Connectors, connection structures, and methods for manufacturing connection structures.

Abstract

To provide a connector which enables a new PC steel material to be connected to an end part of an existing PC steel material.SOLUTION: A connector 10 for connecting a first PC steel material 12 and a second PC steel material comprises: a female member 16 that has a first through hole 161 capable of accommodating a first fixed part 15 that grips the first PC steel material; a male member 17 constituted to be insertable between the first fixed part and an inner peripheral surface of the first through hole; a joint that has a first male thread part 183 on a lateral face on a first end part 16A side in a longer direction and a second male thread part on a lateral face on the second end part side located opposite to the first end part in the longer direction; and an annular pressing member that can be stored within the first through hole and is arranged between the joint and the male member. When an aperture of the first through hole on the side where the first fixed part is inserted is regarded as a first aperture, the first through hole has a first female thread part 162 to be engaged with the first male thread part, on an inner peripheral surface on the side of a second aperture located opposite to the first aperture.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a connector, a connection structure, and a method for manufacturing a connection structure. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a first wedge that grips a first PC steel stranded wire, a first socket having a tapered hole into which the first wedge is fitted, a second wedge that grips a second PC steel stranded wire, a second socket having a tapered hole into which the second wedge is fitted, a coupler sleeve that connects the first socket and the second socket in a state where ends of the first PC steel stranded wire and the second PC steel stranded wire are butted against each other, and a metal coupler sheath that covers the periphery of the coupler sleeve and forms a filling space for a filler between the coupler sheath and the sleeve, the first socket has a male threaded portion on an outer circumference thereof, an inner circumference at one end side of the coupler sleeve has a female threaded portion that screw-engages with the male threaded portion, the other end side of the coupler sleeve has a bottom portion against which the second socket is abutted and stopped, and the bottom portion includes a through hole through which the second PC steel stranded wire is drawn out; a connection structure for a PC steel stranded wire characterized by the above is disclosed. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-45280 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] For example, to widen the width of an already constructed bridge girder or to expand a building, a conventional connection structure has been used in which the ends of new PC steel materials to be used in the expansion section are connected to the ends of existing PC steel materials embedded in the bridge girder or building using connectors.

[0005] The PC steel stranding connection structure disclosed in Patent Document 1 assumes that a male threaded portion is formed on the outer circumference of the first socket that grips the PC steel stranding. However, in bridge girders and the like that were constructed without the assumption of expansion, there were cases where a threaded portion was not formed on the outer circumference of the anchoring device that grips the PC steel material.

[0006] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a connector that allows a new PC steel material to be connected to the end of an existing PC steel material, even when a threaded portion is not formed on the outer circumference of the anchoring device that grips the existing PC steel material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a connector for connecting a first PC steel member and a second PC steel member, A female member having a first through-hole capable of accommodating a first fixing device for gripping the first PC steel material, A male member configured to be inserted between the first fixing device and the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole, A joint having a first male threaded portion on the side surface of the first end in the longitudinal direction, and a second male threaded portion on the side surface of the second end located opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction, The female member has an annular pressing member that can be housed in the first through-hole and is positioned between the joint and the male member, When the opening of the first through-hole on the side into which the first fixing device is inserted is designated as the first opening, the first through-hole provides a connector having a first female threaded portion on the inner circumferential surface of the second opening side located opposite the first opening, which engages with the first male threaded portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a connector that enables connection of a new PC steel material to an end of an existing PC steel material even when no threaded portion is formed on the outer periphery of a fixing tool that grips the existing PC steel material. [BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram of a connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is an explanatory diagram of a connector according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a bottom view of a joint included in the connector shown in Figure 2A. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is an explanatory diagram of a connector according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D is an explanatory diagram of a pressing member. [Figure 2E] Figure 2E is an explanatory diagram of a pressing member. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is an explanatory diagram of a connection structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is an explanatory diagram of a connection structure according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a connection structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram of a configuration example when a connection structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure is installed on a bridge pier. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0010] Modes for carrying out the invention are described below.

[0011] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] First, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference signs, and the same descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0012] (1) A connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connector for connecting a first PC steel material and a second PC steel material, a female member having a first through hole capable of accommodating a first fixing tool that grips the first PC steel material; a male member configured to be insertable between the first fixing tool and an inner peripheral surface of the first through hole; a joint provided with a first male screw portion on a side surface on a first end side in a longitudinal direction, and a second male screw portion on a side surface on a second end side positioned opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction, respectively; an annular pressing member that can be accommodated in the first through hole of the female member and is disposed between the joint and the male member; when, among the first through holes, an opening on a side into which the first fixing tool is inserted is defined as a first opening, the first through hole has a first female screw portion fitted to the first male screw portion on an inner peripheral surface on a second opening side positioned opposite to the first opening.

[0013] A second male screw portion is provided on a side surface on the second end side of the joint. The joint is fixed to the first fixing tool that grips the first PC steel material via the female member and the male member. Therefore, even if a thread is not cut on a side surface of the first fixing tool, by installing the connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure on the first fixing tool, it becomes possible to connect an end portion of a new second PC steel material to an end portion of an existing first PC steel material using the second male screw portion.

[0014] Since the connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the pressing member, when the joint is screwed into the first through hole of the female member, the male member can be more strongly pressed between the first fixing tool and a first inner peripheral surface of the first through hole via the pressing member. Therefore, the female member can be more firmly fixed to the first fixing tool, and a connection structure manufactured using the connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be made stronger.

[0015] Furthermore, since the connector according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the pressing member, when the pressing member is inserted into the first through hole, it can be easily visually recognized based on the position of the pressing member that the male member is properly installed.

[0016] (2) In (1), the pressing member may be configured to include an elastic member.

[0017] For example, the screwing of a joint that is threaded into the first through-hole of the female member may loosen due to changes over time. However, even if the screwing of the joint loosens, the pressing member includes an elastic member, which allows the male member to be firmly pressed between the first fixing device and the first inner surface of the first through-hole.

[0018] (3) In (1) or (2), a protrusion may be provided on the first end of the joint.

[0019] By providing a protrusion, when the joint is inserted into the first through-hole of the female member, the male member is pressed more firmly between the first fixing device and the inner surface of the first through-hole via the pressing device. As a result, the female member can be more firmly fixed to the first fixing device, and the connection structure manufactured using the connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure can be made more robust.

[0020] (4) In any of (1) to (3), one or more selected from the first male thread portion and the second male thread portion may be colored.

[0021] Because one or more selected portions from the first and second male threaded portions are colored, it is easy to confirm that the first male threaded portion is fully screwed into the first female threaded portion, regardless of the brightness of the work area. Furthermore, because it is easy to visually confirm that the first male threaded portion is fully screwed into the first female threaded portion, the connector according to one embodiment of this disclosure can be easily installed regardless of the operator's skill level.

[0022] (5) In any of (1) to (4), the sleeve further includes a second through hole, The second through hole is, A second female threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole on the third opening side, which engages with the second male threaded portion of the joint, The second through-hole may have a third female threaded portion that engages with a third male threaded portion provided on the outer circumference of the second fixing device for gripping the second PC steel material, which is located on the inner circumferential surface of the fourth opening side of the second through-hole opposite to the third opening.

[0023] Because the connector has a sleeve, the second anchoring device and the joint can be easily connected by rotating the sleeve and displacing its position while the second anchoring device and the joint are brought close together. Therefore, a connection structure connecting the first PC steel material and the second PC steel material can be easily manufactured.

[0024] (6) A connection structure relating to one aspect of the present disclosure is a connection structure that connects a first PC steel member and a second PC steel member, The aforementioned first PC steel material, The aforementioned second PC steel material, It has a connector that connects a first anchoring device that grips the first PC steel material and a second anchoring device that grips the second PC steel material, The aforementioned connector is A female member having a first through-hole capable of accommodating the first fixing device, A male member configured to be inserted between the first fixing device and the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole, A joint having a first male threaded portion on the side surface of the first end in the longitudinal direction, and a second male threaded portion on the side surface of the second end located opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction, An annular pressing member which can be housed in the first through-hole of the female member and is positioned between the joint and the male member, A sleeve having a second through hole, When the opening of the first through-hole on the side into which the first fixing device is inserted is designated as the first opening, the first through-hole has a first female threaded portion on the inner circumferential surface of the second opening side located opposite to the first opening, which fits with the first male threaded portion. The second through hole is, A second female threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole on the third opening side, which engages with the second male threaded portion of the joint, It has a third female thread portion that engages with a third male thread portion provided on the outer circumference of the second fixing device, which is located on the inner circumferential surface of the fourth opening side of the second through hole, opposite to the third opening.

