Connecting fittings

Abstract

To provide a connecting metal fitting capable of maintaining the connection between adjacent flanges even when the vertically adjacent flanges are displaced relative to each other in the radial direction of the drilling hole due to the fact that earth pressure in the radial direction from the ground side toward the drilling hole acts on the earth retaining member, nor the insertion part is not pulled out from the connection hole.SOLUTION: The connecting metal fitting includes a connecting metal fitting main body, an insertion part, and a clamping part. The insertion part is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction in which the connecting metal fitting main body extends so that the side edge of the step connecting the connecting metal fitting main body and the insertion part abuts the opening edge of connecting hole when the connected adjacent flanges are displaced relative to each other in the radial direction of the drilling hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a connector for connecting flanged earth retaining members to each other. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a connecting fitting has been known in which a plurality of earth-retaining members, each having a flange with a connecting hole formed therein, are arranged along the inner wall surface of an excavation hole and the flanges of adjacent earth-retaining members are butted together to connect them. This connecting fitting includes a plate-shaped connecting fitting main body, an insertion portion formed by bending one end edge of the connecting fitting main body toward one side of the connecting fitting main body in an L-shape and inserted into the connecting hole formed in the flange, and a clamping portion formed by bending the other end edge of the connecting fitting main body toward one side of the connecting fitting main body in a U-shape and clamping the edges of the butted flanges together with the connecting fitting main body. In the connecting fitting, the insertion portion is formed on an extension line in the direction in which the connecting fitting main body extends. Insertion portions for inserting the edges of two flanges are formed between the connecting fitting main body and the clamping portion. The connecting fitting connects the two flanges by having the insertion portion inserted into the connecting hole abut against the surface of one of the two overlapping flanges, and clamping the edge of the two flanges inserted into the insertion portion between the connecting fitting main body and clamping portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-2634 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Multiple earth-retaining members arranged along the inner wall surface of a borehole are subjected to radial earth pressure from the ground toward the borehole, which may cause vertically adjacent earth-retaining members to be displaced relative to each other in the radial direction of the borehole.When the insertion portion is formed on the extension line of the extending direction of the main body of the connecting fitting, as in the case of the connecting fitting disclosed in Patent Document 1, if the relative displacement of vertically adjacent earth-retaining members is large, the force with which the edge of the flange comes off the insertion portion of the connecting fitting may cause the insertion portion of the connecting fitting to come out of the connecting hole.

[0005] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a connecting fitting that will not allow the insertion portion to come out of the connecting hole, and will maintain the connected state of adjacent flanges, even if radial earth pressure from the ground side toward the excavation hole acts on the retaining member, causing adjacent flanges to displace relative to each other in the radial direction of the excavation hole. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The connecting fitting of the present invention is a connecting fitting that arranges multiple retaining wall members having flanges with connecting holes formed along the inner wall surface of an excavation hole and connects the flanges of adjacent retaining wall members to each other by butting them together, and comprises a plate-shaped connecting fitting main body portion, an insertion portion formed by bending one end edge of the connecting fitting main body portion in an L-shape toward one side of the connecting fitting main body portion and inserted into the connecting hole formed in the flange, and a clamping portion formed by bending the other end edge of the connecting fitting main body portion in a U-shape toward the one side of the connecting fitting main body portion and clamping the end edges of the butted flanges together with the connecting fitting main body portion, and the insertion portion is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the extension direction of the connecting fitting main body portion so that when the connected adjacent flanges are displaced relatively in the radial direction of the excavation hole, the side edge of the step portion connecting the connecting fitting main body portion and the insertion portion abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] With the connecting fitting of the present invention, even if radial earth pressure from the ground toward the excavation hole acts on the retaining member and causes the adjacent flanges above and below to displace relative to one another in the radial direction of the excavation hole, the side edge of the stepped portion of the connecting fitting abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole before the end edge of the flange comes out of the insertion portion of the connecting fitting, so the insertion portion does not come out of the connecting hole and the connected state of the adjacent flanges above and below can be maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an earth retaining structure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an earth retaining member that constitutes an earth retaining structure. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the retaining member shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing adjacent retaining wall members connected by connecting fittings. [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view showing different forms of retaining members that constitute an earth retaining structure. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the retaining member shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing a connecting fitting according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 is a plan view showing a connecting fitting according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing the connecting fitting according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic view of a state in which horizontal flanges of earth retaining members are connected by a connecting fitting according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which horizontal flanges of earth-retaining members are connected by a connecting fitting according to the first embodiment, and earth pressure is acting on the earth-retaining members. FIG. [Figure 12] 10(A) to 10(C) are explanatory diagrams showing a procedure for connecting horizontal flanges of earth retaining members with a connecting fitting according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the connecting fitting according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a connecting fitting according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of the connecting fitting according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of the connecting fitting according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the connecting fitting according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Furthermore, the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the configurations shown in each drawing may be changed as appropriate within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] Embodiment 1 Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an earth-retaining structure 300. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of an earth-retaining member 200 constituting the earth-retaining structure 300. Fig. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the earth-retaining member 200 shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing adjacent earth-retaining members 200 connected by a connecting fitting 100.

