COUPLER DEVICE AND ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A coupler device is described for joining together two adjacent members 7,17 and in particular structural members which may for example may be tunnel segments, well segments, building segments, precast concrete members, preformed panels and other items used in but not limited to the construction industry. The coupler device has an elongate body 2 carrying spaced apart first and second projecting portions 6,16, wherein each of the first and second projecting portions is configured to be received within a complementarily recessed portion 8,18 in a face of a respective member and thereby in use to join together the two respective members.

Claims

1. A coupler device assembly comprising at least two members and at least one coupler device for joining together two adjacent members, wherein the coupler device has an elongate body carrying spaced apart first and second projecting portions, and each member is provided with a recessed portion in a face thereof; wherein each of the first and second projecting portions is cooperably configured with a complementarily recessed portion in a face of a respective member such that the projecting portion is adapted to be received within the complementarily recessed portion in the face of a respective member; wherein: each projecting portion comprises a tapered body portion and an end portion; each recessed portion comprises a complementarily shaped recess; and at least the end portion of the projecting portion is co-operably configured with at least an engagement portion of the complementarily shaped recess such as to tend to resist removal of the projecting portion from the recess when the projecting portion is located therein.

2. An assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each member is a tunnel segment and each coupler device is adapted to effect a radial/longitudinal joint between two adjacent tunnel segments.

3. An assembly in accordance with claim 2 wherein a first tunnel liner segment is provided with a first recess shaped to receive a first projecting portion of a coupler device, and a second tunnel segment is provided with a second recess shaped to receive a second projecting portion of a coupler device, the respective first and second recesses provided in respective end faces of the tunnel segments towards adjacent edges thereof.

4. An assembly in accordance with claim 3 comprising a coupler device configured when so received in the circumferential end faces of the adjacent tunnel segments to hold the radial/longitudinal joint between the adjacent segments together.

5. An assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a projecting portion comprises a monolithic construction adapted to be received directly into a recessed portion formed directly in a face of a member.

6. An assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a projecting portion is provided in association with a receiving formation structured to be retained within a member and thereby when so retained form a complementary recessed portion therein complementarily structured to receive the projecting portion and to effect a mating connection with the projecting portion.

7. An assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein a projecting portion is configured relative to a complementary recessed portion such that with the coupler device and its respective members are assembled together the projecting portion tends to be retained in-situ in that the projecting portion and recess are co-operably structured to tend to resist removal of the projecting portion from the recess.

8. An assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein a projecting portion is adapted to engage within a complementary recessed portion in an interference fit.

9. An assembly in accordance with claim 7 wherein one, other or both of the projecting portion and the recess has a profiled engaging surface and/or one, other or both of the projection and the recess is fabricated from, or has surface portion fabricated from, flexibly resilient material.

10. An assembly in accordance with claim 9 wherein a projecting portion and complementary recess are complementarily configured to provide for a locking retention mechanism as the projecting portion is inserted into the recess, which mechanism acts mechanically to resist removal of the inserted projecting portion.

11. An assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each coupler device comprises a monolithic construction, being a one piece moulding or a monolithic overmoulding on a suitable structural core.

12. An assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each coupler device is fabricated from and/or has an external surface and/or protective covering fabricated from a material resistant to environmental degradation.

13. An assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each coupler device is fabricated from and/or has an external surface and/or protective covering fabricated from a non-ferrous material.

14. A coupler device for joining together two adjacent members comprising an elongate body carrying spaced apart first and second projecting portions, wherein each of the first and second projecting portions is configured to be received within a complementarily recessed portion in a face of a respective member and thereby in use to join together the two respective members; wherein: each projecting portion comprises a tapered body portion and an end portion; each recessed portion comprises a complementarily shaped recess; and at least the end portion of the projecting portion is co-operably configured with at least an engagement portion of the complementarily shaped recess such as to tend to resist removal of the projecting portion from the recess when the projecting portion is located therein.

15. A coupler device in accordance with claim 14 adapted for joining together two adjacent tunnel segments to effect a radial/longitudinal joint between two adjacent tunnel segments.

16. A coupler device in accordance with claim 14 wherein a projecting portion comprises a monolithic construction adapted to be received directly into a recessed portion formed directly in a face of a member.

17. A coupler device in accordance with claim 14 wherein a projecting portion is provided in association with a receiving formation structured to be retained within a member and thereby when so retained form a complementary recessed portion therein complementarily structured to receive the projecting portion and to effect a mating connection with the projecting portion.

