WO2003087492A1

WO2003087492A1 - Reinforcing bar coupler

Info

Publication number: WO2003087492A1
Application number: PCT/KR2003/000670
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yong Keun Kim
Original assignee: Yong Keun Kim
Priority date: 2002-04-08
Filing date: 2003-04-04
Publication date: 2003-10-23
Also published as: AU2003218818A1; KR100514807B1; KR20030080366A

Abstract

This invention relates to a reinforcing bar coupler which could obtain a quick butt joint of the ends of the two reinforcing bars without turning either reinforcing bar nor the coupler. According to the invention, there is provided a reinforcing bar coupler comprising a pair of sleeves (2, 2a) and a pair of wedges (3, 3a). The sleeve (2, 2a) includes a cylindrical shell (22) whose half inner surface is a wedge inserting portion (27) and the other half inner surface is a reinforcing bar inserting portion (26) to surround the end of one side reinforcing bar (1) and a tapered extension shell (21) extending from the cylindrical shell (22) to surround the partial periphery of the end of the other side reinforcing bar (1a). The inner surface of the reinforcing bar inserting portion (26) of the cylindrical shell (22) and the tapered extension shell (21) having annular grooves (25) to receive the rib (12) of the reinforcing bar (1, 1a). The outer surface of the tapered extension shell (21) being tapered. The wedge (3, 3a) is inserted between the wedge inserting portion (27) of a sleeve (2) and the outer surface of the tapered extension shell (21) of the other sleeve (2a).

Description

REINFORCING BAR COUPLER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a reinforcing bar coupler, and

more particularly to a mechanical reinforcing bar coupler which

could obtain a quick butt j oint of the ends of the two reinforcing

bars without turning either reinforcing bar nor the coupler,

and could be commonly used for the reinforcing bars which have

different ribs .

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reinforcing bars used in poured concrete construction

often need to be joined end to end as to make up a longer bar

having required mechanical characteristics to endure a tension

loads. Conventionally, various types of reinforcingbar coupling

have been used such as an overlapping coupling, a gas pressure

weld coupling, a thread type sleeve coupling which is screwed

up into the thread-ended reinforcing bar. But these coupling

methods have some particular problems.

Recently, coupler assemblies, which include

semi-cylindrical half shell members with inner grooves, are

being used. These couplers have an advantage that the end of

reinforcing bar should not be worked or machined. But, these types of coupler require many steps of manufacturing, And in

joining process, these couplers require turning work of coupler

member to join the end of reinforcing bars, which will result

in hard working and low efficiency of reinforcing bar

construction. In addition, as the rib of reinforcing bars are

different in shape to each other according to the manufacturers ,

the same coupler could not be used to join reinforcing bars

of different ribs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is provided to solve the problems as

described above and the object of the invention is to suggest

a novel reinforcing bar coupler which could obtain a quick butt

joint of the ends of the two reinforcing bars of the different

pattern ribs .

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel

reinforcing bar coupler in which the parts of coupler assembly

could be simplified so that the manufacturing cost could be

reduced and the efficiency of fieldmanagement couldbe enhanced.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel

reinforcing bar coupler which could join the reinforcing bars

onlyby striking thewedge without turning the barnor the coupler,

which may enhance the efficiency of the reinforcing bar construction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel

reinforcing bar coupler in which other tools except the striking

tool are not necessary, and the losing of parts could be avoided

because the parts could be attached temporarily.

According to the aspect of the invention, there is provided

a reinforcing bar coupler comprising a pair of sleeves 2, 2a

and a pair of wedges 3, 3a, wherein the sleeve 2, 2a includes

a cylindrical shell 22 whose half inner surface is a wedge

inserting portion 27 and the other half inner surface is a

reinforcing bar inserting portion 26 to surround the end of

one side reinforcing bar 1 and a tapered extension shell 21

extending from the cylindrical shell 22 to surround the partial

periphery of the end of the other side reinforcing bar la, and

the inner surface of the reinforcing bar inserting portion 26

of the cylindrical shell 22 and the tapered extension shell

21 having annular grooves 25 to receive the rib 12 of the

reinforcing bar 1 , la, the outer surface of the tapered extension

shell 21 being tapered, and the wedge 3, 3a has the width and

depth being narrower toward the end of it and could be inserted

between the wedge inserting portion 27 of a sleeve 2 and the

outer surface of the tapered extension shell 21 of the other sleeve 2a .