[0025] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a connection structure can be formed even if no threads are formed on the outer surface of the first anchoring device, by installing a connector on the first anchoring device that grips the first PC steel material.

[0026] In a connection structure according to one aspect of this disclosure, the outer diameter of the connector is largest, for example, at the female member portion. The outer diameter of the female member portion is the sum of the outer diameter of the first anchoring device to be housed, the thickness of the male member that fixes the first anchoring device, and the thickness of the female member's wall portion, which has the necessary wall thickness to support the second PC steel material. Furthermore, there is no need to provide various members on the outer circumference of the female member for connecting to other members. As a result, the outer diameter of the connector can be suppressed, and the connection structure according to one aspect of this disclosure using this connector can be applied even in locations where the installation space is restricted, such as bridges.

[0027] The connector used in one aspect of the present disclosure has a pressing member, which allows the male member to be pressed more firmly between the first fixing device and the first inner surface of the first through-hole when the joint is screwed into the first through-hole of the female member, via the pressing member. As a result, the female member can be fixed more firmly to the first fixing device, and the connection structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be made more robust.

[0028] Furthermore, if the connector used in one aspect of the present disclosure has a pressing member, when the pressing member is inserted into the first through hole, it becomes easier to visually confirm that the male member is properly installed based on the position of the pressing member.

[0029] (7) A method for manufacturing a connection structure according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a connection structure in which a first PC steel material and a second PC steel material are connected by a connector, The aforementioned connector is A female member having a first through-hole capable of accommodating a first fixing device for gripping the first PC steel material, A male member configured to be inserted between the first fixing device and the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole, A joint having a first male threaded portion on the side surface of the first end in the longitudinal direction, and a second male threaded portion on the side surface of the second end located opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction, An annular pressing member which can be housed in the first through-hole of the female member and is positioned between the joint and the male member, A sleeve having a second through hole, When the opening of the first through-hole on the side into which the first fixing device is inserted is designated as the first opening, the first through-hole has a first female threaded portion on the inner circumferential surface of the second opening side located opposite to the first opening, which fits with the first male threaded portion. The second through hole is, A second female threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole on the third opening side, which engages with the second male threaded portion of the joint, It has a third female thread portion that engages with a third male thread portion provided on the outer circumference of the second fixing device for gripping the second PC steel material, which is located on the inner circumferential surface of the fourth opening side of the second through hole, opposite to the third opening, and which is located on the inner circumferential surface of the second fixing device for gripping the second PC steel material. The method for manufacturing the aforementioned connection structure is: A first installation step involves inserting the first fixing device for gripping the first PC steel material into the first through-hole from the first opening side of the first through-hole in the female member, A second installation step involves inserting the male member between the first fixing device and the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole in the female member, A third installation step involves inserting the pressing member and the first end of the joint from the second opening side of the first through hole, and screwing the first male thread of the joint into the first female thread of the first through hole, thereby installing the joint on the female member. The system includes a connection step of connecting the second fixing device and the joint using the sleeve, In the connection step, the second female thread portion, which is positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole in the sleeve, is fitted with the second male thread portion of the joint, and the third female thread portion, which is positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole in the sleeve, is fitted with the third male thread portion of the second fixing device.

[0030] According to a method for manufacturing a connection structure according to one aspect of this disclosure, a connection structure can be formed even if no threads are formed on the outer surface of the first anchoring device, by installing a connector on the first anchoring device that grips the first PC steel material.

[0031] In the manufacturing method of a connection structure according to one aspect of this disclosure, the outer diameter of the connector is largest, for example, at the female member portion. The outer diameter of the female member portion is the sum of the outer diameter of the first anchoring device to be housed, the thickness of the male member that fixes the first anchoring device, and the thickness of the female member's wall portion, which has the necessary wall thickness to support the second PC steel material. Furthermore, there is no need to provide various members on the outer circumference of the female member for connecting to other members. As a result, the outer diameter of the connector can be suppressed, and the connection structure using this connector can be applied even in locations where the installation space is restricted, such as bridges.

[0032] The connector used in the manufacturing method of a connection structure according to one aspect of this disclosure has a pressing member, which allows the male member to be pressed more firmly between the first fixing device and the first inner surface of the first through hole when the joint is screwed into the first through hole of the female member, via the pressing member. As a result, the female member can be fixed more firmly to the first fixing device, and the connection structure manufactured by the manufacturing method of a connection structure according to one aspect of this disclosure can be made more robust.

[0033] Furthermore, if the connector used in the manufacturing method of the connection structure according to one aspect of this disclosure has a pressing member, when the pressing member is inserted into the first through hole, it becomes easier to visually confirm that the male member is properly installed based on the position of the pressing member.

[0034] (8) In (7), the third installation step may involve screwing the first male threaded portion into the first female threaded portion until it is no longer visible from the outside.

[0035] By screwing the first male threaded portion into the first female threaded portion until it is no longer visible from the outside, the entire first joint portion can be housed within the first through-hole of the female member. This ensures sufficient joining distance between the joint portion and the female member, thereby increasing the joining strength between the joint and the female member.

[0036] (9) In (7) or (8), the connection step may involve connecting the second fixing device and the joint with the sleeve such that the second fixing device and the joint are in contact.

[0037] By connecting the second fixing device and the joint with a sleeve so that the second fixing device and the joint are in contact, the total connection distance between the second and third female threads of the sleeve, the second male thread of the joint, and the third male thread of the second fixing device 33 can be increased. This allows for a particularly strong connection structure.

[0038] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of a connector, connection structure, and method for manufacturing a connection structure according to one embodiment of this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "this embodiment") will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these examples and is intended to be shown in the claims, with all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims included.

[0039] 〔connector〕 The connector according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 3A, and 3B.

[0040] In this specification, the names of components may be described with prefixes such as "1st," "2nd," etc., such as "1st PC steel," "2nd PC steel," "1st anchoring device," "2nd anchoring device," etc. The prefixes "1st," "2nd," etc., are merely used to identify each component and prevent confusion during description, and do not indicate arrangement, priority, or anything of the sort. Therefore, if there is no particular risk of confusion, they can simply be written as "PC steel" or "anchoring device."

[0041] Furthermore, each diagram is a schematic representation used to explain the connector, connection structure, and manufacturing method of the connection structure, and does not accurately depict the size or other dimensions.

[0042] The connector of this embodiment relates to a connector for connecting a first PC steel material and a second PC steel material.

[0043] Figure 1 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the connector of this embodiment, with respect to the central axis CA of the first PC steel member 12. Figures 2A and 2C show modified examples of the connector of this embodiment, similarly illustrating schematic cross-sectional views with respect to the central axis CA of the first PC steel member 12. Figure 2B is a bottom view of the joint of the connector shown in Figure 2A. Figures 2D and 2E are explanatory diagrams of the pressing member. Figure 3A is an explanatory diagram of the connection structure of this embodiment, and Figure 3B is a modified example of the connection structure of this embodiment.

[0044] In Figures 1, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 3A, and 3B, the longitudinal direction of the first PC steel member 12 is defined as the X-axis, and the plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first PC steel member 12 is defined as the YZ plane.

[0045] Before describing the connector of this embodiment, we will first describe the first fixing device to which the connector of this embodiment is applied, and the first PC steel material held by the first fixing device. (1) First anchoring device, first PC steel material As shown in Figure 1, the existing prestressed concrete (PC) steel member, the first PC steel member 12, is embedded inside the concrete structure 11. The first PC steel member 12 can be placed inside the concrete structure 11, for example, via a sheath 13, and grout can be filled between the first PC steel member 12 and the sheath 13.

[0046] The first PC steel material 12 is a PC steel material for introducing prestress, specifically compressive force, into the concrete structure 11. It can be a PC steel strand made by twisting together multiple strands, or a PC steel bar. The "PC" in the above-mentioned PC steel material, PC steel strand, and PC steel bar all refer to prestressed concrete.

[0047] PC steel materials can also be coated with a resin such as epoxy resin on their surface, if necessary.

[0048] The end portion 12A of the first PC steel member 12 is gripped by the first anchoring device 15 via a bearing plate 14, which is a plate-like body with a through hole in the center through which the first PC steel member 12 passes.

[0049] The bearing plate 14 is sometimes called a casting plate or anchor plate. The bearing plate 14 is a thick steel billet that can bear the tension force introduced into the first PC steel member 12. The bearing plate 14 can be embedded in the concrete structure 11 as shown in Figure 1, or it can be placed on the surface of the concrete structure 11.