18. A coupler device in accordance with claim 14 wherein a projecting portion is configured relative to a complementary recessed portion such that with the coupler device and its respective members assembled together the projecting portion tends to be retained in-situ in that the projecting portion and recess are co-operably structured to tend to resist removal of the projecting portion from the recess.

19. A coupler device in accordance with claim 14 wherein each coupler device comprises a monolithic construction, being a one piece moulding or a monolithic overmoulding on a suitable structural core.

20. A coupler device in accordance with claim 14 being fabricated from and/or having an external surface and/or protective covering fabricated from a material resistant to environmental degradation.

21. A coupler device in accordance with claim 14 being fabricated from and/or having an external surface and/or protective covering fabricated from a non-ferrous material.

22. An assembly comprising at least two members and at least one coupler device in accordance with claim 14 for joining together two adjacent members.

23. A method for joining adjacently together two members comprising the steps of: providing a coupler device having an elongate body and spaced apart first and second projecting portions, wherein each projecting portion comprises a tapered body portion and an end portion; providing each of two members to be joined with a recessed portion in a face thereof, comprising a complementarily shaped recess; wherein each of the first and second projecting portions is configured to be receivingly engaged within a respective recessed portion in the face of the respective member in that at least the end portion of the projecting portion is co-operably configured with at least an engagement portion of the complementarily shaped recess such as to tend to resist removal of the projecting portion from the recess when the projecting portion is located therein; and causing each projecting portion to be received within and thereby to become engaged within, its respective recessed portion and thereby joining together the two respective members.

24. The method of claim 23 further comprising: bringing together a first and a second member adjacently such that an edge of a first member and an edge of a second member are held in face to face abutment; providing a recessed portion in a face of each member in the vicinity of the respective edges; and causing each projecting portion of a coupler device as above described to be received within, and in the preferred case to become engaged within, a respective recessed portion and thereby joining together the two respective members.

25. The method of claim 24 wherein adjacent members in face to face abutment are urged together to create a compressive force between them prior to joining.

26. The method of claim 25 wherein a gasket seal is provided between edges of adjacent members in face to face abutment, and the members are urged together to create a compressive force to close the gasket prior to joining.

27. The method of claim 23 wherein the first and second members are tunnel segments and the method is applied as a method for effecting a radial/longitudinal joint between two adjacent tunnel segments by insertion of a coupler device into recesses into the circumferential end faces of the adjacent tunnel segments.

28. The method of claim 23 wherein the first and second members are tunnel segments and the method comprises the steps of: bringing together a first and a second tunnel segment so that the longitudinal edges are in face to face abutment; providing a recessed portion in a face of each tunnel segment in the vicinity of the respective longitudinal edges; optionally applying a force to urge the first and second segments together; and causing each projecting portion of a coupler device as above described to be received within, and in the preferred case to become engaged within, a respective recessed portion and thereby joining together the two respective tunnel segments.

Description

[0103] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

[0104] FIG. 1 shows in partial cross-section an exemplary embodiment of a coupler device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention received in and connecting two pre-cast concrete members.

[0105] FIG. 2 shows in cross-section a projecting portion of the coupler device of FIG. 1 in situ.

[0106] FIG. 3 shows an end elevation of the joint of FIG. 1.

[0107] FIG. 4 shows an end elevation from the other side of the joint of FIG. 1.

[0108] FIG. 5 shows an alternative exemplary embodiment of a projecting portion coupling male member (pin) and female member (socket).

[0109] FIG. 6 shows alternative forms of coupler device embodying the general principles of FIG. 1;

[0110] FIG. 7 illustrates a possible internal structure and method of fabrication of a coupler device embodying the general principles of FIG. 1.

[0111] In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, a coupler device effects a joint in accordance with the principles of the invention at the longitudinal joint between two adjacent tunnel segments. As the skilled person will appreciate, the same general principles could be applied in similar manner to a joint between other pairs of structural members including without limitation tunnel segments, well segments, building segments, precast concrete members, preformed panels and other items used in but not limited to the construction industry. In the example embodiments a coupler device is shown with a flat profile, which is likely to be appropriate for application in larger diameter tunnels where the effective curvature of the tunnel is small on the scale of the connector, but for smaller diameter tunnels the skilled person will appreciate that a curved product that accommodates the curve of the smaller diameter of the tunnel or more particularly matches the pitch circle diameter of the fixing holes in the segments might be preferred.

