WO1991015314A1 - Joining structural elements - Google Patents

Joining structural elements Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1991015314A1
WO1991015314A1 PCT/NO1991/000050 NO9100050W WO9115314A1 WO 1991015314 A1 WO1991015314 A1 WO 1991015314A1 NO 9100050 W NO9100050 W NO 9100050W WO 9115314 A1 WO9115314 A1 WO 9115314A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
structural element
elements
structural
structural elements
recessed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO1991/000050
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Hans Heggen
Kjell Nyborg
Lars Strande
Original Assignee
Raufoss A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Raufoss A/S filed Critical Raufoss A/S
Publication of WO1991015314A1 publication Critical patent/WO1991015314A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
    • F16B17/00—Connecting constructional elements or machine parts by a part of or on one member entering a hole in the other and involving plastic deformation
    • F16B17/004—Connecting constructional elements or machine parts by a part of or on one member entering a hole in the other and involving plastic deformation of rods or tubes mutually

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method and a joint for joining structural elements of a plastic defor able material, e.g. aluminium, with one of the structural elements having a male portion for insertion to engagement in a female portion of the other structural element.
  • a plastic defor able material e.g. aluminium
  • the invention was especially developed for joining extruded aluminium profiles, but it may obviously be used generally for joining structural elements which are made from a plastic deformable material. Even though the invention finds special application for extruded profiles, the invention may also be used for profiles which are not extruded.
  • the invention may be used for joining structural elements, e.g. for building scaffolding, banisters, framework, trusswork, etc.
  • this is achieved by a method of the above mentioned kind, accordning to which joining occurs by the aid of a punching press means, and which is charac ⁇ terized by the fact that the female portion is partly cut through into discrete areas to form partly cut out recessed members, said recessed members concurrently being upset .and pressed with a wedging effect towards at least one reaction surface on the male portion.
  • a joint of the above mentioned kind is provided, which is characterized by the fact that one of the structural elements has at least one engaging surface and at least one reaction surface, and that the second structural element has at least one engaging surface for engagement with the engaging surface of the first structural element, and at least one recessed member for wedging cooperation with the reaction surface(s) said elements being locked in a clamped state.
  • Figure 1 shows the finished joint according to the invention for joining structural elements
  • Figure 2 shows both structural elements according to Figure 1 before one is inserted into the other;
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view through one of the struc ⁇ tural elements, in which some critical angles are marked;
  • Figure 4 is a sectional view through the joined struc ⁇ tural elements with a diagrammatically shown punch press means
  • Figure 5 shows structural elements with a shape that differs from the shape shown in Figures 1-4;
  • Figure 6 shows the structural elements according to Figure 5 in a finished joint.
  • two different structural elements 5, 10 are shown, which are connected to form a finished joint 1.
  • the basis of joint 1 is that one structural element 5 has a male portion 8 which is intended for insertion into a female portion 9 in the second structural element 10, as will appear from Figure 2.
  • the structural element 10 has an engaging surface 3 which is intended for abutment against engaging surface 6 of the other structural element 5.
  • the structural element 5 may in the shown embodiment consist of a cut-off length of an elongated extruded profile.
  • the male portion 8 may obtain its desired shape in a simple manner and without secondary treatment.
  • grooves formed by surfaces 7 and 2 are, shaped immediately during continuous extrusion.
  • the male portion 8 may be formed with one or a plurality of voids 11.
  • the structural element 10 may be an extruded standard profile, e.g. having a rectangular or square cross section and a suitable thickness.
