A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-loaded metal damper

Abstract

This application relates to a two-stage energy-dissipating spring-loaded metal damper, comprising at least one first-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating component and at least one second-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating component. The components are arranged side-by-side and integrated into a single module with a detachable cover and base. The upper and lower ends of the energy-dissipating steel plate of the first-stage component are fixedly connected to a first connecting unit and a second connecting unit, respectively. The lower end of the energy-dissipating steel plate of the second-stage component is fixedly connected to the second connecting unit, and the upper end is connected to the first connecting unit via the spring-loaded energy-dissipating component. The spring-loaded energy-dissipating component includes a limiting plate, a limiting groove, a movable bolt, a spring, and a locking plate formed on the first connecting unit. The movable bolt passes longitudinally through all the limiting grooves in the same second-stage component, and the spring clamps it in the middle of the limiting groove. When the displacement reaches a preset threshold, the movable bolt deflects and passes over the locking plate. The spring rebounds, causing the locking plate to enter the limiting groove and lock the bolt at its end. The bolt makes close contact with the wall of the limiting groove, transmitting shear load and achieving second-stage energy dissipation. This invention features clear stages, reliable triggering, firm locking, and easy disassembly and maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of seismic resistance and vibration reduction energy dissipation devices for building structures. Specifically, it relates to a two-stage energy dissipation spring-loaded metal damper that can dissipate energy in stages according to the magnitude of external load or displacement and has a clear triggering and locking mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] Earthquakes, as sudden natural disasters, pose a serious threat to the safety of building structures. To improve the collapse resistance and post-earthquake repairability of building structures under seismic loads, various forms of energy dissipation and vibration reduction devices are widely used in engineering practice. Among them, metal dampers are favored due to their relatively simple construction, stable hysteretic performance, and controllable cost. Traditional metal dampers, such as shear-type or bending-type steel plate dampers, mainly utilize the hysteretic deformation of metal materials after entering a plastic state to dissipate seismic energy. These dampers can play a certain role under minor excitations such as small earthquakes or wind-induced vibrations, but when encountering moderate or large earthquakes, a single type of energy dissipation mechanism often cannot meet the performance requirements under earthquakes of different intensities. For example, a robust damper designed to cope with large earthquakes may not be able to fully activate under small earthquakes, leading to a decrease in structural comfort; conversely, a sensitive damper designed for small earthquakes may fail due to premature and excessive yielding under large earthquakes, or even lose its load-bearing capacity.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, several multi-stage energy-dissipating damper schemes have been proposed in the prior art. Some schemes attempt to achieve phased operation by connecting energy-dissipating elements with different yield points in series or parallel, for example, combining a soft steel damper with a small yield displacement with a hard steel damper with a large yield displacement. However, such combinations often suffer from unclear stage switching and difficulty in precisely controlling the trigger displacement, leading to potential overlap or interference between the two stages of energy dissipation, failing to achieve the desired effect of "priority activation followed by subsequent intervention." Another type of scheme uses a gap or slider mechanism, allowing free sliding when the displacement is small, and activating the energy-dissipating mechanism after the displacement exceeds a threshold. However, this usually relies on complex machining and assembly, requiring high precision, and may generate impact at the moment of activation, affecting the dynamic response stability of the structure. More importantly, many existing two-stage dampers lack an effective unidirectional or bidirectional limiting and locking mechanism after the second stage is activated, causing the energy-dissipating element to easily deviate from the predetermined working path under repeated cyclic loading (e.g., returning to the initial position during reverse loading), reducing the reliability and energy dissipation efficiency of the device.

[0004] Therefore, how to provide a multi-stage metal damper with clear energy dissipation stages, precisely adjustable trigger displacement, stable limiting after activation, and easy processing and assembly has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. In particular, there is a need for an improved damper that can dissipate energy with low stiffness and high efficiency by relying on steel plate deformation during minor earthquakes, and reliably activate a second energy dissipation mechanism during moderate and above earthquakes. This damper should also limit deformation within a safe range through a special "overlap-rebound-locking" structure and remain locked during reverse loading, thereby achieving graded energy dissipation and structural protection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this invention provides a two-stage energy dissipation spring-locked metal damper. This damper utilizes at least one first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component and at least one second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component arranged side-by-side, and features a unique spring-locking mechanism, achieving clear and reliable two-stage graded energy dissipation under minor and moderate / major earthquake conditions.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution proposed in this application is as follows:

