A seismic damper

Abstract

The present invention relates to a seismic damper (10) comprising at least one first arm (20a) and at least one second arm (20b) associated with a structure to be reinforced against seismic movements. Its novelty is that it includes a friction plane (25) provided on each of the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) so as to face one another, the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) being interconnected with at least partial rotational freedom around a central axis (A), and a pin (30) extending from the first arm (20a) toward the second arm (20b) and capable of partially displacing within a movement channel (23) provided on the second arm (20b).

Description

[0001] A SEISMIC DAMPER

[0002] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to a seismic damper used to reinforce structures against seismic movements or to meet the seismic energy damping requirements of new structures.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Reinforcement elements are used to prevent the collapse of structures due to earthquakes or to reduce the damage that may occur. Reinforcement elements generally consist of various components such as reinforced concrete or steel additional members, and materials like carbon fiber. Traditional reinforcement methods generally aim to achieve more rigid structures. In innovative strengthening methods that have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, the aim is to reduce the seismic forces acting on the structure by increasing its damping through energy dissipators added to the building. Seismic dampers are used to provide this damping function.

[0006] One of the methods used for energy dissipation in seismic dampers is based on converting kinetic energy into thermal energy through friction. Friction-type dampers increase the damping of the structure without increasing its rigidity. They also do not operate until a certain activation force is reached. This leads to them not functioning during small earthquakes. Similarly, they are ineffective when the structure requires additional stiffness due to a lack of rigidity.

[0007] Another method used for energy dissipation in seismic dampers is based on the principle of energy dissipation through the plastic deformation of metal components. In this method, while good results are obtained under high forces, they do not work under low forces, and the entire shape-shifted damper must be replaced after an earthquake.As a result, all the above-mentioned problems have made it imperative to innovate in the relevant technical field.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to a seismic damper to overcome the aforementioned disadvantages and to bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0010] The purpose of the invention is to provide a seismic damper that delivers benefits regardless of the magnitude of seismic motion and offers a gradual and adjustable capacity in which the balance between increased stiffness and increased damping can be tuned according to need.

[0011] In order to realize all of the above mentioned objects and the objects which are to be deducted from the detailed description below, the present invention relates to a seismic damper having at least one first arm and at least one second arm associated with a structure to be reinforced against seismic movements. Accordingly, it comprises a first arm and a second arm connected to each other with at least partial rotational freedom about a central axis, providing a respective friction plane on each arm, and a pin that can partially move within a movement channel extending from the first arm to the second arm and provided on the second arm. Thus, during seismic motion, the first arm and the second arm rotate relative to each other, and initially, some energy is dissipated through friction. As the movement continues, when the pins reach the end of the movement channel, they begin to undergo plastic deformation and, together with friction, provide an additional increase in force and damping.

[0012] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, it includes a protruding part provided on the friction plane. Thus, friction between the first arm and the second arm is ensured to occur within a controlled area.

[0013] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, the protruding part is provided in a circular form.In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, the movement channel extends along a spring provided on the center axis. Thus, during the rotation of the first arm and the second arm relative to each other, the pins change position within the movement channel, and an adjustable area pressure force necessary for friction is provided.

[0014] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, a metal pin with the ability to deform multiple times along a spring provided on the center axis of the movement channel is provided. Thus, multiple pins can be used.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, the distance of the motion channel from the central axis is greater than the distance of the outermost edge of the protruding part from the central axis.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, a coating material is provided on the friction plane of the metal discs that rub against each other as they are actuated by the arms. With this material, the friction force can be adjusted.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, a narrowed portion provided in the middle part of the pin is included. This allows the pin to extend in a controlled manner from its middle section.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, a pin clearance provided on the first arm through which the pin passes is included.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, it includes a head portion resting against the outer circumference of the first arm of the pin. This restricts the movement of the pin in the direction of extension.

[0020] In another preferred embodiment of the subject matter invention, the pin comprises a tip portion sized to move within the motion channel. Thus, the movement of the pin within the movement channel is ensured.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] Fig. 1 shows a representative blast view of the seismic damper which is the subject of the invention.

[0022] Fig. 2 shows a representative front and side view of the seismic damper which is the subject of the invention.