[0011] 1 to 4, the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment is configured such that retaining members 200 having flanges 202, 203 with connecting holes 202a, 203a formed therein are placed along the inner wall surface of a vertical borehole formed by excavating the ground, and the flanges 202, 203 of adjacent retaining members 200 are butted together to connect the flanges 202, 203 to each other. First, the configuration of an earth-retaining structure 300 constructed using the earth-retaining members 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0012] The earth retaining structure 300 is, for example, a vertical shaft for constructing the foundation of a building structure or a drainage well constructed underground. The earth retaining structure 300 is constructed by stacking annular structures 301 in multiple stages along the axial direction of a vertical borehole formed by excavating the ground, as shown in Fig. 1 .

[0013] Each structure 301 constituting the earth-retaining structure 300 is formed by arranging multiple earth-retaining members 200 having the same section modulus in a ring shape. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the earth-retaining member 200 is a so-called liner plate whose corrugated cross section is formed in a sine curve. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the earth-retaining member 200 includes a corrugated steel plate 201 having peaks and valleys extending along the longitudinal direction X, and vertical flanges 202 provided at both ends of the corrugated steel plate 201 in the longitudinal direction X. The corrugated steel plate 201 of the illustrated earth-retaining member 200 has an arc shape in a plan view. The thickness of the corrugated steel plate 201 is, for example, approximately 2.7 mm to 7 mm. The corrugated steel plate 201 is not limited to the arc shape shown in the figure. Depending on the shape of the earth-retaining structure 300 to be constructed, the corrugated steel plate 201 may have, for example, a linear shape in a plan view or another shape.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the corrugated steel plate 201 has horizontal flanges 203 formed by bending both ends of the corrugated shape at both ends in the short-side direction Y. The horizontal flanges 203 are flat portions formed approximately perpendicular to the hole axis direction. The horizontal flanges 203 have multiple connecting holes 203a formed along the longitudinal direction X for connecting adjacent soil-retaining members 200 stacked in the hole axis direction of the borehole. As shown in Figure 4, adjacent soil-retaining members 200 are connected by butting their horizontal flanges 203 together and using connecting fittings 100 inserted through the connecting holes 203a. The number of connecting holes 203a shown in the figure is an example and is not limited to this.

[0015] The vertical flanges 202 are formed by welding plates to both end edges of the corrugated steel plate 201 in the longitudinal direction X. The thickness of the vertical flanges 202 is determined according to the strength and rigidity required for the earth-retaining structure 300. The vertical flanges 202 are formed with a plurality of connecting holes 202a along the vertical direction (Y direction) for connecting adjacent earth-retaining members 200 arranged in the circumferential direction θ of the borehole. As shown in FIG. 4 , adjacent earth-retaining members 200 are connected by butting the vertical flanges 202 together and using connecting fittings 100 inserted into the connecting holes 202a. The number of connecting holes 202a shown in the figure is an example and is not limited to this.