[0007] This invention provides a two-stage energy-dissipating spring-loaded metal damper, comprising: At least one first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component and at least one second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component are arranged side by side. Each first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component includes at least one first-stage energy dissipation steel plate, and the upper and lower ends of each first-stage energy dissipation steel plate are respectively fixedly connected to a first-stage first connecting unit and a second-stage first connecting unit. Each second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component includes at least one second-stage energy dissipation steel plate. The lower end of each second-stage energy dissipation steel plate is fixedly connected to a second-stage second connection unit, and the upper end of each second-stage energy dissipation steel plate is connected to a second-stage first connection unit through a set of spring-loaded energy dissipation components. The spring-loaded energy-dissipating component includes a limiting plate formed on the first connecting unit of the second stage, a limiting groove opened on the limiting plate, a movable bolt, a spring, and a locking plate. The movable bolt passes longitudinally through all the limiting slots in the same second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component; The spring clamps the movable bolt in the middle position of the limiting groove, and can drive the locking plate to lock it at the end of the limiting groove after the movable bolt is offset.

[0008] Furthermore, there are two first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation components, located on the left and right sides of the second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component, respectively.

[0009] Furthermore, each first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component includes at least one longitudinally arranged first-stage energy dissipation unit, and each first-stage energy dissipation unit includes a first-stage energy dissipation steel plate and a first-stage first connecting unit and a first-stage second connecting unit respectively fixedly connected to its upper and lower ends; each second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component includes at least one longitudinally arranged second-stage energy dissipation unit, and each second-stage energy dissipation unit includes a second-stage energy dissipation steel plate and a corresponding second-stage first connecting unit, second-stage second connecting unit and the spring-locking energy dissipation component; the movable bolt passes longitudinally through the limiting groove in all second-stage energy dissipation units.

[0010] Furthermore, the limiting groove is an elongated opening extending along the length of the damper, and the height of the limiting groove is greater than the diameter of the movable bolt, so that a reserved gap is formed between the movable bolt and the upper and lower edges of the limiting groove.

[0011] Furthermore, the spring includes an upper spring disposed above the movable bolt and a lower spring disposed below the movable bolt. Under normal use, the upper spring and the lower spring together apply clamping forces of opposite directions and equal magnitude to the movable bolt.

[0012] Furthermore, the locking plate is an elastic wedge block with a unidirectional or bidirectional ramp. The ramp surface of the elastic wedge block is used to contact the movable bolt and guide it past the highest point. The vertical surface of the elastic wedge block is used to lock the movable bolt after resetting.

[0013] Furthermore, the locking plate is hinged to the limiting plate and a reset force is applied by a reset torsion spring.

[0014] Furthermore, the magnitude of the preset trigger displacement is set by adjusting the horizontal distance from the initial position of the movable bolt to the highest point of the locking plate, the preload of the spring, or the slope angle of the locking plate.

[0015] Furthermore, under normal use, the spring is in a compressed state and pushes the locking plate to clamp the movable bolt at the middle position of the length direction of the limiting groove, and the movable bolt does not contact the left and right ends of the limiting groove.

[0016] Furthermore, in the first stage energy consumption state, the relative displacement between the first stage first connecting unit and the first stage second connecting unit is less than the preset trigger displacement, the first stage energy-consuming steel plate in the first stage steel plate deformation energy consumption component deforms to consume energy, and the movable bolt is still clamped in the middle position of the limiting groove.

[0017] Furthermore, in the second stage of energy consumption, when the relative displacement between the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit in the second stage reaches the preset trigger displacement, the movable bolt is driven to shift to the left or right side of the limiting groove, and pushes up or compresses the locking plate; when the movable bolt passes the highest point of the locking plate, the locking plate is reset under the rebound action of the spring and at least partially enters the limiting groove, locking the movable bolt at the end of the limiting groove, so that the movable bolt bears shear force to realize the second stage of energy consumption.

[0018] Furthermore, in the second stage of energy consumption, the locking plate can prevent the already locked movable bolt from returning to the intermediate position during reverse loading.

[0019] Furthermore, the first connecting unit of the first stage, the first connecting unit of the second stage, the second connecting unit of the first stage, and the second connecting unit of the second stage are all end plates with connecting holes, or ear plates with pin holes.