[0023] Fig. 3 shows a representative isometric view of the seismic damper which is the subject of the invention.

[0024] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBABLE EMBODIMENT(S)

[0025] In this detailed description, seismic damper is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect in order to make the subject more understandable.

[0026] The subject of the invention is a seismic damper (10) that essentially comprises at least one first arm (20a) and at least one second arm (20b) connected to each other. The said first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) are connected to the components of the structure where the seismic damper (10) subject to the invention will be positioned. In a possible configuration, the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) are connected to a horizontal and a vertical component of the structure. To connect the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) to the structure, at least one mounting clearance (22) is provided on each of the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) in a possible configuration. The assembly is secured using assembly elements (not shown in the figure) passed through the mentioned mounting clearance (22). The assembly elements are assembly components known in the art, such as bolts and nuts, in a possible configuration.

[0027] The first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) are connected to each other in such a way that they can rotate relative to each other at least partially about a central axis (A). To achieve this, a central connection clearance (24) is provided on the mentioned central axis (A). In a possible configuration, the connection between thefirst arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) is provided by a connecting element (not shown in the figure) passed through the central connection clearance (24) provided on the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b). The connection element mentioned may be a fastener such as a bolt and nut. This allows the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) to be pressed against each other with the desired force.

[0028] The portions of the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) that contact each other each comprise a friction plane (25). In a possible embodiment, at least one of these friction planes (25) may be coated with a wear-resistant material having a high coefficient of friction.

[0029] The first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) each have at least one pin clearance (21) provided on one of them and a movement channel (23) provided on the other. In a possible configuration, the pin clearance (21) is provided in the form of a circular hole. The movement channel (23) is provided in the form of a cocoon extending along a spring provided on the central axis (A). A pin (30) passing through the pin clearance (21) extends outward from inside the movement channel (23). The end of the pin (30) remaining on the pin clearance (21) side is defined as a head portion (31). The head portion (31) is provided to be larger than the diameter of the pin clearance (21). Thus, when the pin (30) is inserted into the pin clearance (21), its head portion (31) rests against the outer surface of the first arm (20a), and the movement of the pin (30) along the axis of the pin clearance (21) is restricted. The portion of the pin (30) remaining within the movement channel (23) is defined as an tip (33). The diameter of the mentioned tip (33) is selected so that it can move at least partially within the movement channel (23). Thus, when the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) rotate relative to each other, the pin (30) moves along the movement channel (23) within the movement channel (23). When the pin (30) rests against a channel end (231) defined at the ends of the movement channel (23), the movement of the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) relative to each other is restricted. When the seismic damper (10) of the invention is first installed, the pin (30) is adjusted to remain in the center of the movement channel (23). The pin (30) comprises a narrowed portion (32) in its middle section. This narrowed portion (32), having a reduced cross-section in that region, allowsthe pin (30) to deform in a controlled manner at this location. Therefore, when a bending moment acts on the pin (30), plastic deformation may occur in this region.

[0030] In a possible configuration of the invention, when the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) are joined together, the extension direction of the first arm (20a) and the extension direction of the second arm (20b) form a V-like shape. Furthermore, movement channels (23) are preferably provided in multiple numbers, arranged to form a circular orbit around the central axis (A). In a possible embodiment, the movement channel (23) and the pins (30) provided within each movement channel (23) are provided in a quantity of five. Thus, damping is provided corresponding to the total of the five pins (30). In alternative embodiments, fewer or greater numbers of pins (30) and movement channels (23) may be provided.

[0031] On the other hand, the friction planes (25) provided on the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) are provided on a protruding part (26). Friction between the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) occurs only in this portion. In a possible configuration, the protruding part (26) is provided in a circular form. Furthermore, the movement channels (23) are provided so that they remain on the outer side of the protruding part (26). In other words, the distance between the movement channel (23) and the center axis (A) is greater than the radius of the friction plane (25). Thus, the narrowed portions (32) of the pins (30) extending from the first arm (20a) to the second arm (20b) remain in a gap between the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b). By this way, when force is applied to the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b), no cutting force is applied to the narrowed portion (32) between the pins (30). The resulting cutting force is applied to the connecting element that connects the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) to each other via the center axis (A). Thus, while the connection on the central axis (A) can be made of a material with any desired rigidity, the pins (30) can be made of a material capable of plastically deforming by yielding under applied force without breaking.