[0016] The earth-retaining structure 300 is not limited to the circular shape in plan view shown in Fig. 1. The earth-retaining structure 300 may be constructed to have a rectangular shape in plan view. In this case, the earth-retaining members 200 used have a linear or L-shaped shape in plan view, depending on the shape of the earth-retaining structure 300 to be constructed.

[0017] Furthermore, the soil-retaining member 200 is not limited to the configuration shown in Figures 2 and 3, and may have other configurations. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a different form of the soil-retaining member 200 that constitutes the soil-retaining structure 300. Figure 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the soil-retaining member 200 shown in Figure 5. For example, the soil-retaining member 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is a corrugated steel plate that has been bent so that the corrugated cross section has a square wave shape. An example of a square wave shape is a trapezoidal wave shape with rounded corners. The soil-retaining member 200 shown in Figures 5 and 6 is, for example, composed of three peaks and two valleys, but the number of peaks and valleys is not limited to the number shown. Note that the peaks and valleys are formed to be approximately parallel.

[0018] Next, a connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 13. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 is a plan view of the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows the state in which the horizontal flanges 203 of the earth-retaining members 200 are connected using the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment. Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram that schematically shows the state in which the horizontal flanges 203 of the earth-retaining members 200 are connected using the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment, with earth pressure P acting on the earth-retaining members 200. Note that the following description will be given of an example in which the connecting fitting 100 is used to connect the horizontal flanges 203, but the connecting fitting 100 can also be used in the same way when connecting vertical flanges 202.

[0019] The connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment is a fitting formed by bending a metal plate. As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the connecting fitting 100 includes a connecting fitting main body 1, an insertion portion 2, and a clamping portion 3.

[0020] As shown in Figures 7 to 11, the connecting fitting body 1 is plate-shaped and extends from the borehole toward the natural ground when the connecting fitting 100 is used to connect the earth-retaining members 200. An insertion portion 2 is formed on one longitudinal edge 10 of the connecting fitting body 1. A clamping portion 3 is formed on the other longitudinal edge 11 of the connecting fitting body 1. As shown in Figure 10, the connecting fitting body 1 is tilted toward the circumferential direction θ of the borehole, which is the direction in which the lateral flanges 203 extend, with respect to the radial direction r of the borehole when the lateral flanges 203 of adjacent earth-retaining members 200 are connected to each other. This is to increase the contact area between the connecting fitting body 1 and the lateral flanges 203 and ensure a strong connection. The ease of inserting the insertion portion 2 into the connecting hole 203a is also taken into consideration.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 , the connecting fitting body 1 has longitudinal side edges 1a, 1b, one of which, 1a, is formed as a linear incline, while the other, 1b, is formed so as to taper toward the insertion portion 2. Therefore, the width of one edge 10 of the connecting fitting body 1, where the insertion portion 2 is formed, is shorter than the width of the other edge 11, where the clamping portion 3 is formed. This is to accommodate the dimensions of the insertion portion 2 inserted into the connecting hole 203a formed in the horizontal flange 203. Furthermore, by increasing the width of the other edge 11 of the connecting fitting body 1, the clamping portion 3 can be formed long along the edge 203b of the horizontal flange 203, allowing the clamping portion 3 to firmly clamp the edge 203b of the two horizontal flanges 203. The connecting fitting body 1 has a protrusion 12 formed by embossing near the insertion portion 2. The connecting fitting body 1 has the protrusion 12, which improves its rigidity.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 11 , the insertion portion 2 is formed by bending one end edge 10 of the connecting fitting main body 1 toward one side of the connecting fitting main body 1 in an L-shape and is inserted into a connecting hole 203a formed in a horizontal flange 203. The insertion portion 2 is formed tilted from the extension direction of the connecting fitting main body 1 toward the circumferential direction θ of the drilled hole, which is the direction in which the horizontal flange 203 extends. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11 , the insertion portion 2 is formed tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to the extension direction of the connecting fitting main body 1 so that when adjacent connected horizontal flanges 203 are relatively displaced in the radial direction r of the drilled hole, the side edge 20a or 20b of the step portion 20 connecting the connecting fitting main body 1 and the insertion portion 2 abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a. As an example, the insertion portion 2 shown in FIG. 10 extends along a tangential direction of the circumferential direction θ of the drilled hole. The step portion 20 is disposed so that the direction from one side edge 20a to the other side edge 20b is along the radial direction r, and is oriented in a direction substantially perpendicular to the width direction of the U-shaped opening of the clamping portion 3. As shown in Fig. 10, the insertion portion 2 is configured so that the displacement L1 until the side edge 20a or 20b of the step portion 20 abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a is shorter than the length L2 in the radial direction r over which the lateral flange 203 is clamped by the clamping portion 3. Note that the tip portion 2a of the insertion portion 2 may be inclined so that it abuts against the surface of the lateral flange 203 when inserted into the connecting hole 203a.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 7 , the clamping portion 3 is formed by bending the other end edge 11 of the connecting fitting main body 1 toward one side of the connecting fitting main body 1 in a U-shape, and clamps the edges 203b of the two butted horizontal flanges 203 together with the connecting fitting main body 1. Insertion portions 30 are formed between the clamping portion 3 and the connecting fitting main body 1, into which the edges 203b of the two horizontal flanges 203 are inserted. As shown in FIG. 10 , the two butted horizontal flanges 203 are inserted by inserting their edges 203b into the insertion portions 30, and are clamped between the clamping portion 3 and the connecting fitting main body 1. The clamping portion 3 is bent so that the spacing of the insertion portions 30 is smaller than the thickness of the two overlapping horizontal flanges 203. This is to firmly clamp the two horizontal flanges 203. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the tip portions 3a of the clamping portion 3 are formed so that the spacing of the insertion portions 30 is wider. This is to make it easier to insert the two horizontal flanges 203 into the insertion portion 30.