[0020] The beneficial technical effects of this application are as follows: By directly fixing the steel plates on both sides to the upper and lower connecting plates and connecting the middle steel plate via a spring-loaded locking mechanism, this application achieves priority deformation and energy dissipation of the steel plates on both sides during minor earthquakes; during moderate earthquakes, the middle steel plate triggers locking, and the movable bolt is limited to the end of the limiting groove by the locking plate driven by the spring. Thereafter, the movable bolt participates in energy dissipation through shear force, forming a reliable multi-stage energy dissipation mechanism. This structure has the advantages of clear stage switching, adjustable trigger displacement, reliable shear limiting, and easy assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a two-stage energy-consuming spring-loaded metal damper according to the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the combined structure of the first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component and the second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component in this invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the spring-loaded energy-dissipating component in this invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the application state structure of a two-stage energy-consuming spring-loaded metal damper according to the present invention.

[0026] The component names corresponding to the labels in the attached diagram are: 1a-First stage first connecting unit; 2a-First stage second connecting unit; 1b-Second stage first connecting unit; 2b-Second stage second connecting unit; 3-First stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component; 4-Limiting plate; 5-Limiting groove; 6-Modible bolt; 7-Spring; 8-Card plate; 9-Second stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component; 10-Immovable bolt; 11-Cover; 12-Base. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0028] like Figure 1-4 As shown, in one embodiment of this application, a two-stage energy-dissipating spring-loaded metal damper is provided. The damper includes at least one first-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating component 3 and at least one second-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating component 9, arranged side-by-side. Preferably, the side-by-side arrangement involves multiple components arranged horizontally without overlapping, each operating independently. Each first-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating component 3 includes multiple longitudinally arranged first-stage energy-dissipating steel plates. The upper and lower ends of each first-stage energy-dissipating steel plate are respectively fixedly connected to a first-stage first connecting unit 1a and a first-stage second connecting unit 2a. Specifically, this fixed connection is achieved through immovable bolts 10: multiple immovable bolts 10 are arranged longitudinally (perpendicular to...) Figure 1The first connecting unit 1a of the first stage (in the direction shown on the paper) and the upper end of the corresponding first stage energy-consuming steel plate are arranged in the same longitudinal direction, thereby fixing the upper end of each first stage energy-consuming steel plate to its corresponding first stage first connecting unit 1a as a whole; similarly, multiple immovable bolts 10 are arranged longitudinally through the lower end of each first stage second connecting unit 2a of the first stage and the corresponding first stage energy-consuming steel plate, thereby fixing the lower end of each first stage energy-consuming steel plate to its corresponding first stage second connecting unit 2a as a whole. Each second stage steel plate deformation energy-consuming component 9 includes multiple longitudinally arranged second stage energy-consuming steel plates. The lower end of each second stage energy-consuming steel plate is fixedly connected to a second stage second connecting unit 2b, and this fixed connection is also achieved by immovable bolts 10. The upper end of each second stage energy-consuming steel plate is connected to a second stage first connecting unit 1b through a set of spring-loaded energy-consuming components. The spring-loaded energy dissipation assembly includes a limiting plate 4 formed on the first connecting unit 1b of the second stage, a limiting groove 5 formed on the limiting plate 4, a movable bolt 6, a spring 7, and a locking plate 8. The movable bolt 6 passes longitudinally through all the limiting grooves 5 in the same second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation assembly 9. The spring 7 clamps the movable bolt 6 in the middle position of the limiting groove 5 and can drive the locking plate 8 to lock it at the end of the limiting groove 5 after the movable bolt 6 is offset. With the above structure, the damper can dissipate energy only by the first-stage assembly when the relative displacement is small, and the second-stage assembly intervenes after the displacement reaches a preset threshold, realizing two-stage graded energy dissipation.

