the latch holes 3 .

[0053] Next, the threaded portion of the bolt 6 is passed through the insertion hole 8 of one main coupler 4, the latch hole 3 and the insertion hole 8 of the other main coupler 4.

[0054] Then, a nut 7 is screwed onto the threaded portion of the bolt 6 protruding from the insertion hole 8 of the other main coupling 4, and fastened. The above fastening work is performed for each insertion hole 8. In this case, three locations are used as shown in the figure.

[0055] This completes the process of joining the first strength member 21 and the third strength member 23.

[0056] [5] Effects Use of the above-described joint device 1 provides the following effects.

[0057] Since the load generated between the strength members 21 to 23 is essentially supported by the engagement between the protrusion 9 and the latching hole 3, the main function of the bolt 6 and nut 7 is to tightly attach the main fastener 4 to the strength members 21 to 23, rather than to join the strength members 21 to 23 together.

[0058] Therefore, compared to conventional structures in which strength members are joined together using bolts and nuts, the number of bolts and nuts can be significantly reduced, and there is no need to strictly control the tightening torque of the bolts and nuts; it is sufficient to simply control it to the extent that there is no loosening, for example.This makes it possible to dramatically simplify the joining and maintenance processes while maintaining the joining strength between the strength members 21 to 23.

[0059] Furthermore, since the protrusions 9 of the main fasteners 4 engage with the strength members 21 to 23 with almost no play, there is almost no misalignment between the strength members 21 to 23 and the main fasteners 4, and there is no need for a misalignment prevention process such as rusting the joint surfaces, as was done in the past.

[0060] In addition, two or more protrusions 9 engage with each of the strength members 21 to 23, so sufficient connection strength can be exerted against various loads such as thrust loads and torque loads. On the other hand, since the protrusions 9 engage with the hooking holes 3 with a slight gap, the protrusions 9 can be easily fitted into the hooking holes 3, and the main coupling 4 can be attached to the strength members 21 to 23 without any difficulty.

[0061] [6] Other embodiments The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the main connector 4 may be one that can connect the strength members together in a cross or T shape as shown in FIG. The shape of the projection is not limited to a circular shape as long as it fits into the latch hole with almost no play. The same applies to the insertion hole. The fasteners are not limited to bolts and nuts, but may also be clamps, for example.

[0062] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Joint device 21, 22, 23... Strength members 8. Insertion hole 9...protrusion

Claims

1. It connects steel materials each having a plurality of fastening holes, a main fastener that is fitted into two or more hooking holes in each steel material while holding the steel materials in a predetermined connecting posture and has protrusions that resist thrust loads and torque loads acting on the steel materials, and insertion holes that overlap with one or more other hooking holes in each steel material; a fastener that is inserted through the insertion hole and the latch hole overlapping therewith to fasten the main coupling to the steel material; A joint device comprising:

2. 2. The joint device according to claim 1, further comprising secondary fasteners that engage with still other fastening holes of the steel members to maintain the steel members in the joined position.

3. 3. The joint device according to claim 1, wherein the main coupling member has a flat plate shape or a shape obtained by bending a flat plate.

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