[0050] The configuration of the first fixing device 15 is not particularly limited, but the first fixing device 15 may have, for example, a first mess cone 151 and a first male cone 152.

[0051] The external shape of the first measuring cone 151 is not particularly limited and can, for example, have a cylindrical shape. The first measuring cone 151 does not need to be a perfect cylinder, as it may have chamfered edges or the like.

[0052] The first female cone 151 may have through holes along its central axis for positioning the first PC steel member 12 and the first male cone 152.

[0053] The through-hole in the first measuring cone 151 may have a tapered surface whose diameter widens from the end on the concrete structure 11 side toward the end 12A side of the first PC steel member 12.

[0054] The first male cone 152 may have multiple male cone segments divided along the circumferential direction when viewed from the end 12A side of the first PC steel member 12 along the central axis of the first PC steel member 12, that is, when viewed along the X-axis in the figure. When the multiple male cone segments of the first male cone 152 are combined, the first male cone 152 has an outer shape corresponding to the through hole having a tapered surface of the first female cone 151, and may have, for example, a frustoconical shape. When the multiple male cone segments of the first male cone 152 are combined, the first male cone 152 may have a through hole along its central axis for passing through and gripping the first PC steel member 12.

[0055] The inner surface of the through hole in the first male cone 152 along its central axis may have irregularities formed to firmly grip the first PC steel material 12, for example, by forming a female screw surface.

[0056] When fixing the first PC steel member 12 with the first anchoring device 15, the first mess cone 151 is installed so that the first PC steel member 12 passes through the through-hole of the first mess cone 151. At this time, the first mess cone 151 is installed so that the opening with the smaller size of the through-hole of the first mess cone 151 is located on the concrete structure 11 side.

[0057] Then, the first male cone 152 is inserted between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole in the first female cone 151 and the first PC steel member 12. The first male cone 152 functions as a wedge, tightening the first PC steel member 12 and fixing the first fixing device 15 to the first PC steel member 12.

[0058] PC steel is used by being embedded within concrete structures such as bridge girders. By introducing tension to the PC steel embedded in the concrete structure, compressive force is applied to the concrete structure, creating prestressed concrete, which can counteract some or all of the tensile stress caused by the load applied to the concrete structure. By creating prestressed concrete, the occurrence of cracks in the concrete structure can be suppressed.

[0059] For example, when widening the width of an already constructed bridge girder, it is preferable to connect the ends of the PC steel members embedded in the already constructed bridge girder section with the ends of the PC steel members to be used in the expanded section using connectors to create a connection structure. This connection structure refers to a structure in which, for example, the existing PC steel members and the newly installed PC steel members are connected by connectors with their longitudinal ends butted together. This connection structure eliminates the need to separately provide members for fixing the new PC steel members used in the expanded section, for example by demolishing a part of the already constructed bridge girder.

[0060] However, in bridge girders and other structures built without the intention of expansion, threads are not formed on the outer circumference of the anchoring device that grips the PC steel, making it impossible to create a connection structure. Therefore, the inventors of the present invention investigated a connector that would allow connection to new PC steel even when the outer circumference of the anchoring device that grips the existing PC steel embedded in the concrete structure is not threaded.

[0061] As a result, we found that by attaching the connector of this embodiment to the first anchoring device that grips the first end of the first PC steel material, a connection structure can be formed with the second PC steel material used in the expansion portion, even if a threaded portion is not formed on the side surface of the first anchoring device.

[0062] The connector of this embodiment may have a female member, a male member, and a joint. Each member of the connector of this embodiment will be described below. (2) Regarding each component of the connector (2-1) Female member The female member 16 of the connector 10 in this embodiment may have a first through-hole 161 capable of accommodating a first fixing device 15 that grips the first PC steel material 12. (First through-hole) The inner diameter and shape of the first through-hole 161 can be selected so that the first fixing device 15 can be accommodated inside it.

[0063] In the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16, the opening on the side into which the first fixing device 15 is inserted, i.e., the insertion side, is designated as the first opening 161A. The first opening 161A is located on the first end 16A side of the female member 16, which is located on the concrete structure 11 side, as shown in Figure 1. The first through-hole 161 may also have a second opening 161B located on the opposite side of the first opening 161A, i.e., on the second end 16B side.

[0064] Furthermore, if it is necessary to distinguish the first end 16A and the second end 16B of the female member 16 from the first end 18A and the second end 18B of the joint described later, they may be referred to as the first female member end, the second female member end, etc.

[0065] As described above, the first opening 161A of the first through hole 161 is the opening on the side into which the first fixing device 15 is inserted. For this reason, the inner diameter D161A of the first opening 161A can be made larger than the outer diameter D15 of the first fixing device 15 so that the first fixing device 15 can be inserted and accommodated.

[0066] Furthermore, the second opening 161B of the first through hole 161 becomes an opening for inserting the first end 18A side of the joint 18, which will be described later. For this reason, it is preferable that the inner diameter D161B of the second opening 161B of the first through hole 161 is greater than or equal to the outer diameter D1811 of the first end 18A side of the joint 18.

[0067] As described above, the inner diameter D161A of the first opening 161A and the inner diameter D161B of the second opening 161B can be selected. Therefore, the inner diameter D161A of the first opening 161A and the inner diameter D161B of the second opening 161B may be different.

[0068] The first through-hole 161 may have two or more regions with different inner diameters or shapes. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the first through-hole 161 may have a first region 1611 located on the side of the first opening 161A and a second region 1612 located on the side of the second opening 161B.

[0069] The first inner surface 16C, which is the inner surface of the first region 1611, can be tapered so that when, for example, the male member 17 (described later) is inserted between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the female member 16, the first fixing device 15 can be tightened and the connector 10 can be fixed to the first fixing device. Since the male member 17 is inserted from the second opening 161B side, it is preferable that the first inner surface 16C be a tapered surface in which the diameter increases from the first opening 161A side toward the second opening 161B side.

[0070] The shape and size of the second region 1612 can be selected so that the first end 18A side of the joint 18, which will be described later, can be inserted into it.

[0071] As described above, the second opening 161B is an opening for inserting the first end 18A side of the joint 18. The joint 18 will then be fixed to the female member 16. For this reason, the female member 16 may have a first female threaded portion 162 on the second inner circumferential surface 16D on the second opening 161B side that engages with the first male threaded portion 183 provided on the first end 18A side of the joint 18. (Jig hole) As will be described later, the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16 can be used to insert and screw in the joint 18, which will be described later. When screwing in the joint 18, it is preferable to hold the female member 16 to prevent it from rotating.

[0072] Therefore, the female member 16 may also have a jig hole 163 for fixing a jig to the female member 16 when screwing the joint 18 into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. The arrangement and number of the jig holes 163 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to provide them on the outer surface of the female member 16, for example. (2-2) Male member The male member 17 is configured to be inserted between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16.

[0073] The male member 17 functions as a wedge when inserted between the first fixing device 15 and the female member 16, thereby fixing the female member 16 to the first fixing device 15.

[0074] As shown in Figure 1, the male member 17 can have multiple male member segments 171, 172 that are divided along the circumferential direction. Although an example of division into two male member segments is shown here, the male member 17 can also be divided into three or more male member segments. Alternatively, the male member can be composed of a single, undivided member.

[0075] When multiple male member segments 171 and 172 are combined, the male member 17 has a through hole along its central axis, i.e., the X-axis in the figure, for accommodating and gripping at least a portion of the first fixing device 15. The surface of the male member 17 facing the first fixing device 15, i.e., the surface in contact with the first fixing device 15, may have irregularities formed on it, such as a female screw surface, in order to firmly grip the first fixing device 15.

[0076] The size of the through-hole in the male member 17 can be selected to accommodate the first fixing device 15.

[0077] JIS G 3536 (2014) specifies a PC steel stranded wire with an outer diameter of 21.8 mm, made by twisting together 19 strands (PC steel wire). To grip the end of such a PC steel stranded wire with an outer diameter of 21.8 mm, a cylindrical anchoring device with a maximum cross-sectional diameter perpendicular to the central axis of 60 mm to 70 mm is generally used. If the first anchoring device 15 is the above-mentioned anchoring device, for example, the size of the through-hole in the male member 17 can be selected so as to accommodate the cylindrical first anchoring device 15, which has a maximum cross-sectional diameter perpendicular to the central axis of 60 mm to 70 mm.

[0078] As described above, the male member 17 can be configured to be inserted between the outer circumference 151A of the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. Therefore, when multiple male member segments 171 and 172 are combined, they can have an outer shape corresponding to the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. Accordingly, the outer surface along the length direction of the first through hole 161, i.e., the X-axis direction in Figure 1, can have a tapered shape that widens from the first opening 161A side to the second opening 161B side of the female member 16. Accordingly, the male member 17 can have an outer shape, for example, a frustoconical shape.