[0029] To integrate the independent first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component 3 and the second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component 9 into a single module that facilitates installation and transportation, this damper also includes a detachable cover 11 and a detachable base 12. The cover 11 is fastened to the top of all components, with its lower edge abutting against the upper surfaces of each of the first connecting units 1a and 1b, and is detachably fixed to the first connecting units 1a and 1b using multiple bolts. The cover 11 has mounting holes or embedded parts interfaces for connection to the building structure. Similarly, the base 12 is located below all components, with its upper edge abutting against the lower surfaces of each of the second connecting units 2a and 2b, and is detachably fixed to the second connecting units 2a and 2b using multiple bolts. Through the cover 11 and the base 12, the originally independent energy dissipation components are combined into a single module, facilitating overall hoisting, positioning, and connection to the building structure. During post-earthquake inspection or maintenance, the cover or base can be removed simply by unscrewing the bolts on the cover 11 and the base 12, thereby exposing the internal components for replacement or repair of individual components without having to remove the entire damper, which significantly improves the convenience and economy of maintenance.

[0030] In one embodiment of this application, two first-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating components 3 are provided, located on the left and right sides of the second-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating component 9, respectively. This is a compact and symmetrical layout. Figure 1 As shown, the first-stage components on the left and right have the same structure, while the second-stage component is in the middle. This symmetrical layout makes the damper more stable under stress. The two first-stage components work simultaneously, providing uniform energy dissipation. The second-stage component in the middle, after being triggered, shares the stress with the components on both sides, forming an effective parallel energy dissipation system.

[0031] In one embodiment of this application, each first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component 3 includes multiple longitudinally arranged first-stage energy dissipation units. Each first-stage energy dissipation unit includes a first-stage energy dissipation steel plate and a first-stage first connecting unit 1a and a first-stage second connecting unit 2a respectively fixedly connected to its upper and lower ends. Each second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component 9 includes multiple longitudinally arranged second-stage energy dissipation units. Each second-stage energy dissipation unit includes a second-stage energy dissipation steel plate and corresponding second-stage first connecting unit 1b, second-stage second connecting unit 2b, and the spring-locking energy dissipation component. The movable bolt 6 passes longitudinally through the limiting groove 5 in all second-stage energy dissipation units. This modular "component-unit" structure makes the damper design more flexible: the number of longitudinally arranged units can be adjusted according to the required bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity, and each unit works independently without interfering with each other. A single long movable bolt 6 passes through the limiting groove 5 in all second-stage energy dissipation units simultaneously, ensuring that the movable displacement of all intermediate units remains synchronized, thereby ensuring that each unit enters the locking state simultaneously when the second stage starts, and the force is uniform.

[0032] In one embodiment of this application, the limiting groove 5 is an elongated opening extending along the length of the damper. The height of the limiting groove 5 is greater than the diameter of the movable bolt 6, creating a reserved gap between the movable bolt 6 and the upper and lower edges of the limiting groove 5. A typical value for this reserved gap is 2 to 5 millimeters, specifically determined based on machining accuracy and design displacement. The existence of this reserved gap ensures that, under normal operating conditions and the first-stage energy dissipation state, the movable bolt 6 will not make unintended contact with the upper and lower edges of the limiting groove 5, thereby avoiding interference from additional friction on the independent operation of the first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component and ensuring the purity and linearity of the first-stage energy dissipation.

[0033] In one embodiment of this application, the dimensions of the left and right ends of the limiting groove 5 are preferably set to just accommodate the movable bolt 6. Specifically, the width dimensions of the left and right ends of the limiting groove 5 are approximately equal to the diameter of the movable bolt 6, with only a necessary small gap between them to ensure that the movable bolt 6 can enter smoothly, without leaving any extra space for movement. The purpose of this design is that, in the second stage of energy dissipation, when the movable bolt 6 is stopped by the locking plate 8 at the left or right end of the limiting groove 5, the outer wall of the movable bolt 6 forms a tight contact with the end wall of the limiting groove 5. At this time, the horizontal shear load transmitted by the building structure acts directly on the end wall of the limiting groove 5 through the movable bolt 6, and then is transmitted to the second stage first connecting unit 1b through the limiting plate 4, and finally to the energy dissipation structure.

[0034] In one embodiment of this application, the spring 7 includes an upper spring disposed above the movable bolt 6 and a lower spring disposed below the movable bolt 6. Under normal use, the upper and lower springs together apply clamping forces of opposite directions and equal magnitude to the movable bolt 6. This symmetrical spring arrangement allows the movable bolt 6 to be stably held in the middle position along the length of the limiting groove 5 when not subjected to lateral forces, thus achieving a self-centering function. Even after multiple minor vibrations, as long as the bolt does not trigger jamming, the movable bolt 6 can still return to the middle position, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the second-stage trigger displacement.