[0024] 12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams showing the procedure for connecting the horizontal flanges 203 of the earth-retaining member 200 with the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment. To connect adjacent upper and lower horizontal flanges 203 using the connecting fitting 100 configured as described above, first, as shown in FIG. 12A, the insertion portion 2 is inserted into the two connecting holes 203a of the overlapping horizontal flanges 203. Next, as shown in FIG. 12B, with the insertion portion 2 abutting against the surface of one of the horizontal flanges 203, the clamping portion 3 is rotated around the insertion portion 2 toward the edge 203b of the horizontal flange 203. Finally, as shown in FIG. 12C, the clamping portion 3 is struck with, for example, a hammer, to insert the edge 203b of the two horizontal flanges 203 into the insertion portion 30. At this time, because the tip 3a of the clamping portion 3 is formed so that the spacing between the insertion portions 30 is wide, the edge 203b of the two horizontal flanges 203 can be smoothly inserted into the insertion portion 30. In this way, the connecting fitting 100 connects the adjacent upper and lower horizontal flanges 203 by having the insertion portion 2 inserted into the connecting hole 203a come into contact with the surface of one of the two overlapping horizontal flanges 203 and clamping the edge 203b of the two horizontal flanges 203 inserted into the insertion portion 30 between the connecting fitting main body 1 and the clamping portion 3.

[0025] Incidentally, multiple earth-retaining members 200 arranged along the inner wall surface of a borehole may be subjected to earth pressure P in a radial direction r from the natural ground toward the borehole, which may cause vertically adjacent earth-retaining members 200 to be displaced relative to each other in the radial direction r of the borehole. In this case, if the horizontal flanges 203 are connected using connecting fittings whose insertion portions are formed on an extension line of the direction in which the connecting fitting main body extends, and the relative displacement of the vertically adjacent earth-retaining members 200 is large, the force of the edge 203b of one of the horizontal flanges 203 coming out of the insertion portion of the connecting fitting may cause the insertion portion of the connecting fitting to come out of the connecting hole.