According to another aspect of the invention, there is

provided a reinforcing bar, wherein a semi-cylindrical central

shell 26 is provided between the cylindrical shell 22 and the

tapered extension shell 21 whose inner surface has a recess

40 to receive the projection or deformation of the cut end of

the reinforced bar.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is

provided a reinforcing bar coupler wherein the cylindrical shell

22 has a longitudinal opening 22a which is narrower than the

width of the wedge 3, 3a.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows the exploded perspective view of the

embodiment .

Figure 2 shows the exploded section of the embodiment.

Figure 3 shows the assembled section of the embodiment .

Figure 4 shows the assembled section of the other

embodiment

Figure 5 shows the assembled side view of the embodiment

Figure 6 shows the assembled perspective view of the embodiment

Figure 7 shows the exploded perspective view of the

embodiment of the wedge

Figure 8 shows the assembled perspective view of the

embodiment of the wedge

Figure 9 shows the perspective view of another embodiment

of the wedge

Figure 10 shows the perspective view of another embodiment

of the wedge

Figure 11 shows the perspective view of the other

embodiment of the invention

Figure 12 shows the assembled section of the embodiment

of Figure 11

BEST MODE FOR CARRING OUT THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described

in detail below by referring to the accompanying drawings .

Figures 1 to 8 show the embodiment of the invention in

which a pair of sleeves 2, 2a of the same shape and a pair of

wedges 3 , 3a of the same shape are provided to couple two aligned

reinforcing bar 1, la in a butt joint.

The sleeve 2, 2a is comprised of three sections, that is, a cylindrical shell 22 whose cross section is preferably

elongated circular or oval and is as long as about 2/5 of the

entire length of the sleeve 2 , 2a, and a semi-cylindrical central

shell 28 which is positioned adjacent to the cylindrical shell

22 and is as long as about 1/5 of the entire length of the sleeve

2, 2a, and a tapered extension shell 21 which extends from the

semi-cylindrical central shell 28 and is as long as about 2/5

of the entire length of the sleeve 2, 2a. Therefore, the entire

shape of the sleeve 2, 2a could be depicted as an oval tube

extends to form a cylindrical shell 22 and, at the point of

about 2/5 of the length, about 3/5 lower part of the circumference

of oval tube is cut off to form a semi-cylindrical central shell

28, and the remained section of 2/5 length extends in the shape

of tapered and partially segmented cylindrical shell to form

a tapered extension shell 21.

The preferred sectional shape of the cylindrical shell

22 is an elongated circular or oval. But any tubular shape will

be available enough to surround the reinforcing bar and the

inserted wedge as described below.

A plurality of annular ribs 29a and two longitudinal ribs

29 similar to the rib 12 of reinforcing bar 1, la are formed

on the outer surface of the cylindrical shell 22 to increase

the bonding force with the concrete. A half inner surface of the cylindrical shell 22 is parallel to the axis of the sleeve

2, 2a and forms a wedge insertion portion 27, and the other

half inner surface of the cylindrical shell 22 forms a reinforcing

bar insertion portion 26 on which a plurality of semi-annular

grooves 25 are provided.

The outer surface of the tapered extension shell 21 is

an inclined surface 23 with the width and the depth being narrower

toward the end of it . The inner surface of the tapered extension

shell 21 forms a reinforcing bar insertion portion 26 and is

provided with a plurality of semi-annular grooves 25, which

is similar to those of the cylindrical shell 22. On the inclined

outer surface 23 of the tapered extension shell 21 is a serration

24, which will be engaged with the serration 32 of the wedge

3, 3a as mentioned later.

On the inner surface of the semi-cylindrical central shell

28 which connects the cylindrical shell 22 and the tapered

extension shell 21 is provided a recess 40 whose inner radius

is preferably larger than that of the semi -annular groove 25,

which will receive the projection or deformation at the end

of bar formed by bar cutting or bending.

The wedge 3 , 3a is about a shape of the segmented cylinder

which is partially cut along the line parallel to the axial

line. The round surface 30c of the wedge 3, 3a is mated with the wedge insertion portion 27 of the sleeve 2, 2a, and the

other surface of the wedge 3, 3a, which is a tapered inclined

surface 31, is mated with the inclined surface 23 of the tapered

extension shell 21. On the round surface 30c and on the inclined

surface of the wedge3 , 3a are provided al least one longitudinal

groove 33 which will reduce the friction area, so make the wedge

be inserted easily.