[0035] In one embodiment of this application, the locking plate 8 is an elastic wedge block with a unidirectional or bidirectional ramp. The ramp surface of the elastic wedge block is used to contact the movable bolt 6 and guide it past its highest point, and the vertical surface of the elastic wedge block is used to lock the movable bolt 6 after resetting. Figure 3 As shown, when the movable bolt 6 shifts to the left from the middle position, it first contacts the ramp surface of the locking plate 8. As the displacement increases, the movable bolt 6 pushes the locking plate 8 upward (compressing the upper spring). After passing the highest point of the ramp surface, the locking plate 8 quickly falls under the rebound action of the spring 7, and its vertical surface is precisely locked on the right side of the movable bolt 6, preventing it from returning. If a bidirectional ramp is used, triggering and locking in both left and right directions can be achieved. This elastic wedge block has a simple structure and is easy to manufacture, making it the preferred method for realizing the "overpass-rebound-locking" function.

[0036] In one embodiment of this application, the locking plate 8 is hinged to the limiting plate 4, and a reset force is applied by a reset torsion spring. Specifically, one end of the locking plate 8 is hinged to the limiting plate 4 via a pin, and the torsion spring is fitted onto the pin and applies a force that causes the locking plate 8 to rotate into the limiting groove 5. When the movable bolt 6 pushes the locking plate 8, the locking plate 8 rotates outward against the torsion spring force; when the movable bolt 6 passes the highest point, the torsion spring drives the locking plate 8 to return to its original position, and its vertical surface abuts against the movable bolt 6. This hinged structure with a torsion spring has the same function as an elastic wedge block, providing another reliable implementation method, and can also achieve a reliable "pass-rebound-lock" function.

[0037] In one embodiment of this application, the magnitude of the preset trigger displacement is set by adjusting the horizontal distance from the initial position of the movable bolt 6 to the highest point of the locking plate 8, the preload of the spring 7, or the slope angle of the locking plate 8. Specifically, designers can reduce the trigger displacement by changing the length of the limiting groove 5 (e.g., shortening the distance between the initial position of the movable bolt 6 and the starting point of the slope of the locking plate 8) according to the seismic fortification requirements of the building structure; change the clamping force by increasing or decreasing the preload of the upper and lower springs 7, thereby changing the force required to push open the locking plate; and accurately set the trigger displacement by adjusting the slope of the locking plate 8 (the gentler the slope, the greater the horizontal displacement required to lift the locking plate to the same height). This multi-parameter adjustability allows the damper to flexibly adapt to different engineering needs, and customized design of the trigger displacement can be achieved without changing the overall structure.

[0038] In one embodiment of this application, under normal use, the spring 7 is in a compressed state and pushes the locking plate 8 to clamp the movable bolt 6 at the middle position along the length direction of the limiting groove 5. The movable bolt 6 does not contact either the left or right ends of the limiting groove 5. At this time, the entire second-stage assembly is in a free state and does not transmit any load. The stiffness of the entire damper is provided solely by the first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation assembly 3. This state corresponds to conditions where there is no earthquake or minimal wind vibration, and the damper only provides additional stiffness without generating energy dissipation or only generates minor elastic deformation.

[0039] In one embodiment of this application, in the first stage energy consumption state, the relative displacement between the first stage first connecting unit 1a and the first stage second connecting unit 2a is less than the preset trigger displacement. The first stage energy-consuming steel plate in the first stage steel plate deformation energy-consuming component 3 deforms to consume energy, and the movable bolt 6 is still clamped in the middle position of the limiting groove 5. Specifically, when a small earthquake or wind vibration occurs, the first stage energy-consuming steel plate undergoes bending deformation, shear deformation, or elastoplastic hysteresis deformation, and its hysteresis loop is full, which can efficiently consume the energy input by the small earthquake. The movable bolt 6 is still in the middle position, and the second stage component has not yet been activated. This stage achieves the clear graded energy consumption goal of "the second stage is not activated by a small earthquake, and only the first stage works".