[0079] Furthermore, the male member 17 may be provided with a slit or the like along the X-axis direction in Figure 1, if necessary. Having the slit in the male member 17 makes it easier to deform when inserted between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, allowing the female member 16 to be fixed more firmly to the first fixing device 15. (2-3) Joint The joint 18 may have a first male threaded portion 183 on the side surface 18C on the longitudinal first end 18A side, and a second male threaded portion 184 on the side surface 18D on the longitudinal second end 18B side, which is located on the opposite side from the longitudinal first end 18A side.

[0080] The joint 18 is a component for connecting the female member 16 fixed to the first fixing device 15 to another component, such as the sleeve 31 described later. For this reason, the joint 18 may have a first male threaded portion 183 for fixing to the female member 16 as described above, and a second male threaded portion 184 for connecting to the other component, such as the sleeve 31.

[0081] The joint 18 may have a first joint portion 1811 located on the first end 18A side and a second joint portion 1812 located on the second end 18B side. As shown in Figure 1, the first joint portion 1811 and the second joint portion 1812 may have a cylindrical outer shape, and their respective outer diameters can be selected to match the first through hole 161 of the female member 16 and the sleeve 31 described later. Therefore, the outer diameters of the first joint portion 1811 and the second joint portion 1812 may be the same or different. A first male threaded portion 183 and a second male threaded portion 184 can be arranged on the side surface 18C of the first joint portion 1811 and the side surface 18D of the second joint portion 1812, respectively. Therefore, the above cylindrical shape does not have a geometrically strict meaning. (First joint section) The first joint portion 1811 can be inserted into the first through hole 161 from the second opening 161B side of the female member 16. Therefore, the outer diameter D1811 of the first joint portion 1811 can be made to a size corresponding to the inner diameter D161B of the second opening 161B of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, for example, the outer diameter D1811 and the inner diameter D161B can be made equal.

[0082] The first male threaded portion 183 can be configured to engage (screw-fit) with the first female threaded portion 162 of the female member 16.

[0083] When installing the joint 18 into the female member 16, it is preferable that the entire first joint portion 1811 is housed within the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16. That is, when the joint 18 is installed into the female member 16, it is preferable that the third end portion 18E of the first joint portion 1811, located on the second end portion 18B side, coincides with the second end portion 16B of the female member 16.

[0084] This is because by housing the entire first joint portion 1811 within the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16, sufficient joining distance between the joint 18 and the female member 16 can be ensured, thereby increasing the joining strength between the joint 18 and the female member 16.

[0085] Therefore, it is preferable that the configuration be such that it is easy to confirm that the first male threaded portion 183 provided on the side surface 18C of the first joint portion 1811 has been completely screwed into the first female threaded portion 162 provided in the first through hole 161 of the female member 16.

[0086] Specifically, for example, it is preferable that one or more selected from the first male thread portion 183 and the second male thread portion 184 are colored, and it is particularly preferable that the first male thread portion 183 is colored.

[0087] If the first male threaded portion 183 is colored, it can be confirmed that the first male threaded portion 183 has been fully screwed into the first female threaded portion 162 when the color of the first male threaded portion 183 is no longer visible.

[0088] If the second male threaded portion 184 is colored, it can be confirmed that the first male threaded portion 183 has been fully screwed into the first female threaded portion 162 when the colored portion of the second male threaded portion 184 reaches the second end portion 16B of the female member 16.

[0089] The work of installing the connector 10 of this embodiment onto the first fixing device 15 may be performed in a dark space surrounded by a concrete structure 11 or the like. Therefore, by coloring one or more selected parts from the first male threaded portion 183 and the second male threaded portion 184, it is easy to confirm that the first male threaded portion 183 is fully screwed into the first female threaded portion 162, regardless of the brightness of the work area. Furthermore, since it is easy to visually confirm that the first male threaded portion 183 is fully screwed into the first female threaded portion 162, the connector of this embodiment can be easily installed regardless of the worker's skill level.

[0090] If one or more of the first male threaded portion 183 and the second male threaded portion 184 are colored, the color is not particularly limited and should be different from the color of the uncolored member located nearby. However, from the viewpoint of particularly improving visibility, the color used for coloring is preferably a warm color or a fluorescent color.

[0091] In the connector 10 shown in Figure 1, when the joint 18 is inserted into the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16 and screwed in, the joint 18 and the male member 17 are not in contact, but the connector is not limited to this configuration.

[0092] For example, when the first end 18A of the joint 18 is inserted into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, the first end 18A of the joint 18 can be configured to come into contact with the male member 17.

[0093] As described above, by inserting the male member 17 between the outer circumference 151A of the first anchoring device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, the male member 17 functions as a wedge, and the female member 16 can be fixed to the first anchoring device 15. However, if the insertion of the male member 17 is not sufficient, or if the male member 17 is configured by combining multiple male member segments 171 and 172, and the multiple male member segments 171 and 172 are not inserted evenly, the force fixing the female member 16 to the first anchoring device 15 may decrease. In this way, if the force fixing the female member 16 to the first anchoring device 15 is insufficient, the male member 17 and the female member 16 may come off the first anchoring device 15 when tension is introduced to the second PC steel after the second PC steel is connected.

[0094] In contrast, when the first end 18A of the joint 18 is inserted into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, the first end 18A of the joint 18 is configured to come into contact with the male member 17, thereby firmly and evenly pressing the male member 17 between the outer circumference 151A of the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161. As a result, the female member 16 can be more firmly fixed to the first fixing device 15, and the connection structure manufactured using the connector of this embodiment can be made more robust.

[0095] Furthermore, even when the pressing member 201 is placed between the joint 18 and the male member 17, a portion of the first end 18A of the joint 18 may be in contact with the male member 17 at a location where the pressing member 201 is not placed. (Convex part) Furthermore, as in the case of the connector 20 shown in Figure 2A, for example, a protrusion 21 may be provided on the first end 18A of the joint 18.

[0096] By providing the protrusion 21, when the joint 18 is screwed into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, the male member 17 is pressed more firmly between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161. As a result, the female member 16 can be fixed more firmly to the first fixing device 15, and the connection structure manufactured using the connector of this embodiment can be made stronger. If the connector has a pressing member 201, which will be described later, the protrusion 21 will press the male member 17 more firmly between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 via the pressing member 201.

[0097] The protrusion 21 can be provided on the first end 18A of the joint 18, specifically on the portion facing the male member 17, and its shape is not particularly limited. Here, Figure 2B shows a bottom view of the joint 18 when the protrusion 21 is present, that is, a view along the X-axis from the first end 18A side. As shown in Figure 2B, the protrusion 21 can have an annular shape. In Figure 2B, the protrusion 21 has a continuous annular shape, but it can also be formed in the shape of a dotted line, for example.

[0098] Furthermore, the connector 20 shown in Figure 2A can be configured in the same way as the connector 10 described using Figure 1, except that the joint 18 is provided with a protrusion 21. (Second joint section) The second joint portion 1812 is a component for connecting to other components such as the sleeve 31, which will be described later. For this reason, the outer diameter D1812 of the second joint portion 1812 can be selected according to the component to be connected. For example, it can be sized to correspond to the inner diameter of the third opening 311A ​​of the sleeve 31, which will be described later, or it can be made equal to the inner diameter of the third opening 311A.

[0099] A second male threaded portion 184 is provided on the side surface 18D of the joint 18 on the second end 18B side, specifically on the side surface 18D of the second joint portion 1812. The joint 18 is fixed to the first anchoring device 15, which grips the first PC steel material 12, via a female member 16 and a male member 17. Therefore, even if the side surface of the first anchoring device 15 is not threaded, by installing the connector 10 of this embodiment on the first anchoring device 15, it becomes possible to connect the end of a new second PC steel material to the end 12A of the existing first PC steel material 12 using the second male threaded portion 184. (Through hole) When the joint 18 is installed in the female member 16, it does not interfere with the first PC steel member 12 gripped by the first fixing device 15 housed within the female member 16. Therefore, it may have a through hole 182 along the central axis if necessary. The inner diameter of the through hole 182 can be greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the first PC steel member 12. (Jig hole) As shown in Figure 1, the joint 18 has a first male threaded portion 183 and a second male threaded portion 184 on its side surface 18C and side surface 18D. Therefore, when installing it on the female member 16, it may be difficult for the worker to hold the joint 18 and screw the first male threaded portion 183 into the first female threaded portion 162.

[0100] Therefore, the joint 18 may also have a jig hole 185 for fixing a jig to the joint 18 when screwing the first male threaded portion 183 into the first female threaded portion 162.