[0112] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a first possible embodiment, in which a coupler device in accordance with a first exemplification of the first aspect of the invention is shown effecting a longitudinal joint between two adjacent tunnel segments in accordance with an exemplification of the third aspect of the invention, thereby constituting an assembly in accordance with the second aspect of the invention.

[0113] FIG. 1 shows in partial cross-section an exemplary embodiment of a coupler device in a received position within a receiving channel defined by a pair of adjacent members, which in the example embodiment might for example be pre-cast concrete tunnel segments.

[0114] The coupler device comprises an elongate central bar 2 having dissimilarly configured projecting portions 6, 16 respectively disposed at either end. The coupler device in the example embodiment is an acetal overmoulding on a steel reinforcing rod. The material of the overmoulding gives good environmental resistance in-situ, and the reinforcing rod provides additional stiffness. Other materials could be considered for the reinforcing rod and/or the reinforcing rod could be dispensed with in a single monolithic moulding. Other engineering thermoplastic or other plastics materials may be used for the overmoulding or monolith.

[0115] The coupler device is shown in-situ effecting a joint between two adjacent members 1, 11 which in the embodiment may be pre-cast concrete tunnel segments arranged so that adjacent edge faces abut to form a longitudinal or radial joint. The tunnel segments may for example be rectangular or trapezoidal segments or have any other standard shape.

[0116] As so assembled, the respective members 1, 11 define a channel 3 into which the coupler device is generally received when the two members are in edge to edge abutment at the joint 5, in the example being the longitudinal joint between the two adjacent tunnel segments.

[0117] In the illustrated embodiment 2 different coupling mechanisms are shown by way of example between the respective projecting portion 6, 16. As will be understood, the principles of the invention admit that the respective projecting portions and recesses may be co-operably configured to effect similar of dissimilar connections.

[0118] In the exemplary embodiment, the projecting portions 6, 16 each include a respective body portion 7, 17 and respective engaging portions 8, 18. The projecting portions 7, 17 are given a frustoconical taper with a taper angle which in the embodiment is about 3. In the exemplary embodiments these are identically conformed. It is in respect of the engagement portions that the two projections differ from one another.

[0119] In the exemplary embodiment, the first projection is provided with a two-piece coupling arrangement. An engagement portion 8 comprises a profiled projecting male portion or pin to be engagingly received within a female portion or socket comprising a profiled plastic socket 9. The pin and socket are profiled to facilitate a push fit engagement by the provision of complementary annular profiled grooves on the pin 8 and within the internal wall of the socket 10. The grooves are such as to give the surface of the pin a wedge-shaped profile so configured as to tend to allow insertion of the pin into the socket but to tend to resist its removal. A similar arrangement of grooves is provided on an external surface of the profile plastic socket 9 to retain it within an apertured portion in the first member 1.

[0120] To assemble this first coupling, the profile plastic socket is typically first incorporated into the member 1. It may for example be pre-fitted into a suitably shaped aperture or, more simply, precast into the member. The first projection 6 can then simply be press fitted into this socket when the joint is assembled, the profiled edges of the grooves of the engaging portion 8 of the pin engaging within the socket.

[0121] In the illustrated embodiment, the second projection 16 is provided with a different engagement system. An engagement portion 18 comprises a more tapered frustoconical portion with a taper angle which in the embodiment is around 10. This tapered portion 18 may be adapted to effect an interference fit at a surface 19 of a correspondingly apertured portion of the member 11, or may for example be cast directly into the member 11.

[0122] In accordance with an example mode of assembly of successive pairs of members in a successive array, and for example of successive tunnel segments to complete a tunnel section, each member may be provided with a coupler device which is pre-fixed into and for example pre-cast into an end to be joined, with an adjacent end to be joined of an adjacent member being adapted to receive the other projection when the joint is assembled. In this way, successive members may be successively joined in an array, and successive segments may be successively jointed around a tunnel section. For example in the case of the illustrated embodiment, each member is provided at first end with a coupler device cast into the structure for example in the manner illustrated by the second projection 16 in the second member 11, and with a pre-cast socket at a second end ready to receive a corresponding pin projection for example in the manner illustrated by the first projection 6 and socket 10 in the first member 1. In this way, successive members and for example successive segments may be progressively assembled.