On the front side of the round surface 30c of the wedge

3, 3a is provided an embedded magnet 34. The magnet 34 will

temporarily attach the wedge 3 , 3a on the wedge insertion port ion

27 of the sleeve 2, 2a, which will make the bar joining work

easier and avoid the parts losing.

On the near part of the striking end 30b of the tapered

inclined surface 31 is a recess 38, into which an elastic member

36 and the stopper 35 are inserted in sequence. The elastic

member 36 is provided with a plurality of the elastic projections

36a made by cutting as shown in Figure 7. A hole 36b is formed

on the central area of the elastic member 36 , in which an elastic

magnet 37 is inserted. The elastic magnet 37 will attach the

elastic member 36 to the wedge 3, 3a. If the wedge 3, 3a is

made of non-magnetic material , a synthetic rubber and an adhesive

may be used to attach the magnet 37 on the wedge 3, 3a instead

of elastic magnet 37. The stopper 35 has a serration 32 on the surface to be

engaged with the serration 24 of the sleeve 2, 2a. The serration

32 of the wedge 3, 3a will prevent the wedge 3, 3a from pulling

out between the wedge insertion portion 27 of one sleeve 2 and

the inclined surface 23 of the tapered extension shell 21 of

the other sleeve 2a.

The coupling process of the embodiment according to the

invention will be described as follows. First, one reinforcing

bar 1 is inserted from one end of the cylindrical shell 22 of

the sleeve 2 to reach the central portion or the central shell

28 of the sleeve 2. Then, the rib 12 of the reinforcing bar

1 is adjusted to engage with the annular groove 25 of the sleeve

2. Then, the other reinforcing bar la is inserted on the

cylindrical shell 22 of the other sleeve 2a to reach the central

portion or the central shell 28 of the sleeve^' 2a. And the rib

12 of the reinforcing bar la is adjusted to engage with the

annular groove 25 of the sleeve 2a.

And the reinforcing bar la is inserted to the reinforcing

bar inserting portion 26 of the tapered extension shell 21 of

the sleeve 2 until the front end of the reinforcing bar la reaches

the central portion or the central shell 28 of the sleeve 2.

At the same time, the tapered extension shell 21 of the sleeve 2a is inserted from the central portion or the central shell

28 of the sleeve 2 into the wedge insertion portion 27 of the

sleeve 2. Then, the ribs 12 of the reinforcing bar 1, la are

adj usted to engage with the annular groove 25 of the corresponding

sleeve 2. 2a .

Then, the wedges 3, 3a are inserted and driven between

the wedge inserting portion 27 of the cylindrical shell 22 and

the inclined surface 23 of the tapered extension shell 21 of

each sleeve 2, 2a. Then, by the wedge action, the driven wedge

3, 3a will firmly clamp the reinforcing bars 1, la against the

sleeve 2, 2a . At this time, the wedge 3 , 3a may be easily attached

on the wedge insertion portion 27 by the magnet 34, which will

make wedge driving work be easier.

Figure 3 shows the joined reinforcing bars according to

the coupler of the invention in which the reinforcing bar 1,

la has a circular rib 12. But, Figure 4 shows the joined

reinforcing bars according to the coupler of the invention in

which the reinforcing bar 1, la has alternately offset

semi-circular rib 12. As shown in Figure 3 and 4, the coupler

of the invention could be commonly used for reinforcing bars

of different rib type by adjusting the relative inserting depth

of the sleeve 2, 2a.

Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which the wedge 3b have the slit 36c on the striking end 30b.

The slit 36c will reduce the friction when the wedge is driven

and make the wedge be easily inserted and the serrations 24,

32 be not destroyed.

Figure 10 shows another embodiment of the wedge, in which

the wedge 3c is not provided with an elastic member 36 and slit

36c. In this case, the wedge 3c is only provided with a serration

32 on the inclined surface 31. This embodiment will be preferably

applied to a smaller size reinforcing bar or a smaller size

wedge on which the elastic member 36 or the slit 36c could be

hardly formed.