[0101] As shown in Figure 2A, when the joint 18 has a protrusion 21 at its first end 18A, the male member 17 can be pressed more deeply between the outer circumference 151A of the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16 by attaching a jig to the jig hole 163 and the jig hole 185 and screwing in the joint 18. As a result, the female member 16 can be firmly fixed to the first PC steel material 12, and when tension is introduced to the second PC steel material after connecting it, phenomena such as the female member 16 slipping away from the first fixing device 15 can be suppressed.

[0102] The arrangement and number of the jig holes 185 are not particularly limited, but it is preferable to provide them on the second end 18B side, for example. (2-4) Pressing member As shown in Figure 2C, the connector of this embodiment may also have a pressing member 201. The presence of the pressing member 201 in the connector of this embodiment allows the male member 17 to be pressed more firmly between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through-hole 161 when the joint 18 is screwed into the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16, via the pressing member 201. This allows the female member 16 to be more firmly fixed to the first fixing device 15, resulting in a more robust connection structure when manufactured using the connector of this embodiment.

[0103] Furthermore, because the connector 200 of this embodiment has a pressing member 201, when the pressing member 201 is inserted into the first through hole 161, it is easier to visually confirm that the male member 17 is properly installed based on the position of the pressing member 201. If necessary, a marker or the like can be provided on the side of the first through hole 161 to confirm the proper position of the pressing member 201.

[0104] The pressing member 201 can be configured to be housed within the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16. The pressing member 201 can be positioned between the joint 18 and the male member 17, and can be positioned to be in contact with the first end 18A of the joint 18 and the end 17A of the male member 17. Specifically, the pressing member 201 can be positioned such that its first end face 201A is in contact with the first end 18A of the joint 18, and its second end face 201B is in contact with the end 17A of the male member 17. The end 17A of the male member 17 is the face opposite to the face facing the concrete structure 11, and is the face facing the joint 18.

[0105] An example of the configuration of the pressing member 201 will be explained using Figures 2D and 2E.

[0106] Figure 2D is a perspective view of one example configuration of the pressing member 201. The pressing member 201 may have an annular shape with a through hole 2011 in the center, as shown in Figure 2D, so that it can be housed in the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. The through hole 2011 can house the first fixing device 15 or the first PC steel member 12, as shown in Figure 2C.

[0107] Therefore, as shown in Figure 2D, the outer diameter D201 of the pressing member 201 can be selected according to the inner diameter of the location in the first through hole 161 where the pressing member 201 is positioned. Also, the diameter D2011 of the through hole 2011 of the pressing member 201 can be selected according to the outer diameter of the first fixing device 15, for example, the first measuring cone 151.

[0108] The pressing member 201 has the function of pressing the male member 17 more firmly between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 when the joint 18 is screwed into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. For this reason, the width L201 of the annular portion of the pressing member 201 can be sized to match the distance between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161.

[0109] Furthermore, a notch 202, indicated by a dashed line, can be provided in the pressing member 201 to allow for fine adjustment of its outer diameter D201. By adjusting and selecting the width of the notch 202, the deformable range of the outer diameter D201 of the pressing member 201 can be selected.

[0110] The height H201, which is the length between the first end face 201A and the second end face 201B of the pressing member 201, can be set to a length that corresponds to the distance between the first end 18A of the joint 18 and the end 17A of the male member 17 when the joint 18 is inserted into the first through hole 161.

[0111] The pressing member 201 can also be composed of multiple members along the height, i.e., along the X-axis in Figure 2D. By composing the pressing member 201 with multiple members along the height, the height of the pressing member 201 can be easily adjusted by selecting multiple members to match the appropriate length between the end 17A of the male member 17 and the first end 18A of the joint 18.

[0112] The material of the pressing member 201 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to include one or more materials selected from metals and elastic materials. The material of the pressing member 201 may also consist of only one or more materials selected from metals and elastic materials. In the case of metal, it is preferable that the pressing member is made of the same type of metal as the first fixing member 15 and the joint 18 in order to prevent corrosion current from flowing at the points where it comes into contact with the first fixing member 15 and the joint 18. For this reason, when the pressing member 201 includes metal, it is preferable to use the metal material described in "(3) Regarding the material of the connector", and it is more preferable to use carbon steel, for example.

[0113] In the case of elastic materials, rubber or the like can be preferably used.

[0114] Furthermore, the pressing member 201 can also be configured to include, for example, a backing plate 203 and an elastic member 204 positioned between the backing plates 203, as shown in Figure 2E. In other words, the pressing member 201 can also include an elastic member 204. Figure 2E is a cross-sectional view of the pressing member 201 along a plane passing through its central axis.

[0115] As shown in Figure 2E, the pressing member 201 may have a first backing plate 2031 and a second backing plate 2032 as a backing plate 203, including the first end face 201A and the second end face 201B of the pressing member 201. An elastic member 204 may be provided between the first backing plate 2031 and the second backing plate 2032.

[0116] Figure 2E shows an example where a coil spring is used as the elastic member 204, but rubber or other materials can also be used.

[0117] For example, the screwing of the joint 18 into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16 may loosen due to changes over time. However, even if the screwing of the joint 18 loosens, the pressing member 201 includes an elastic member 204, which allows the male member 17 to be firmly pressed between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161.

[0118] Note that the connector 200 shown in Figure 2C can have the same configuration as the connector 10 described using Figure 1, except that it has a pressing member 201 and the joint 18 has a protrusion 21.

[0119] In this embodiment, when the connector 200 has a pressing member 201, the joint 18 only needs to be configured to contact the pressing member 201, and can be configured without a protrusion 21. If the joint 18 does not have a protrusion 21, for example, as in Figure 1, the pressing member 201 of the joint 18 and the first end 18A facing the first fixing device 15 can be made into a flat surface. In this case, the pressing member 201 will be in contact with the flat surface of the joint 18. (2-5) Sleeves The connector of this embodiment may further have a sleeve 31 having a second through-hole 311.

[0120] The sleeve 31 will be explained using Figure 3A. Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the connecting structure 30, which connects the first PC steel member 12 and the second PC steel member 32, with respect to the plane passing through the central axis CA of the first PC steel member 12.

[0121] The sleeve 31 can have a cylindrical shape and can connect the second anchoring device 33, which grips the second PC steel material 32, to the joint 18.

[0122] The second through-hole 311 may have a second female threaded portion 321 that is positioned on the inner circumferential surface 31A of the second through-hole 311 on the side of the third opening 311A ​​and engages with the second male threaded portion 184 of the joint 18.

[0123] The second through-hole 311 may have a third female threaded portion 322 that engages with a third male threaded portion 333 provided on the outer circumference 33A of the second fixing device 33 that grips the second PC steel material 32, which is located on the inner circumferential surface 31B on the side of the fourth opening 311B, opposite to the third opening 311A ​​of the second through-hole 311.

[0124] The inner circumferential surface of the second through hole 311 may be provided with a continuous female thread from the third opening 311A ​​side to the fourth opening 311B, and this female thread may be configured to include the second female thread 321 and the third female thread 322.

[0125] The sleeve 31 is initially attached to the outer circumference 33A of the second anchoring device 33, and the second anchoring device 33 can be positioned such that, for example, the end face on the end 32A side of the second PC steel material 32 on the second anchoring device 33 is in contact with the second end 18B of the joint 18. In Figure 3A, a retaining plate 34 that holds down the second male cone 332 is placed on the second anchoring device 33, so each component is positioned such that the end face 35A of the bolt 35 that fixes the retaining plate 34 is in contact with the second end 18B of the joint 18.

[0126] Then, by rotating the sleeve 31, the sleeve 31 is moved toward the joint 18, and the second female threaded portion 321 of the sleeve 31 is fitted into the second male threaded portion 184 of the joint 18, thereby fixing the second fixing device 33 to the first fixing device 15 via the connector 10. In other words, a connection structure 30 can be formed that connects the first PC steel material 12 and the second PC steel material 32.

[0127] As described above, the second fixing device 33 and the joint 18 can be connected by positioning the second fixing device 33 so that its end face contacts the second end portion 18B of the joint 18, and then rotating the sleeve 31 to displace its position. For this reason, it is preferable that the second male threaded portion 184 and the third male threaded portion 333 have threads in the same direction.

[0128] The second male thread portion 184 and the third male thread portion 333 being threads of the same direction means that, for example, the second male thread portion 184 is a right-hand thread and the third male thread portion 333 is a right-hand thread, so that the direction of the threads is the same.