[0040] In one embodiment of this application, in the second stage energy dissipation state, the relative displacement between the second stage first connecting unit 1b and the second stage second connecting unit 2b reaches the preset trigger displacement. The movable bolt 6 is driven to shift to the left or right side of the limiting groove 5, and pushes up or compresses the locking plate 8. When the movable bolt 6 passes the highest point of the locking plate 8, the locking plate 8 is reset under the rebound action of the spring 7 and at least partially enters the limiting groove 5, locking the movable bolt 6 at the end of the limiting groove 5, so that the movable bolt 6 bears shear force to achieve the second stage energy dissipation. At the same time, the first stage energy dissipation steel plate in the two first stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation components 3 continues to dissipate energy. Specifically, when a moderate or major earthquake occurs, the relative displacement reaches the preset trigger displacement, and the movable bolt 6 is driven to shift to the left or right side of the limiting groove 5. It first contacts the inclined surface of the locking plate 8, overcoming the elastic force of the spring 7 to lift or compress the locking plate 8, thus consuming energy. After passing the highest point, the locking plate 8 returns to its original position under the rebound of the spring 7, and its vertical surface locks the movable bolt 6 at the end of the limiting groove 5. Subsequently, the movable bolt 6 transmits the load by abutting against the end wall of the limiting groove 5, driving the second-stage energy-dissipating steel plate to participate in energy dissipation in a shear stress mode. The first-stage energy-dissipating steel plates on both sides continue to deform and dissipate energy. The three sets of components work together to provide greater damping force and energy dissipation capacity.

[0041] In one embodiment of this application, during the second stage of energy dissipation, the locking plate 8 prevents the locked movable bolt 6 from returning to the intermediate position during reverse loading. Because the vertical surface of the locking plate 8 blocks the side of the movable bolt 6 after reset, the movable bolt 6, locked at the left or right end, cannot cross this vertical surface to return to the intermediate position during reverse loading. Therefore, in subsequent reciprocating cyclic loading, the second-stage energy dissipation component remains locked and continuously participates in energy dissipation, instead of needing to slide a gap again every half cycle to trigger again. This makes the hysteresis curve of the present invention more complete, allowing for continuous energy dissipation every half cycle, significantly improving the energy dissipation efficiency of the damper.

[0042] In one embodiment of this application, the first-stage first connecting unit 1a, the second-stage first connecting unit 1b, the first-stage second connecting unit 2a, and the second-stage second connecting unit 2b are all end plates with connecting holes, or ear plates with pin holes. The end plate type facilitates connection to embedded plates or supports in the building structure via high-strength bolts, making installation convenient and allowing for disassembly and replacement after an earthquake. The ear plate type is suitable for connection to support rods or beam-column nodes via pins, and is suitable for conditions requiring rotational freedom. Both connection methods can be selected according to actual engineering needs; the core energy-dissipating structure of this damper is not affected by the connection method.

[0043] In one embodiment of this application, multiple first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation components and multiple second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation components are provided, and they are arranged alternately in the horizontal direction. For example, a cyclic arrangement of "first stage-second stage-first stage-second stage" or a layout of "first stage-second stage-first stage" can be adopted. This design of multiple components arranged alternately is suitable for large building structures that require greater energy dissipation capacity, and the total load-bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the damper are linearly increased by increasing the number of components.

[0044] In one embodiment of this application, both the first-stage energy-dissipating steel plate and the second-stage energy-dissipating steel plate are energy-dissipating steel plates or blade steel plates that undergo bending deformation, shear deformation, tensile-compressive deformation, or elasto-plastic hysteretic deformation under horizontal loads. Specifically, the energy-dissipating steel plates can be made of low-yield-point steel (such as LY160 or LY225), and their shapes can be rectangular, X-shaped, triangular, or open rectangular, etc. By reasonably selecting the material, shape, and size of the steel plates, their initial yield displacement and bearing capacity can be accurately set. Further, multiple first-stage energy-dissipating steel plates in each first-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating component are arranged at intervals along the thickness direction, length direction, or height direction of the damper; multiple second-stage energy-dissipating steel plates in each second-stage steel plate deformation energy-dissipating component are also arranged at intervals along the thickness direction, length direction, or height direction of the damper. By adjusting the number of steel plates, the thickness of a single plate, the spacing between adjacent steel plates, and the effective working length of the steel plates, the initial stiffness, yield displacement, and ultimate bearing capacity of the damper can be easily changed, thereby adapting to different engineering requirements.