  • a square profile may be provided with rounded off internal and external corners.
  • the internal corners may be recessed hollow keys. It should be understood that the cross sectional shape of male portion 8 perpendicular to the section of profile is complementary with the internal shape of structural element 10.
  • Figure 3 is a sectional view of a structural element 5, 1. e. Its section of profile.
  • the longitudinal axis of the profile is designated A.
  • a normal N Is orthogonal on axis A.
  • the angle ⁇ between surface 2 and the normal N may advantage ⁇ ously be in the range of 45° - 80°, and is preferably approximately 70°.
  • Angle ⁇ between the reaction surface 7 and the normal N may advantageously be in the range of 5° - 45°, preferably it is approximately 20°.
  • Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the joined structural elements 5, 10 when inserted into a punch press means 15 comprising die block means 16, which are movable towards and away from structural elements 5, 10.
  • Cutting and stamping punching tools 14 are mounted on the surface of blocks 16 facing the structural elements 5, 10. When the structural elements 5, 10 are correctly positioned in the press 15 the cutting and punching tools 14 are aligned with grooves formed by surfaces 2, 7 on the male portion 8. At the first contact with the female portion 9 of the structural element 10 the cutting and punching tools 14 will cut into and through the thickness of the profile and upset the cut out flaps or pressed-in portions 4 down into the groove which is defined by the surfaces 2 and 7. The flaps 4 which are cut out in the female portion 9 may be pressed into engagement with the inclined surface 2 on the male portion 8, although this Is not a critical condition.
  • Figures 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the joint according to the invention. Parts corresponding to the embodiment of Figures 1-4 are designated by the same reference numerals which are, however, marked.
  • the method and the joint for connecting structural elements of a plastic deformable material are used to join profiles of a substantially circular cross section.
  • the structural element 5' has a male portion 8' which is intended for insertion into the female portion 9' of the other structural element 10'.
  • the structural element 5' is inserted into the structural element 10' to provide contact between the engaging surfaces 3' and 6' on respective structural elements.
  • the structural elements 5', 10' are, as mentioned above, conveyed to a press (not shown) for punching out recessed members 4' and upsetting the same, preferably Into contact with the surfaces 2' on the male portion 8' and to provide wedging cooperation between the reactions surfaces 7' and 12'.
  • a press not shown
  • the joint will be rigid as regards buckling due to the guiding of the male portion 8' inside the female portion 9'.
  • the joint 1' will be able to resist both high compression forces and tensile forces.
  • the joint may be used to connect structural elements of variously shaped profiles, and it may be used for ordinary longitudinal extension, as indicated in Figures 5 and 6.
  • any suitable cross sectional shape of the profile is possible, e.g. be triangular, square, hexagonal, or generally polygonal, elliptical, oval, or desired shape in addition to the shown rectangular and circular cross sectional shapes.
  • the invention was in particular developed for structural elements of aluminium, but it may, obviously be used with other materials which are plastic deformable, e.g. steel, copper, brass, and various alloys. It may also be used with materials of plastic, if desired with a subsequent hot- sealing operation.
  • the number of recessed members may be from one, but is preferably two, or more.
  • the longitudinal extent and width of the recessed members may obviously be adapted to the application of the structural members. If the structural members 5, 10 or joint 1 will be subjected substantially to compression forces, the number of recessed members may be few, optionally said members may have a relatively small width. If the joint 1 is to be subjected substantially to tensile forces the number of recessed members 4 may be more, but the percentage of cut through area should not be higher than half of the total cross sectional area.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Joining Of Building Structures In Genera (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
  • Connection Of Plates (AREA)

