Connecting method

摘要

A method for connecting at least a first component (2) and a second component (3) together, wherein each component (2, 3) comprises at least one key arrangement extending along the component (2, 3) and keys (5, 6) of the key arrangement are spaced apart from one another. The method comprises the steps of: aligning the key arrangements of the components (2, 3) such that aligned keys (5, 6) of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis (15) or ensuring alignment of the key arrangements such that aligned keys (5, 6) of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis (15); and extending a key connector (4) comprising at least one longitudinal keyway passage (8) over the aligned keys (5, 6) generally in line with the common axis (15) so that the keys (5, 6) extend within the keyway passage (8), are retained by the key connector (4), and the first and second components (2, 3) are clamped together to form an assembly (1).

主权项

1. A method of connecting at least a first component and a second component together to form a joint, wherein each said component comprises at least one key arrangement comprising a plurality of keys extending along the component and keys of the key arrangement are spaced apart from one another, said method comprising the steps of:
aligning the at least one key arrangement of the first and second components in a predetermined fixed orientation to one another such that aligned keys of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis or ensuring alignment of the key arrangements of the first and second components in a predetermined orientation to one another such that aligned keys of the key arrangements extend generally in line with a common axis; and extending and moving a key connector comprising a longitudinal keyway passage over the aligned keys in the predetermined orientation generally in line with the common axis so that all of the keys extend within the keyway passage, are retained by the key connector, and the first and second components in the predetermined orientation directly abut each other and are clamped together to form a joint under sufficient load, wherein: the key connector has an elongate body having longitudinal sides, the longitudinal keyway passage extends along a length of the body between the longitudinal sides, each longitudinal side has a plurality of hooked key retainers having key-engaging surfaces, the hooked key retainers of a first said side are identically spaced from the common axis when the first and second components are clamped together, and the hooked key retainers of a second said side are identically spaced from the common axis when the first and second components are clamped together; said keys individually engage and are hooked by individual said hooked key retainers such that the key-engaging surfaces extend in line with the common axis when the first and second components are clamped together and the joint is under sufficient load; said key connector applies a compressive force on said keys towards the common axis when the first and second components are clamped together; said keys and/or hooked key retainers have lead-in edges or surfaces for assisting with individual engagement of said keys with said hooked key retainers for placing the joint under sufficient load; and said keys are adapted to slide relative to the key connector within the keyway passage in a first direction and a second direction that is opposite to the first direction, and each said key is adapted to slide within the keyway passage in both the first and second directions by a distance equal to one hooked key retainer length out of locking engagement with a respective said hooked key retainer.