Figure 11 and 12 show another modified embodiment of the

invention, in which the cylindrical shell 22 of the sleeve 2b,

2c has a longitudinal opening 22a which is narrower than the

width of the wedge 3, 3a. Therefore, the cylindrical shell 22

comes to have a shape of trough. And the edge of the opening

22a is bent inwardly to form an engaging lip 23a. And the wedge

3 also has an engaging bent lips 31a on the opposite sides to

be engaged with the engaging lip 23 of the cylindrical shell

22. This embodiment is advantageous in that the inner part of

cylindrical shell 22 is visible, so adjusting of rib 12 of the

reinforcing bar 1, la with the groove 25 of the sleeve 2b, 2c

is easier. And, if the width of the opening 22a is properly determined, the reinforcing bar may be inserted into the sleeve

2b, 2c through the opening 22a as well.

The parts of coupler of the invention may be made of cast

steel , stainless steel or other steel and may be formed by means

of casting, forging, press working or other proper methods .

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

According to the reinforcing bar coupler of the invention

as described above, the reinforcing bars of different type rib

can be commonly joined by properly adjusting the sleeves in

the axial direction to engage the rib with annular groove. And

the joining work can be performed only by use of striking tool

without need of turning the reinforcing bar or the coupler.

And the number of part is fewer than the conventional reinforcing

bar coupler, so the manufacturing and maintenance of parts is

simple and easy. And as the magnet on the wedge could attach

the wedge on the sleeve temporarily, losing of parts may be

prevented and the working efficiency of the reinforcing bar

coupling will be considerably improved.

Claims

1, A reinforcing bar coupler comprising a pair of sleeves

2 , 2a and a pair of wedges 3, 3a, wherein the sleeve 2 , 2a includes

a cylindrical shell 22 whose half inner surface is a wedge

inserting portion 27 and the other half inner surface is a

reinforcing bar inserting portion 26 to surround the end of

one side reinforcing bar 1 and a tapered extension shell 21

extending from the cylindrical shell 22 to surround the partial

periphery of the end of the other side reinforcing bar la, and

the inner surface of the reinforcing bar inserting portion 26

of the cylindrical shell 22 and the tapered extension shell

21 having annular grooves 25 to receive the rib 12 of the

reinforcing bar 1, la, the outer surface of the tapered extension

shell 21 being tapered, and the wedge 3, 3a has the width and

depth being narrower toward the end of it and could be inserted

between the wedge inserting portion 27 of a sleeve 2 and the

outer surface of the tapered extension shell 21 of the other

sleeve 2a.

2. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 1, wherein a

semi-cylindrical central shell 26 is provided between the

cylindrical shell 22 and the tapered extension shell 21 whose 3, 3b have a serration 32 on the tapered inclined surface 31

tobe engagedwith the inclined surface 23 of the taperedextension

shell 21 of the sleeve 2, 2a.

8. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 1, wherein

longitudinal grooves 33 are provided on the round surface 30c

and on the inclined surface of the wedge 3, 3a, which will reduce

the friction area.

9. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 1, wherein a magnet

34 is embedded on the round surface 30c of the wedge 3, 3a.

10. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 5, wherein the

elastic member 36 is provided with a plurality of the elastic

projections 36a made by cut and an elastic magnet 37 inserted

in the hole 36b on the central area of the elastic member 36.

11. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 5, wherein the

elastic member 36 is made of plate type rubber magnet.

12. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 5, wherein the

elastic member 36 is made of plate type synthetic rubber and

the elastic member 36 and the stopper 35 are bonded on the recess

15 inner surface has a recess 40 to receive the projection or

deformation of the cut end of the reinforced bar.

3. Areinforeingbar coupler of claim 1 , wherein a plurality

of annular ribs 29a and two longitudinal ribs 29 similar to

the rib 12 of reinforcing bar 1, la are formed on the outer

surface of the cylindrical shell 22 to increase the bonding

force with the concrete.

4. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 1, wherein on the

inclined surface 23 of the tapered extension shell 21 of the

sleeve 2, 2a is a serration 24 to be engaged with the serration

32 of the wedge 3, 3a.

5. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 1, wherein on the

near part of the striking end 30b of the tapered inclined surf ce

31 is a recess 38 , into which an elastic member 36 and the stopper

35 are inserted in sequence.

6. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 1 , wherein the wedge

3b have the slit 36c on the striking end 30b.

7. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 1 , wherein the wedge

14 38 by an adhesive.

13. A reinforcing bar coupler of claim 1, wherein the

cylindrical shell 22 has a longitudinal opening 22a which is

narrower than the width of the wedge 3, 3a.