Abstract

A method and a joint (1) for joining structural elements (5, 10) of a plastic deformable material, e.g. aluminium, is disclosed. One structural element (5) has a male portion (8) for insertion into a female portion (9) of the other structural element (10). One structural element has at least one engaging surface (6) and at least one reaction surface (7), and the other structural element (10) has at least one engaging surface (3) for contact with said engaging surface (6) of the first mentioned structural element and at least one punched or recessed member (4) with a reaction surface (12) for wedging cooperation with reaction surface(s) (7), said elements (5, 10) being locked in a fixed, clamped state.

Description

JOINING STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS
The present invention relates to a method and a joint for joining structural elements of a plastic defor able material, e.g. aluminium, with one of the structural elements having a male portion for insertion to engagement in a female portion of the other structural element.
The invention was especially developed for joining extruded aluminium profiles, but it may obviously be used generally for joining structural elements which are made from a plastic deformable material. Even though the invention finds special application for extruded profiles, the invention may also be used for profiles which are not extruded. The invention may be used for joining structural elements, e.g. for building scaffolding, banisters, framework, trusswork, etc.
Structures like scaffolding of aluminium with welded joints have proved to have a tendency to crack due to fatigue when used for some length of time. Welded connections will often be undesirable from an aesthetic point of view, and welding operations being time consuming they are also undesirable as regards costs.
It is an object of the invention to avoid welded connections of structural elements and to replace such connections by joints which are not subjected to fatigue, are aesthetically attractive and permit the joining operation proper to be performed rapidly.
According to the invention this is achieved by a method of the above mentioned kind, accordning to which joining occurs by the aid of a punching press means, and which is charac¬ terized by the fact that the female portion is partly cut through into discrete areas to form partly cut out recessed members, said recessed members concurrently being upset .and pressed with a wedging effect towards at least one reaction surface on the male portion.
Thus a joint of the above mentioned kind is provided, which is characterized by the fact that one of the structural elements has at least one engaging surface and at least one reaction surface, and that the second structural element has at least one engaging surface for engagement with the engaging surface of the first structural element, and at least one recessed member for wedging cooperation with the reaction surface(s) said elements being locked in a clamped state.
Further features of the invention will appear from the dependent claims.
Other and further objects, features, and advantages will appear from the following disclosure of an embodiment of the invention which is preferred at present .and is described to Illustrate the invention without being limiting, and given with reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows the finished joint according to the invention for joining structural elements;
Figure 2 shows both structural elements according to Figure 1 before one is inserted into the other;
Figure 3 is a sectional view through one of the struc¬ tural elements, in which some critical angles are marked;
Figure 4 is a sectional view through the joined struc¬ tural elements with a diagrammatically shown punch press means;
Figure 5 shows structural elements with a shape that differs from the shape shown in Figures 1-4; and
Figure 6 shows the structural elements according to Figure 5 in a finished joint. With reference to Figure 1, two different structural elements 5, 10 are shown, which are connected to form a finished joint 1. The basis of joint 1 is that one structural element 5 has a male portion 8 which is intended for insertion into a female portion 9 in the second structural element 10, as will appear from Figure 2. The structural element 10 has an engaging surface 3 which is intended for abutment against engaging surface 6 of the other structural element 5. Before the final joining of structural elements 5 and 10 it is necessary to ensure that engaging surfaces 3, 6 are in tight mutual abutment. As shown in Figure 2, the structural element 5 may in the shown embodiment consist of a cut-off length of an elongated extruded profile. In this manner the male portion 8 may obtain its desired shape in a simple manner and without secondary treatment. Thus grooves formed by surfaces 7 and 2 are, shaped immediately during continuous extrusion. In order to save weight and material, the male portion 8 may be formed with one or a plurality of voids 11. The structural element 10 may be an extruded standard profile, e.g. having a rectangular or square cross section and a suitable thickness. A square profile may be provided with rounded off internal and external corners. The internal corners may be recessed hollow keys. It should be understood that the cross sectional shape of male portion 8 perpendicular to the section of profile is complementary with the internal shape of structural element 10.
Figure 3 is a sectional view of a structural element 5, 1. e. Its section of profile. The longitudinal axis of the profile is designated A. In the intersection line of reaction surface 7 and surface 2 a normal N Is orthogonal on axis A. The angle α between surface 2 and the normal N may advantage¬ ously be in the range of 45° - 80°, and is preferably approximately 70°. Angle β between the reaction surface 7 and the normal N may advantageously be in the range of 5° - 45°, preferably it is approximately 20°. Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the joined structural elements 5, 10 when inserted into a punch press means 15 comprising die block means 16, which are movable towards and away from structural elements 5, 10. Cutting and stamping punching tools 14 are mounted on the surface of blocks 16 facing the structural elements 5, 10. When the structural elements 5, 10 are correctly positioned in the press 15 the cutting and punching tools 14 are aligned with grooves formed by surfaces 2, 7 on the male portion 8. At the first contact with the female portion 9 of the structural element 10 the cutting and punching tools 14 will cut into and through the thickness of the profile and upset the cut out flaps or pressed-in portions 4 down into the groove which is defined by the surfaces 2 and 7. The flaps 4 which are cut out in the female portion 9 may be pressed into engagement with the inclined surface 2 on the male portion 8, although this Is not a critical condition. At the same time the front face 12 of flap 4 will press towards the inclined reaction surface 7 on the male portion 8 which will provide a wedging effect between the structural elements 5, 10 which will cause the engaging surfaces 3 and 6, respectively to be further pressed against each other. In this manner a firm and stable connection is achieved between the structural elements 5 and 10. This connection or joint 1 will resist high compression forces in particular through the engaging surfaces 3 and 6, and simultaneously resist high tensile forces through the cooperating reaction surfaces 7 and 12.