[0123] The first projection 6 is further illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 2 and respective end views of the joint from either side, from view B in the case of FIG. 3 and from view C in the case of FIG. 4, are illustrated.

[0124] As FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate, the coupling device of the invention is readily compatible with the provision of a sealing joint. A groove 21 is shown at the joint for receiving a sealing gasket (not shown). In practice as the joint is assembled the respective members 1, 11 may be held together to apply compressive force to the seal and the coupler device configured to tend to retain that compressive force and so to tend to retain the seal in sealed configuration.

[0125] A further exemplification of an alternative projecting portion and coupling is illustrated in FIG. 5. In particular, FIG. 5 represents an alternative arrangement of multi-piece coupling embodying the principles of a pin and socket as a mating male and female member.

[0126] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 5 a projecting portion is shown having a central double conical core 107 which acts as a dowel and a cylindrical end portion 108 adjacent to the central double conical part of the core 107 which acts as an engagement formation. The external surface of the cylindrical end portion 108 has grooves 109 around its circumference.

[0127] The central double conical part of the core 107 assists in the alignment between units and incorporates recesses 110 to provide a limited amount of flexibility without reducing the sheer and tensile capacity of the projecting portion. Longitudinally along the centre of the projection 104 there may be a totally encased strengthening rod of another material.

[0128] Encased at the end of the recess in the member there is an external sleeve 105 which has a reverse tapered portion 112 encasing expandable collar 116 engaging on the reverse tapered portion 112 of the external sleeve 105.

[0129] The expandable collar 116 conveniently consists of a plurality of arcuate wedges, the inner surface of the arcuate wedges having a number of ridges 114 so shaped as to mate with the grooves 109 around the external surface of the cylindrical end 108.

[0130] According to a possible embodiment the external surface of each arcuate wedge incorporates a tapered portion engaging on the reverse tapered portion 112 of the external sleeve 105, and a groove locating a surrounding elastic membrane 117. The external surface of each arcuate wedge may incorporate a ridge 118 to abut against the external sleeve 105 assisting in the alignment of the arcuate wedge.

[0131] The coupling is thus an arrangement such as is known for example from UK patent GB 2367873 and European Patent EP 0837288.

[0132] It will be understood that the respective projections of the illustrated embodiments and their respective recesses and coupling mechanisms are merely examples of possible projections/recesses coupling arrangements within the scope of the invention. Each is not dependent upon the other, and may be used as a first projection independently with any other appropriate second projection, for example of identical or similar design to the first projection or of other different design.

[0133] In particular the example coupler device illustrated by FIGS. 1 to 4 shows only one example combination of first and second projecting portions. FIG. 6A to F shows six alternative forms of coupler device embodying differently configured projecting portions. Two adjacent members such as two tunnel segments (omitted for clarity) will be joined in like manner to the illustration of FIG. 1.

[0134] In FIG. 6A both projecting portions have a tapered end portion to effect a simple interference fit in a blind hole in a member such as a tunnel segment in like manner to that shown by the right hand projection 16 of FIG. 1.

[0135] In FIG. 6B one projecting portion has a grooved pin and a complementary socket is provided in the member such as the tunnel segment in like manner to that shown by the right hand projection 16 of FIG. 1 to effect an interlock connection.

[0136] In FIG. 6C both projecting portions have a grooved pin with a complementary socket provided.

[0137] In FIG. 6D a back to back arrangement is shown which might be considered to effect a ring joint as well. By way of example only all projecting portions have a grooved pin with a complementary socket provided.

[0138] In FIG. 6E one side is shown pre-bolted into place.

[0139] In FIG. 6F both projecting portions have a profiled surface, but rather than being employed as an interlock with a complementary socket this is envisaged to provide a modified interference fit.

[0140] These and other structures within the scope of the invention may be used in various combinations to provide a coupler device.

[0141] FIG. 7 shows a possible internal structure and method of fabrication of a coupler device embodying the general principles of FIG. 1. The coupler device in the example embodiment is an acetal overmoulding on a steel reinforcing rod 201. The overmoulding is applied in two stages. First a cross moulding 203 is applied, and then end mouldings 207a, 207b are added. A grooved surface 209a 209b is moulded in a distal end of each projecting portion. The overmoulding entirely encapsulates the reinforcing rod. The material of the overmoulding gives good environmental resistance in-situ, and the reinforcing rod provides additional stiffness.