[0026] 10 and 11 , in the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment, when adjacent connected horizontal flanges 203 are displaced relative to each other in the radial direction r of the borehole due to earth pressure P in the radial direction r from the natural ground toward the borehole, the insertion portion 2 is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the extension direction of the connecting fitting main body 1 so that the side edge 20a or 20b of the step portion 20 connecting the connecting fitting main body 1 and the insertion portion 2 abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a. Furthermore, the connecting fitting 100 is configured so that the displacement L1 until the side edge 20a or 20b of the step portion 20 abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a is shorter than the length L2 in the radial direction r over which the horizontal flanges 203 are clamped by the clamping portion 3.

[0027] Therefore, as shown in Figure 11, in the connecting fitting 100 of this embodiment 1, even if earth pressure P in the radial direction r from the ground side toward the excavation hole acts on the retaining member 200 and the adjacent horizontal flanges 203 above and below are displaced relative to each other in the radial direction r of the excavation hole, the side edge 20a or 20b of the step portion 20 of the connecting fitting 100 will abut against the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a before the end edge 203b of the horizontal flange 203 comes out of the insertion portion 30 of the connecting fitting 100, so the insertion portion 2 will not come out of the connecting hole 203a and the connected state of the adjacent horizontal flanges 203 above and below can be maintained.

[0028] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the connecting fitting 100 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 13, the length L3 by which the insertion portion 2 protrudes from the connecting fitting main body 1 is preferably longer than the diameter of the connecting hole 203a. This prevents the insertion portion 2 from slipping out of the connecting hole 203a even if adjacent retaining members 200 are relatively displaced in the circumferential direction θ, and the connected state of the horizontal flanges 203 can be maintained.

[0029] Embodiment 2 Next, a connecting fitting 101 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 17. Figure 14 is a perspective view showing the connecting fitting 101 according to the second embodiment. Note that the same components as those in the connecting fitting 100 described in the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted where appropriate.

[0030] The connecting fitting 101 according to the second embodiment includes a reinforcing portion 4 that abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a and makes surface contact with it, instead of the side edge 20a or 20b of the stepped portion 20. The reinforcing portion 4 shown in FIG. 14 is, as an example, configured by attaching a steel plate to the side edges 20a and 20b of the stepped portion 20 by welding. The steel plate is triangular so as not to interfere with the insertion of the insertion portion 2 into the connecting hole 203a. The shape and size of the steel plate are not limited to the illustrated configuration and can be modified as appropriate depending on the size of the connecting hole 203a, the size of the insertion portion 2, etc. Alternatively, the reinforcing portion 4 may be configured by attaching a steel plate to the flat surface of the stepped portion 20 or to the connecting fitting main body 1 by welding or the like, and abutting against the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a together with the side edge 20a or 20b of the stepped portion 20 and making surface contact with it.

[0031] If side edges 20a and 20b of step portion 20 abut against the opening edge of connecting hole 203a and stress is concentrated on a portion of the opening edge, there is a risk of cracks occurring through the opening edge in horizontal flange 203. Connecting fitting 101 according to embodiment 2 is provided with reinforcing portion 4 that comes into surface contact with the opening edge of connecting hole 203a, and therefore reinforcing portion 4 can distribute the stress acting on the opening edge, thereby preventing cracks from occurring in horizontal flange 203.

[0032] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a first modified example of a connecting fitting 101 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a second modified example of a connecting fitting 101 according to the second embodiment. The reinforcing portion 5 shown in FIG. 15 is formed by bending a portion from the side edges 20a and 20b of the step portion 20 toward the connecting fitting main body 1. The reinforcing portion 6 shown in FIG. 16 is formed by bending a portion from a portion of the side edges 1a and 1b of the connecting fitting main body 1 downward. The connecting fitting 101 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 includes a reinforcing portion 5 or 6 that comes into surface contact with the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a, as well as the side edge 20a or 20b of the step portion 20. This allows the reinforcing portion 5 or 6 to distribute stress acting on the opening edge, thereby preventing cracks from occurring in the horizontal flange 203.