Figures 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the joint according to the invention. Parts corresponding to the embodiment of Figures 1-4 are designated by the same reference numerals which are, however, marked. As will appear from Figure 5, the method and the joint for connecting structural elements of a plastic deformable material are used to join profiles of a substantially circular cross section. The structural element 5' has a male portion 8' which is intended for insertion into the female portion 9' of the other structural element 10'. The structural element 5' is inserted into the structural element 10' to provide contact between the engaging surfaces 3' and 6' on respective structural elements. Upon insertion the structural elements 5', 10' are, as mentioned above, conveyed to a press (not shown) for punching out recessed members 4' and upsetting the same, preferably Into contact with the surfaces 2' on the male portion 8' and to provide wedging cooperation between the reactions surfaces 7' and 12'. After joining the joint will be rigid as regards buckling due to the guiding of the male portion 8' inside the female portion 9'. The joint 1' will be able to resist both high compression forces and tensile forces.
It will appear from the above disclosure that the joint may be used to connect structural elements of variously shaped profiles, and it may be used for ordinary longitudinal extension, as indicated in Figures 5 and 6. Furthermore, it should be understood that any suitable cross sectional shape of the profile is possible, e.g. be triangular, square, hexagonal, or generally polygonal, elliptical, oval, or desired shape in addition to the shown rectangular and circular cross sectional shapes.
As mentioned, the invention was in particular developed for structural elements of aluminium, but it may, obviously be used with other materials which are plastic deformable, e.g. steel, copper, brass, and various alloys. It may also be used with materials of plastic, if desired with a subsequent hot- sealing operation.
It should also be understood that the number of recessed members may be from one, but is preferably two, or more. The longitudinal extent and width of the recessed members may obviously be adapted to the application of the structural members. If the structural members 5, 10 or joint 1 will be subjected substantially to compression forces, the number of recessed members may be few, optionally said members may have a relatively small width. If the joint 1 is to be subjected substantially to tensile forces the number of recessed members 4 may be more, but the percentage of cut through area should not be higher than half of the total cross sectional area.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS:
1.
A method for joining structural elements of a plastic deformable material, e.g. aluminium, with one structural element (5) having a male portion (8) with transversal groove surfaces (2, 7), which portion (8) is inserted into a female portion (9) of the other structural element (10), and said joining being carried out by means of a press means (15) so that discrete areas in form of flaps or recessed members (4) are cut out which members are upset down into said grooves, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said element (5) is brought into engagement with the other element (10), and said recessed members (4) on the female portion (9), upon upsetting is pressing their reaction surfaces (12) against at least one reaction surface (7) on said male portion (8), which is causing a wedging effect pulling the engaging surfaces (3, 6) of the elements into a firm and stable mutual engagement.
2.
A method according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said recessed members (4) are upset all the way into contact with said surfaces (2) on said male portion (8).
3.
A joint for connecting structural elements of a plastic deformable material, e.g. aluminium, with one structural element (5) having a male portion (8) with transversal groove surfaces (2, 7), which portion (8) is inserted into a female portion (9) of the other structural element (10), wherein descrete areas in the shape of flaps or recessed members (4) are upset Into the grooves, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that one structural element
(5) has at least one engaging surface (6) and at least one reaction surface (7), and that the other structural element (10) has at least one engaging surface (3) for engagement with the engaging surface (6) of the first mentioned structural element, and that the recessed member (4) has a reaction surface (12) for wedging cooperation with said reaction surface(s) (7), said elements (5, 10) being locked In a stable clamped state.
4.
A joint according to claim 3, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said recessed member
(4) is substantially in fully engagement with the surfaces
(2) of male the portion (8).
5.
A joint according to claims 3 and 4, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that an angle α between the surface (2) and a normal (N) standing orthogonally on the longitudinal axis (A) of the structural element (5) is between 45° and 80°, and preferably is approximately 70°.
6.
A joint according to claims 1-5, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that the angle β between the reaction surface (7) and the normal (N) is between 5° and
45°, and preferably approximately 20°.
PCT/NO1991/000050 1990-03-30 1991-03-26 Joining structural elements WO1991015314A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NO901462A NO169425C (en) 1990-03-30 1990-03-30 PROCEDURE AND PROMOTION FOR CONNECTION OF CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS
NO901462 1990-03-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1991015314A1 true WO1991015314A1 (en) 1991-10-17