[0129] As described above, to prevent the joint between the joint 18 and the female member 16 from loosening when the sleeve 31 is rotated, it is preferable that the first male threaded portion 183 also has a thread in the same direction as the second male threaded portion 184 and the third male threaded portion 333.

[0130] As described above, because the connector 10 has a sleeve 31, the second fixing device 33 and the joint 18 can be easily connected by rotating the sleeve 31 and displacing its position while the second fixing device 33 and the joint 18 are brought close together. Therefore, a connection structure connecting the first PC steel material 12 and the second PC steel material 32 can be easily manufactured.

[0131] The configuration of the second fixing device 33 is not particularly limited, but like the first fixing device 15, it may have a second mess cone 331 and a second male cone 332. The second mess cone 331 and the second male cone 332 can be configured in the same way as the first mess cone 151 and the first male cone 152, respectively, so their description is omitted.

[0132] Since the second anchoring device 33 is an anchoring device that grips the second PC steel material 32, which is the newly installed PC steel material, it can have a third male threaded portion 333 on its outer circumference 33A as described above.

[0133] It is preferable that the second anchoring device 33 be shipped from the factory already installed on, for example, the second PC steel member 32. For this reason, a retaining plate 34 can be attached to prevent the second male cone 332 of the second anchoring device 33 from coming off. The retaining plate 34 may have a plate portion 341 that contacts the second male cone 332 and a through-hole portion 342 through which the second PC steel member 32 passes. The retaining plate 34 can be fixed to the second anchoring device 33 by bolts 35. (3) Regarding the materials of the connector The material of the connector in this embodiment is not particularly limited and can be selected according to the required strength and other factors when connecting the first PC steel material 12 and the second PC steel material 32.

[0134] The connector material in this embodiment is preferably a metallic material, and more preferably one or more selected from, for example, chromium-molybdenum steel, carbon steel, etc. Examples of chromium-molybdenum steel include SCM435 and SCM415, which are alloy steels for machine structures, and examples of carbon steel include S45C, which are carbon steels for machine structures. [Connection structure] Next, the connection structure of this embodiment will be described.

[0135] The connection structure of this embodiment is a connection structure that connects a first PC steel member and a second PC steel member, and may have the previously described connector connecting the first PC steel member, the second PC steel member, a first anchoring device that grips the first PC steel member, and a second anchoring device that grips the second PC steel member. For this reason, the matters already described regarding the connector will be omitted from the explanation.

[0136] The connection structure of this embodiment can have, for example, the connection structure 30 shown in Figure 3A. Therefore, we will explain using Figure 3A.

[0137] The connection structure 30 of this embodiment is a structure in which a second PC steel member 32 is connected to a first PC steel member 12 whose longitudinal end 12A is gripped by a first fixing device 15. The connection structure 30 may include the first PC steel member 12, the first fixing device 15, the connector 100, the second PC steel member 32, and the second fixing device 33. The connector 100 may have a female member 16, a male member 17, a joint 18, and a sleeve 31. Note that the connector 100 has the same configuration as the connector 10 in Figure 1, except that it has a sleeve 31. The joint 18 of the connector 100 may be configured to have a protrusion 21, as in the case of the connector 20 shown in Figure 2A. Alternatively, instead of the connector 100, a connector 110 having a connector 200 and a sleeve 31, as shown in Figure 3B, can be used. In other words, as shown in Figure 3B, the connector 200 of the connection structure 300 can be further housed in the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16, and may also have an annular pressing member 201 positioned between the joint 18 and the male member 17. The connection structure 300 in Figure 3B has the same structure as the connection structure 30 described using Figure 3A, except that it uses the connector 200, so its description is omitted.

[0138] The connector 200 used in this embodiment has a pressing member 201, which allows the male member 17 to be pressed more firmly between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through-hole 161 when the joint 18 is screwed into the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16, via the pressing member 201. As a result, the female member 16 can be fixed more firmly to the first fixing device 15, making the connection structure of this embodiment more robust.

[0139] Furthermore, since the connector 200 used in this embodiment has a pressing member 201, when the pressing member 201 is inserted into the first through hole 161, it is easier to visually confirm that the male member 17 is properly installed based on the position of the pressing member 201.

[0140] In the connection structure 30 of this embodiment, a cap 36 may be installed to cover the connector 10 described above, and the filler material may be filled from either the first pipe 361 or the second pipe 362 provided on the side of the cap 36. The material of the filler material is not particularly limited, and various fillers can be used, for example, one or more selected from epoxy resin, pre-grout resin, wax, cement grout, asphalt, etc.

[0141] In the connection structure 30 of this embodiment, by installing the connector 100 on the first anchoring member 15 that grips the first PC steel member 12, a connection structure can be formed even if no threads are formed on the outer surface of the first anchoring member 15.

[0142] In the connection structure 30 of this embodiment, the outer diameter of the connector 100 is largest at the female member 16 portion, for example. The outer diameter of the female member 16 portion is the sum of the outer diameter of the first anchoring device 15 that it houses, the thickness of the male member 17 that fixes the first anchoring device 15, and the thickness of the female member 16's wall portion, which has the necessary wall thickness to support the second PC steel material 32. Furthermore, there is no need to provide various members for connecting to other members on the outer circumference of the female member 16. For this reason, the outer diameter of the connector 10 can be suppressed, and the connection structure of this embodiment using the connector 10 can be applied even in places where the installation space is restricted, such as bridges. [Manufacturing method for connection structures] A method for manufacturing the connection structure of this embodiment will be described.

[0143] In the manufacturing method of the connection structure of this embodiment, the connection structure described above can be manufactured using the connector described above. Therefore, some of the matters already explained regarding the connector and connection structure will be omitted from the explanation.

[0144] The manufacturing method for the connection structure of this embodiment relates to a manufacturing method for a connection structure in which a first PC steel material and a second PC steel material are connected by a connector. The manufacturing method for the connection structure of this embodiment can be carried out according to the flowchart 40 shown in Figure 4, and may include the following first installation step (S1), second installation step (S2), third installation step (S3), and connection step (S4).

[0145] The following describes each step. (1) First installation process (S1) In the first installation step (S1), the first fixing device 15 for gripping the first PC steel material 12 can be inserted into the first through-hole 161 from the first opening 161A side of the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16.

[0146] The first PC steel member 12 is an existing PC steel member in the concrete structure 11. Therefore, in the first installation step (S1), as shown in Figure 3A, the female member 16 can be placed over the first anchoring device 15 exposed from the concrete structure 11, and the female member 16 can be installed so that the first anchoring device 15 is located inside the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16. From the viewpoint of stabilizing the connection structure 30, it is preferable to install the female member 16 so that the first end 16A of the female member 16 is in contact with the bearing plate 14.

[0147] When performing the first installation step (S1), if necessary, an installation jig for the female member 16 can be placed in the jig hole 163, and the female member 16 can be supported by the installation jig. (2) Second installation process (S2) In the second installation step (S2), the male member 17 can be inserted between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16.

[0148] In the second installation step (S2), the male member 17 is inserted between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. The male member 17 functions as a wedge, connecting the first fixing device 15 and the female member 16. In other words, the female member 16 can be fixed to the first fixing device 15 by performing the second installation step (S2).

[0149] The male member 17 can also be configured by combining multiple male member segments 171 and 172, as described above. In this case, during the second installation step (S2), the multiple male member segments 171 and 172 are inserted between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16.

[0150] In the second installation step (S2), the male member 17 can also be pressed using a hammer or various jigs, and the male member 17 can be press-fitted between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16.

[0151] As described above, when the male member 17 has a plurality of male member division pieces 171, 172, it is preferable that the plurality of male member division pieces 171, 172 are evenly inserted between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner circumferential surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. (3) Third installation process (S3) In the third installation step (S3), the first end 18A side of the joint 18 is inserted from the second opening 161B side of the first through hole 161, and the first male threaded portion 183 of the joint 18 can be screwed into the first female threaded portion 162 of the first through hole 161.

[0152] As described above, the joint 18 has a first male threaded portion 183 on the first end 18A side. Therefore, the joint 18 can be installed on the female member 16 by screwing the first male threaded portion 183 of the joint 18 into the first female threaded portion 162 of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16.

[0153] As shown in Figure 3A, the joint 18 has a first male threaded portion 183 and a second male threaded portion 184 on its side surfaces 18C and 18D. Therefore, when installing it on the female member 16, it may be difficult for the worker to hold the joint 18 and screw the first male threaded portion 183 into the first female threaded portion 162. To address this, the joint 18 may also have a jig hole 185 for fixing a jig to the joint 18 when screwing the first male threaded portion 183 into the first female threaded portion 162.