[0032] When seismic movements occur in the structure to which the seismic damper (10) is connected, the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) rotate relative to each other about the central axis (A) due to the forces acting on them. When displacement during seismic movement is minimal, the first arm (20a) and secondarm (20b) rotate relative to each other, and during this time the pin (30) moves freely within the movement channel (23). Initially, since the pin (30) is located in the center of the movement channel (23), rotation in both directions is possible, and the movement is damped by friction between the friction planes (25), converting it into heat energyWhen the displacement generated during seismic motion increases, the pin (30) rests against the channel end (231) of the movement channel (23), and a bending force begins to act on the pins (30). Consequently, the pins (30) in the seismic damper (10) are made resistant to rotation. This, in addition to the effect of friction, ensures that additional energy is dissipated by forcing the pins (30) to elongate. Under the effect of the force applied to the pins (30), the pins (30) yield and undergo plastic deformation, thereby changing shape.

[0033] As a result, thanks to the described configurations of the seismic damper (10), a portion of the seismic movements is dissipated through friction, and when the displacement exceeds the travel distance within the movement channel (23), additional energy dissipation is provided by the deformation of the pin (30). Therefore, in small seismic movements, damping is achieved without deformation in the seismic damper (10). Therefore, the seismic damper (10) can continue to be used without any further action. However, when larger seismic movements occur, the pins (30) also ensure the damping of much greater forces. The amount of deformation occurring in the pins (30) is controlled when the seismic movements are completed. If there is no significant deformation in the pins (30), the seismic damper (10) continues to be used without any further action. If the deformation in the pins (30) exceeds an acceptable level, only the pins (30) are removed and replaced with new ones, and the seismic damper (10) can continue to be used.

[0034] The protection scope of the present invention is set forth in the annexed claims and cannot be restricted to the illustrative disclosures given above, under the detailed description. It is because a person skilled in the relevant art can obviously produce similar embodiments in the light of the foregoing disclosures, without departing from the main principles of the present invention.REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0035] 10 Seismic damper

[0036] 20a First arm

[0037] 20b Second arm

[0038] 21 Pin clearance

[0039] 22 Mounting clearance

[0040] 23 Movement channel

[0041] 231 Channel end

[0042] 24 Central connection clearance 25 Friction plane

[0043] 26 Protruding part

[0044] 30 Pin

[0045] 31 Head portion

[0046] 32 Narrowed portion

[0047] 33 Tip

[0048] A Central axis

Claims

CLAIMS1. A seismic damper (10) comprising at least one first arm (20a) and at least one second arm (20b) associated with a structure to be reinforced against seismic movements, characterized in that it includes a friction plane (25) provided on each of the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) so as to face one another, the first arm (20a) and the second arm (20b) being interconnected with at least partial rotational freedom around a central axis (A), and a pin (30) extending from the first arm (20a) toward the second arm (20b) and capable of partially displacing within a movement channel (23) provided on the second arm (20b).

2. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 1 , wherein it includes a protruding part (36) provided on the friction plane (25).

3. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 2, wherein the protruding part (26) is provided in a circular form.

4. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the movement channel (23) extends along a spring provided on the center axis (A).

5. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 4, wherein the movement channel (23) is provided multiple times along a spring direction provided at the center axis (A).

6. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 5, wherein the distance of the movement channel (23) from the central axis (A) is greater than the distance of the outermost edge of the protruding part (26) from the central axis (A).

7. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 1 , wherein it comprises a coating material provided on the friction plane (25).

8. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 1, wherein it includes a narrowed portion (32) provided in the middle portion of the pin (30).

9. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 1, wherein it includes a pin clearance (21) provided on the first arm (20a) through which the pin (30) passes.

10. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 9, wherein it includes a head portion (31) resting against the outer surface of the first arm (20a) of the pin (30).

11. A seismic damper (10) according to claim 1, wherein it includes an tip (33) provided in a size that can move within the movement channel (23) of the pin (30).

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