Family

ID=19893037

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/NO1991/000050 WO1991015314A1 (en) 1990-03-30 1991-03-26 Joining structural elements

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU7557991A (en)
NO (1) NO169425C (en)
WO (1) WO1991015314A1 (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7806620B1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2010-10-05 Alain Brochez Corner joint and method for making the same
WO2018163221A1 (en) * 2017-03-08 2018-09-13 Eurotubi Europa S.R.L. Kit and related method for connecting pipes
US20220074440A1 (en) * 2018-12-28 2022-03-10 Uni-Troll Europe Aps A coupling system

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US599492A (en) * 1898-02-22 Switch and signal connection
CH264274A (en) * 1946-03-04 1949-10-15 Fisker & Nielsen As Pipe connections, in particular for vacuum cleaner lines.
GB641986A (en) * 1947-05-20 1950-08-23 Gen Bronze Corp Improvements in or relating to window frame construction
US2861659A (en) * 1956-12-10 1958-11-25 Adlake Co Corner joint
DE2113026A1 (en) * 1971-03-18 1972-10-05 Hubert Butterwegge Fa Corner connection for mitered hollow or U-profiles, especially for window and door frames
US4072432A (en) * 1976-05-06 1978-02-07 Capitol Hardware Manufacturing Company, Inc. Connector for tubular frame members
DE2757886A1 (en) * 1977-12-24 1979-06-28 Klima & Kaelte Gmbh Corner connection for metal door frame - has sections of tubes punched in cut=outs in corner pieces
US4192624A (en) * 1977-07-20 1980-03-11 Repla Limited Frame corner structure
GB1600912A (en) * 1977-05-04 1981-10-21 Wavin Bv Socket part for a spigot and socket pipe connection
CH648643A5 (en) * 1980-11-14 1985-03-29 Fischer Ag Georg Pipe connection, a method for its production and a compression device for carrying it out

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US599492A (en) * 1898-02-22 Switch and signal connection
CH264274A (en) * 1946-03-04 1949-10-15 Fisker & Nielsen As Pipe connections, in particular for vacuum cleaner lines.
GB641986A (en) * 1947-05-20 1950-08-23 Gen Bronze Corp Improvements in or relating to window frame construction
US2861659A (en) * 1956-12-10 1958-11-25 Adlake Co Corner joint
DE2113026A1 (en) * 1971-03-18 1972-10-05 Hubert Butterwegge Fa Corner connection for mitered hollow or U-profiles, especially for window and door frames
US4072432A (en) * 1976-05-06 1978-02-07 Capitol Hardware Manufacturing Company, Inc. Connector for tubular frame members
GB1600912A (en) * 1977-05-04 1981-10-21 Wavin Bv Socket part for a spigot and socket pipe connection
US4192624A (en) * 1977-07-20 1980-03-11 Repla Limited Frame corner structure
DE2757886A1 (en) * 1977-12-24 1979-06-28 Klima & Kaelte Gmbh Corner connection for metal door frame - has sections of tubes punched in cut=outs in corner pieces
CH648643A5 (en) * 1980-11-14 1985-03-29 Fischer Ag Georg Pipe connection, a method for its production and a compression device for carrying it out

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7806620B1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2010-10-05 Alain Brochez Corner joint and method for making the same
WO2018163221A1 (en) * 2017-03-08 2018-09-13 Eurotubi Europa S.R.L. Kit and related method for connecting pipes
US20220074440A1 (en) * 2018-12-28 2022-03-10 Uni-Troll Europe Aps A coupling system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NO901462D0 (en) 1990-03-30
NO901462L (en) 1991-10-01
NO169425C (en) 1992-06-24
NO169425B (en) 1992-03-16
AU7557991A (en) 1991-10-30

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