[0154] In the third installation step (S3), an installation jig for the joint 18 can also be installed on the joint 18 via the jig hole 185. The worker may then rotate the joint 18 using the installation jig for the joint 18 and screw the first male threaded portion 183 of the joint 18 into the first female threaded portion 162 of the first through hole 161. At the same time, an installation jig for the female member 16 may be placed in the jig hole 163 of the female member 16, and the worker may hold the installation jig for the female member 16 to prevent the female member 16 from rotating.

[0155] In the third installation step (S3), when installing the joint 18 to the female member 16, it is preferable that the entire first joint portion 1811 of the joint 18 is housed within the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. That is, when the joint 18 is installed to the female member 16, it is preferable that the third end portion 18E of the first joint portion 1811, located on the second end portion 18B side, coincides with the second end portion 16B of the female member 16. Therefore, in the third installation step (S3), it is preferable to screw the first male thread portion 183 into the first female thread portion 162 until the first male thread portion 183 is no longer visible from the outside.

[0156] By screwing the first male threaded portion 183 into the first female threaded portion 162 until the first male threaded portion 183 is no longer visible from the outside, the entire first joint portion 1811 can be housed within the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16. This ensures sufficient joining distance between the joint 18 and the female member 16, thereby increasing the joining strength between the joint 18 and the female member 16.

[0157] As previously described, the configuration can also be made such that it is easy to confirm that the first male threaded portion 183 provided on the side surface 18C of the first joint portion 1811 has been completely screwed into the first female threaded portion 162 provided in the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. Specifically, for example, one or more selected from the first male threaded portion 183 and the second male threaded portion 184 may be colored. In this case, it is particularly preferable that the first male threaded portion 183 is colored.

[0158] If the first male threaded portion 183 is colored, it can be confirmed that the first male threaded portion 183 has been fully screwed into the first female threaded portion 162 when the color of the first male threaded portion 183 is no longer visible.

[0159] If the second male threaded portion 184 is colored, it can be confirmed that the first male threaded portion 183 has been fully screwed into the first female threaded portion 162 when the colored portion of the second male threaded portion 184 reaches the second end portion 16B of the female member 16.

[0160] The work of installing the connector 10 of this embodiment onto the first fixing device 15 may be performed in a dark space surrounded by a concrete structure 11 or the like. Therefore, by coloring one or more selected parts from the first male threaded portion 183 and the second male threaded portion 184, it is easy to confirm that the first male threaded portion 183 is fully screwed into the first female threaded portion 162, regardless of the brightness of the work area. Furthermore, since it is easy to visually confirm that the first male threaded portion 183 is fully screwed into the first female threaded portion 162, the connector of this embodiment can be easily installed regardless of the worker's skill level.

[0161] In the connection structure 30 shown in Figure 3A, the joint 18 and the male member 17 are not in contact, but the structure is not limited to this configuration.

[0162] In the third installation step (S3), when the joint 18 is inserted into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, the first end portion 18A of the joint 18 can be configured to come into contact with the male member 17.

[0163] As described above, by inserting the male member 17 between the outer circumference 151A of the first anchoring device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, the male member 17 functions as a wedge, and the female member 16 can be fixed to the first anchoring device 15. However, if the insertion of the male member 17 is not sufficient, or if the male member 17 is configured by combining multiple male member segments 171 and 172, and the multiple male member segments 171 and 172 are not inserted evenly, the force fixing the female member 16 to the first anchoring device 15 may decrease. In this way, if the force fixing the female member 16 to the first anchoring device 15 is insufficient, the male member 17 and the female member 16 may come off the first anchoring device 15 when tension is introduced to the second PC steel after the second PC steel is connected.

[0164] In contrast, when the joint 18 is inserted into the first through-hole 161 of the female member 16, the first end portion 18A of the joint 18 and the male member 17 are made to come into contact, thereby firmly and evenly pressing the male member 17 between the outer circumference 151A of the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through-hole 161. As a result, the female member 16 can be more firmly fixed to the first fixing device 15, and the connection structure manufactured using the connector of this embodiment can be made more robust.

[0165] In the third installation step (S3), the protrusion 21 may be provided on the first end 18A side of the joint 18, for example, as in the case of the connector 20 shown in Figure 2A.

[0166] By providing the protrusion 21, when the joint 18 is inserted into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, the male member 17 is pressed more firmly between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner surface 16C of the first through hole 161. As a result, the female member 16 can be fixed more firmly to the first fixing device 15, and the connection structure can be made stronger.

[0167] Furthermore, in the third installation step (S3), as in the case of the connector 200 shown in Figure 2C, the pressing member 201 and the first end 18A of the joint 18 can be inserted from the second opening 161B side of the first through hole 161 of the female member 16. Then, the first male threaded portion 183 of the joint 18 can be screwed into the first female threaded portion 162 of the first through hole 161. In other words, the connection structure 300 shown in Figure 3B can also be manufactured.

[0168] Even when the pressing member 201 is used, the joint 18 may or may not have a protrusion 21 on the first end 18A side. If the joint 18 has a protrusion 21, the protrusion 21 of the joint 18 and the pressing member 201 come into contact, and the male member 17 is pressed particularly strongly between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner circumferential surface 16C of the first through hole 161.

[0169] The connector 200 used in the manufacturing method of the connection structure of this embodiment has a pressing member 201. When the joint 18 is screwed into the first through hole 161 of the female member 16, the male member 17 is pressed more firmly between the first fixing device 15 and the first inner circumferential surface 16C of the first through hole 161 via the pressing member 201. As a result, the female member 16 can be fixed more firmly to the first fixing device 15, and the connection structure manufactured by the manufacturing method of the connection structure of this embodiment can be made stronger.

[0170] Furthermore, since the connector 200 used in the manufacturing method of the connection structure of this embodiment has a pressing member 201, when the pressing member 201 is inserted into the first through hole 161, it is easier to visually confirm that the male member 17 is properly installed based on the position of the pressing member 201. (4) Connection process (S4) In the connection step (S4), the second female threaded portion 321 located on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole 311 of the sleeve 31 can be fitted with the second male threaded portion 184 of the joint 18. At the same time, the third female threaded portion 322 located on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole 311 of the sleeve 31 can be fitted with the third male threaded portion 333 of the second fixing device 33.

[0171] At the start of the connection process (S4), the sleeve 31 can be attached to the outer circumference 33A of the second anchoring device 33. For example, the second anchoring device 33 can be positioned so that the end face of the second PC steel material 32 on the end 32A side of the second anchoring device 33 is close to the second end 18B of the joint 18.

[0172] Then, by rotating the sleeve 31, the sleeve 31 is moved toward the joint 18, and the second female threaded portion 321 of the sleeve 31 is fitted into the second male threaded portion 184 of the joint 18, thereby fixing the second fixing device 33 to the first fixing device 15 via the connector 10. In other words, a connection structure 30 can be formed that connects the first PC steel material 12 and the second PC steel material 32.

[0173] In connection step S4, it is preferable to displace the sleeve 31 until it can no longer advance, for example, until it comes into contact with the third end 18E of the joint 18.

[0174] In the connection step (S4), it is preferable to connect the second fixing device 33 and the joint 18 using the sleeve 31 so that the second fixing device 33 and the joint 18 are in contact. By connecting the second fixing device 33 and the joint 18 using the sleeve 31 so that the second fixing device 33 and the joint 18 are in contact, the total joining distance between the second female thread 321 and the third female thread 322 of the sleeve 31, the second male thread 184 of the joint 18, and the third male thread 333 of the second fixing device 33 can be increased. This makes it possible to create a particularly strong connection structure.

[0175] Therefore, in the connection step (S4), it is preferable to position the second fixing device 33 so that the end face of the second fixing device 33 facing the joint 18 is in contact with the second end 18B of the joint 18, before rotating the sleeve 31.

[0176] The end face of the second fixing device 33 also includes the retaining plate 34 installed on the second fixing device 33 and the bolt 35 that secures the retaining plate 34. In Figure 3A, the retaining plate 34 that holds down the second male cone 332 is placed on the second fixing device 33, so the components are arranged so that the end face 35A of the bolt 35 that secures the retaining plate 34 is in contact with the second end 18B of the joint 18. (5) Cap installation process The manufacturing method of the connection structure of this embodiment may also include a cap installation step, as shown in Figure 3A, in which the cap 36 is installed so as to cover the connector 10 described above.

[0177] Furthermore, the manufacturing method of the connection structure of this embodiment may also include a filling step of filling the first pipe 361 and the second pipe 362, which are provided on the side surface of the cap 36, with filler material. The material of the filler material is not particularly limited, and various fillers can be used, for example, one or more selected from epoxy resin, pre-grout resin, wax, cement grout, asphalt, etc.