[0045] In one embodiment of this application, the magnitude of the preset trigger displacement can be set by adjusting the horizontal distance from the initial position of the movable bolt to the highest point of the locking plate, the preload of the spring, or the slope angle of the locking plate. This allows the damper to meet different seismic fortification intensity requirements with simple adjustments without changing the overall structure, greatly improving the product's versatility and adaptability.

[0046] The following is combined with Figures 1 to 3 The complete working process of the damper of the present invention is comprehensively described below. Under normal use, the upper and lower springs 7 are in a compressed state, and the movable bolt 6 is clamped in the middle position of the length direction of the limiting groove 5 by the upper and lower locking plates 8. The movable bolt 6 does not contact the left and right ends and the upper and lower edges of the limiting groove 5. At this time, only the first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation components 3 on both sides provide structural stiffness, and the second-stage components do not transmit loads. When a small earthquake occurs, the relative displacement between the first-stage first connecting unit 1a and the first-stage second connecting unit 2a is small and does not reach the preset trigger displacement. The energy dissipation steel plates in the two first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation components 3 undergo bending or shear elastoplastic deformation, dissipating seismic energy, while the movable bolt 6 remains centered, and the second-stage components are not activated. When a moderate or major earthquake occurs, the relative displacement between the first connecting unit 1b and the second connecting unit 2b of the second stage reaches the preset trigger displacement. The movable bolt 6 is driven to shift to the left or right side of the limiting groove 5, first contacting the inclined surface of the locking plate 8, overcoming the clamping force of the spring 7 to lift or compress it. This process consumes energy. After the movable bolt 6 passes the highest point of the locking plate 8, the compressed spring 7 pushes the locking plate 8 to quickly return to its original position. Its vertical surface enters the limiting groove 5 and blocks the rear of the movable bolt 6, locking it at the end of the limiting groove 5. Thereafter, the movable bolt 6 transmits the load by abutting against the end wall of the limiting groove 5, driving the second-stage energy-dissipating steel plate to participate in energy dissipation in a shear force mode. At the same time, the first-stage energy-dissipating steel plates on both sides continue to deform and dissipate energy. The three sets of components work together to provide strong damping force and energy dissipation capacity. Because of the vertical obstruction of the locking plate 8, the movable bolt 6, which has been locked, cannot return to the middle position during reverse loading. Therefore, the second-stage component continues to participate in energy consumption during subsequent cyclic loading, resulting in a full hysteresis curve and high energy consumption efficiency.

[0047] Other optional implementation methods Based on the above embodiments, those skilled in the art can make various modifications. For example, the first-stage energy-dissipating steel plate is not limited to bending deformation; it can also employ shear-type or axial tension-compression type buckling restraint support steel plates. The second-stage spring-locking energy-dissipating assembly can also be arranged in multiple layers along the damper thickness direction, with each layer containing multiple array units to further improve out-of-plane stability and total energy dissipation capacity. The ramp angle of the locking plate 8 can be set asymmetrically as needed to achieve different trigger displacements in different directions. In addition, a lubricating layer or balls can be provided on the inner wall of the limiting groove 5 to reduce friction, and a bushing can be provided between the movable bolt 6 and the through hole at the upper end of the energy-dissipating steel plate to improve wear resistance. To protect the energy-dissipating steel plate from environmental corrosion, a removable protective cover can be provided externally.

[0048] In summary, this invention, through its unique modular "component-unit" structure, the side-by-side arrangement of at least one first-stage component and at least one second-stage component, and the linkage mechanism of "spring initial compression - movable bolt centering - offset - lifting of the locking plate - passing the highest point - spring rebound - locking plate entering the limiting groove - bolt locking at the end - bolt bearing shear force," achieves multiple beneficial effects such as clear staged energy dissipation under minor and moderate / major earthquakes, precise adjustable trigger displacement, unidirectional locking continuous energy dissipation, and ease of processing and assembly. It has extremely high industrial practical value and broad application prospects.