[0033] FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a third modified example of the connecting fitting 101 according to the second embodiment. The reinforcing portion 7 shown in FIG. 17 has a curved shape that follows the edge of the connecting hole 203a. The reinforcing portion 7 is configured by attaching a reinforcing member made of steel having a curved surface, such as a semicircular, columnar, or cylindrical shape, to the side edges 20a and 20b of the stepped portion 20 or to the flat surface of the stepped portion 20 by welding or the like. The reinforcing portion 7 may also be formed by bending the side edge 20a or 20b of the stepped portion 20 toward the connecting fitting main body 1. The connecting fitting 101 shown in FIG. 17 allows the reinforcing portion 7 to be in surface contact with the connecting hole 203a so as to follow the edge of the opening of the connecting hole 203a, thereby allowing the reinforcing portion 7 to further distribute the stress acting on the edge of the opening. The reinforcing portion 7 is not limited to the above configuration, as long as it has a curved shape that follows the edge of the opening of the connecting hole 203a.

[0034] The reinforcing portions (4 to 7) are not limited to the configurations shown in Figures 14 to 17. The reinforcing portions (4 to 7) may have other configurations as long as they can be in surface contact with the opening edge of the connecting hole 203a and can distribute the stress acting on the opening edge.

[0035] While the connecting fittings 100, 101 have been described above based on the embodiments, the connecting fittings 100, 101 are not limited to the configuration of the above-described embodiments. For example, the connecting fittings 100, 101 are not limited to the components described above, and may include other components. In short, the connecting fittings 100, 101 include the range of design modifications and application variations that would normally be made by a person skilled in the art, as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1 connecting fitting main body, 1a, 1b side edge, 2 insertion portion, 2a tip portion, 3 clamping portion, 3a tip portion, 4, 5, 6, 7 reinforcing portion, 10 one end edge, 11 other end edge, 12 convex portion, 20 step portion, 20a, 20b side edge, 30 insertion portion, 100, 101 connecting fitting, 200 earth retaining member, 201 corrugated steel plate, 202 vertical flange, 202a connecting hole, 203 horizontal flange, 203a connecting hole, 203b edge, 300 earth retaining structure, 301 structure.

Claims

1. A connecting fitting that arranges a plurality of retaining members having flanges with connecting holes formed along the inner wall surface of an excavation hole and connects the flanges of adjacent retaining members together in a butted state, a plate-shaped connecting fitting main body; an insertion portion formed by bending one end edge of the connecting fixture main body portion toward one surface of the connecting fixture main body portion in an L-shape and inserted into the connecting hole formed in the flange; a clamping portion formed by bending the other end edge of the connecting fitting main body portion toward the one surface side of the connecting fitting main body portion in a U-shape, and clamping the butted end edges of the flanges together with the connecting fitting main body portion, The insertion portion is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the extension direction of the connecting fitting main body portion so that when the connected adjacent flanges are displaced relative to each other in the radial direction of the drilling hole, the side edge of the step portion connecting the connecting fitting main body portion and the insertion portion abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole.

2. The connecting fitting according to claim 1, wherein the insertion portion is configured so that the displacement until the side edge of the step portion abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole is shorter than the radial length of the flange clamped by the clamping portion.

3. The connecting fitting main body is formed so as to be inclined in a direction in which the flange extends with respect to the radial direction of the excavation hole when the flanges of the adjacent earth retaining members are connected to each other, The connecting fixture according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the insertion portion is formed so as to be inclined from the extending direction of the connecting fixture body toward the extending direction of the flange.

4. The connecting fixture according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the length by which the insertion portion protrudes from the connecting fixture body is longer than the diameter of the connecting hole.

5. The connecting fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a reinforcing portion that abuts against the opening edge of the connecting hole and makes surface contact with the opening edge of the connecting hole instead of or together with the side edge of the step portion.

6. The connecting fitting according to claim 5 , wherein the reinforcing portion is configured by attaching a steel plate to a side edge of the step portion.

7. The connecting fixture according to claim 5 , wherein the reinforcing portion is formed by bending a portion from a side edge of the stepped portion or a side edge of the connecting fixture main body.

8. The connecting fitting according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the reinforcing portion has a curved shape so as to fit along the opening edge of the connecting hole.

Images