[0178] According to the manufacturing method of the connection structure of this embodiment, by installing the connector 100 on the first fixing device 15 that grips the first PC steel material 12, a connection structure can be formed even if no threads are formed on the outer surface of the first fixing device 15.

[0179] In the manufacturing method of the connection structure of this embodiment, the outer diameter of the connector 10 is largest at the female member 16 portion, for example. The outer diameter of the female member 16 portion is the sum of the outer diameter of the first anchoring device 15 that it houses, the thickness of the male member 17 that fixes the first anchoring device 15, and the thickness of the female member 16 portion which has the necessary wall thickness to support the second PC steel material 32. Furthermore, there is no need to provide various members for connecting to other members on the outer circumference of the female member 16. For this reason, the outer diameter of the connector 10 can be suppressed, and the connection structure of this embodiment using the connector 10 can be applied even in places where the installation space is restricted, such as bridges. [Example of connection structure configuration] Figure 5 shows an example of a configuration in which the connection structure 30 of this embodiment is installed on an existing bridge and widened. However, the present invention is not limited to these configuration examples.

[0180] In Figure 5, area 51 is the existing area and is an existing bridge. The thickness L511 of the bridge deck 511 is 45 mm, and 13 mm diameter reinforcing bars extend in the left-right direction in the figure. The first anchoring device 15, which gripped the first PC steel bar 12 with a nominal diameter of 21.8 mm that was installed in area 51, is now installed on the side of the bridge in area 51, which is the existing area.

[0181] In Figure 5, area 52 is the extension, which is the section where the bridge will be newly extended.

[0182] When manufacturing the extension section, a connection structure 30 having a newly installed second PC steel member 32 and a second anchoring member 33 was manufactured using the connector 100 described above on the first anchoring member 15. In Figure 5, a detailed description of the connection structure 30 is omitted, but the cap 36 described above is provided on the outer circumference, and the cap 36 is filled with a filler material.

[0183] Although the extension is constrained by the size of the existing bridge, the aforementioned connection structure allows for a reduction in the size of the connection structure, thus confirming that the connection structure can be manufactured even under the above constraints. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0184] 10, 20, 100 connectors 11. Concrete structures 12 1st PC steel material 12A end 13 Sheath 14. Bearing plate 15 First fixing device D15 Outer diameter of the first fixing device 151 First Mescone 151A outer circumference 152 First Oscone 16 Female component 16A 1st end 16B 2nd end 16C 1st inner surface 16D 2nd inner surface 161 First through hole 161A 1st opening 1611 First area 1612 Second area D161A Inner diameter of the first opening 161B 2nd opening D161B Inner diameter of the second opening 162 First female thread section 163 Jig hole 17 Male member 17A End 171, 172 Male member split piece 18 joints 1811 First Joint Section D1811 Outer diameter of the first joint 1812 Second joint section D1812 Outer diameter of the second joint 18A 1st end 18B 2nd end 18C, 18D side 18E 3rd end 182 Through hole 183 First male thread section 184 Second male thread section 185 Jig hole 21 Convex part 200, 110 connectors 201 Pressing member 201A 1st end surface 201B 2nd end face H201 Height L201 width D201 Outer Diameter 2011 Through hole D2011 diameter 202 Notch 203 backing plate 2031 1st backing plate 2032 Second backing plate 204 Elastic members 30,300 connection structure 31 sleeves 311 Second through hole 311A 3rd opening 31A Inner surface 311B 4th opening 31B Inner surface 321 Second female thread section 322 Third female thread section 32 2nd PC steel material 32A end 33 Second Fixing Device 331 Second Mescone 332 Second Oscone 33A outer circumference 333 Third male thread section 34 Pressing plate 341 Board part 342 Through hole 35 volts 35A end face 36 caps 361 First Piping 362 Second Piping CA center axis 40 Flowchart S1 1st installation process S2 2nd installation process S3 3rd installation process S4 connection process 51 areas 511 Floor slab L511 Thickness 52 areas

Claims

1. A connector for connecting a first PC steel member and a second PC steel member, A female member having a first through-hole capable of accommodating a first fixing device for gripping the first PC steel material, A male member configured to be inserted between the first fixing device and the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole, A joint having a first male threaded portion on the side surface of the first end in the longitudinal direction, and a second male threaded portion on the side surface of the second end located opposite the first end in the longitudinal direction, The female member has an annular pressing member that can be housed in the first through-hole and is positioned between the joint and the male member, In the first through-hole, when the opening on the side into which the first fixing device is inserted is designated as the first opening, the first through-hole has a connector having a first female threaded portion on the inner circumferential surface of the second opening side located opposite to the first opening, which engages with the first male threaded portion.

2. The connector according to claim 1, wherein the pressing member includes an elastic member.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a protrusion is provided at the first end of the joint.

4. The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one or more selected from the first male thread portion and the second male thread portion are colored.

5. The sleeve further includes a second through hole, The second through hole is A second female threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole on the third opening side, which engages with the second male threaded portion of the joint, The connector according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising: a third female threaded portion that engages with a third male threaded portion provided on the outer circumference of a second fixing device for gripping the second PC steel material, which is located on the inner circumferential surface of the second through-hole on the side of the fourth opening opposite to the third opening.

6. A connecting structure that connects a first PC steel member and a second PC steel member, The first PC steel material and, The previously mentioned 2PC steel material, It has a connector that connects a first anchoring device that grips the first PC steel material and a second anchoring device that grips the second PC steel material, The aforementioned connector is A female member having a first through-hole capable of accommodating the first fixing device, A male member configured to be inserted between the first fixing device and the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole, A joint having a first male threaded portion on the side surface of the first end in the longitudinal direction, and a second male threaded portion on the side surface of the second end located opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction, An annular pressing member which can be housed in the first through-hole of the female member and is positioned between the joint and the male member, A sleeve having a second through hole, When the opening of the first through-hole on the side into which the first fixing device is inserted is designated as the first opening, the first through-hole has a first female threaded portion on the inner circumferential surface of the second opening side located opposite to the first opening, which fits with the first male threaded portion. The second through hole is A second female threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole on the third opening side, which engages with the second male threaded portion of the joint, A connection structure comprising: a third female threaded portion, which is positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the second through-hole on the side of the fourth opening opposite to the third opening, and which engages with a third male threaded portion provided on the outer circumference of the second fixing device.

7. A method for manufacturing a connection structure in which a first PC steel material and a second PC steel material are connected by a connector, The aforementioned connector is A female member having a first through-hole capable of accommodating a first fixing device for gripping the first PC steel material, A male member configured to be inserted between the first fixing device and the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole, A joint having a first male threaded portion on the side surface of the first end in the longitudinal direction, and a second male threaded portion on the side surface of the second end located opposite to the first end in the longitudinal direction, An annular pressing member which can be housed in the first through-hole of the female member and is positioned between the joint and the male member, A sleeve having a second through hole, When the opening of the first through-hole on the side into which the first fixing device is inserted is designated as the first opening, the first through-hole has a first female threaded portion on the inner circumferential surface of the second opening side located opposite to the first opening, which fits with the first male threaded portion. The second through hole is A second female threaded portion is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole on the third opening side, which engages with the second male threaded portion of the joint, It has a third female thread portion that engages with a third male thread portion provided on the outer circumference of the second fixing device for gripping the second PC steel material, which is located on the inner circumferential surface of the fourth opening side of the second through hole, opposite to the third opening, The method for manufacturing the aforementioned connection structure is as follows: A first installation step involves inserting the first fixing device for gripping the first PC steel material into the first through-hole from the first opening side of the first through-hole in the female member, A second installation step involves inserting the male member between the first fixing device and the inner circumferential surface of the first through hole in the female member, A third installation step involves inserting the pressing member and the first end of the joint from the second opening side of the first through hole, and screwing the first male thread of the joint into the first female thread of the first through hole, thereby installing the joint on the female member. The system includes a connection step of connecting the second fixing device and the joint using the sleeve, A method for manufacturing a connection structure, wherein in the connection step, the second female thread portion, which is positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole in the sleeve, is fitted with the second male thread portion, which is fitted with the third female thread portion, which is positioned on the inner circumferential surface of the second through hole in the sleeve, is fitted with the third male thread portion, which is fitted with the second fixing device.

8. The method for manufacturing a connection structure according to claim 7, wherein in the third installation step, the first male thread portion is screwed into the first female thread portion until the first male thread portion is no longer visible from the outside.

9. The method for manufacturing a connection structure according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein in the connection step, the second fixing device and the joint are connected by the sleeve such that the second fixing device and the joint are in contact.

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