[0049] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-loaded metal damper, characterized in that, include: At least one first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component (3) and at least one second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component (9) are arranged side by side; Each first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component (3) includes at least one first-stage energy dissipation steel plate, and the upper and lower ends of each first-stage energy dissipation steel plate are respectively fixedly connected to a first-stage first connecting unit (1a) and a first-stage second connecting unit (2a); Each second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component (9) includes at least one second-stage energy dissipation steel plate. The lower end of each second-stage energy dissipation steel plate is fixedly connected to a second-stage second connection unit (2b), and the upper end of each second-stage energy dissipation steel plate is connected to a second-stage first connection unit (1b) through a set of spring-loaded energy dissipation components. The spring-loaded energy-dissipating assembly includes a limiting plate (4) formed on the first connecting unit (1b) of the second stage, a limiting groove (5) opened on the limiting plate (4), a movable bolt (6), a spring (7) and a locking plate (8); The movable bolt (6) passes longitudinally through all the limiting slots (5) in the same second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component (9); The spring (7) clamps the movable bolt (6) in the middle position of the limiting groove (5), and can drive the locking plate (8) to lock it at the end of the limiting groove (5) after the movable bolt (6) is offset.

2. The two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation components (3), located on the left and right sides of the second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component (9).

3. The two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each first-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component (3) includes at least one longitudinally arranged first-stage energy dissipation unit. Each first-stage energy dissipation unit includes a first-stage energy dissipation steel plate and a first-stage first connecting unit (1a) and a first-stage second connecting unit (2a) respectively fixedly connected to its upper and lower ends. Each second-stage steel plate deformation energy dissipation component (9) includes at least one longitudinally arranged second-stage energy dissipation unit. Each second-stage energy dissipation unit includes a second-stage energy dissipation steel plate and a corresponding second-stage first connecting unit (1b), second-stage second connecting unit (2b), and the spring-loaded energy dissipation component. The movable bolt (6) passes through the limiting groove (5) in all second-stage energy dissipation units longitudinally.

4. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting groove (5) is a long strip-shaped opening extending along the length of the damper. The groove height of the limiting groove (5) is greater than the diameter of the movable bolt (6), so that a reserved gap is formed between the movable bolt (6) and the upper and lower edges of the limiting groove (5).

5. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring (7) includes an upper spring disposed above the movable bolt (6) and a lower spring disposed below the movable bolt (6). Under normal use, the upper spring and the lower spring together apply clamping forces of opposite directions and equal magnitude to the movable bolt (6).

6. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking plate (8) is an elastic wedge block with a unidirectional or bidirectional ramp. The ramp surface of the elastic wedge block is used to contact the movable bolt (6) and guide it past the highest point. The vertical surface of the elastic wedge block is used to lock the movable bolt (6) after resetting.

7. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The card plate (8) is hinged to the limiting plate (4) and a reset force is applied by a reset torsion spring.

8. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The magnitude of the preset trigger displacement is set by adjusting the horizontal distance from the initial position of the movable bolt (6) to the highest point of the locking plate (8), the preload of the spring (7), or the slope angle of the locking plate (8).

9. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, Under normal use, the spring (7) is in a compressed state and pushes the locking plate (8) to clamp the movable bolt (6) in the middle position of the length direction of the limiting groove (5). The movable bolt (6) does not contact the left and right ends of the limiting groove (5).

10. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the first stage energy consumption state, the relative displacement between the first stage first connecting unit (1a) and the first stage second connecting unit (2a) is less than the preset trigger displacement. The first stage energy consumption steel plate in the first stage steel plate deformation energy consumption component (3) deforms to consume energy. The movable bolt (6) is still clamped in the middle position of the limiting groove (5).

11. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second stage of energy consumption, the relative displacement between the first connecting unit (1b) and the second connecting unit (2b) of the second stage reaches the preset trigger displacement. The movable bolt (6) is driven to shift to the left or right side of the limiting groove (5) and push up or compress the locking plate (8). When the movable bolt (6) passes the highest point of the locking plate (8), the locking plate (8) is reset under the rebound action of the spring (7) and at least partially enters the limiting groove (5), locking the movable bolt (6) at the end of the limiting groove (5) so that the movable bolt (6) bears shear force to realize the second stage of energy consumption.

12. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the second stage of energy consumption, the locking plate (8) can prevent the locked movable bolt (6) from returning to the intermediate position when reverse loading occurs.

13. A two-stage energy-dissipating spring-locking metal damper according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first stage first connecting unit (1a), the second stage first connecting unit (1b), the first stage second connecting unit (2a), and the second stage second connecting unit (2b) are all end plates with connecting holes, or ear plates with pin holes.

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