The present invention relates to the technical field of devices for the construction sector.

In particular, the present invention relates to an anti-seismic device particularly adapted to dampen or absorb external stresses acting on a structure and due, for example, to seismic events, wind action or accidental shocks.

The stability of a structure is a fundamental requirement and aspect that allows it to be duly used in safety conditions.

Therefore, the development and implementation of elements and devices capable of contributing to the strengthening of structures as well as capable of making them more resistant to possible stresses is a highly interesting aspect in the construction industry.

To date, different solutions are known in the form of devices that can be applied to structures to improve their robustness and strength, however these solutions are still affected by problems and inefficiencies that leave room for possible improvements and further developments aimed at optimising functioning thereof.

For exemplary purposes, it is known to arrange and install on the structure devices known as axial dissipators, which control the absorption of stresses, particularly those due to seismic events, by dampening dynamic impulsive actions thereof.

Dissipators of the known type are usually of the oil-dynamic type and exploit the resistance offered by an oil when, due to the displacement imparted by the movement of the earthquake, it is forced out of or into the chamber of a piston suitably connected to one or more of the elements making up the structure.

The dampening action not only controls the extent of oscillations by containing them but also has the effect of controlling the maximum mutual forces between two structure portions. In fact, the connection between separate structural elements without the dissipator but with fixed connectors would transmit the stresses in an impulsive manner, whereas with the dissipator, when the forces are very large, the dissipator gives way and the force cannot be greater than that transmitted by the dissipator.

In practice, an axial dissipator controls the mutual forces between the connected elements as a function of the displacements imposed by the stress.

However, the dissipators of the known type are little efficient as the energy transmitted to and absorbed by the oil causes it to heat up progressively, up to the point of damaging the dissipator components, in particular the seals, with the consequent risk of oil leakage, thus making it necessary to replace the entire device.

In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose an anti-seismic device that overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art mentioned above.

In particular, it is the object of the present invention to make available an anti-seismic device provided with greater strength and efficiency in dampening the oscillations acting on the structure on which this device is installed.

The detailed technical task and the objects specified are substantially achieved by an anti-seismic device comprising the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.

According to the present invention, an anti-seismic device is shown.

This device essentially comprises a first and second connector, a connecting rod and a dissipator.

The first connector can be fixed to a first structural element of a structure.

The second connector can be fixed to a second structural element of the structure.

Such a structure can be, for example, a building and preferably the first structural element is a pillar while the second structural element is a beam supporting the pillar.

The connecting rod is interposed between the first and second connector and connects them to each other.

Preferably, the connecting rod is a rod with a circular cross-section.

The dissipator is interposed between the connecting rod and the first connector and the second connector.

The dissipator has an insertion seat counter-shaped to the section of the connecting rod.

Therefore, when the connecting rod has a circular cross-section, the insertion seat also has a circular section.

The insertion seat is configured to slidably accommodate by insertion an end of the connecting rod.

Thereby, as a result of the axial sliding of the connecting rod, the energy generated by the compressive and tensile stresses acting on the device as a result of a stress on the structure is dissipated.

Advantageously, the device that is the subject of the present invention makes it possible to effectively and efficiently dampen and soften the stresses to which the structure is subjected.

The dependent claims, herein incorporated for reference, correspond to different embodiments of the invention.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the approximate and thus non-limiting description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of an anti- seismic device, as shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 shows an anti-seismic device according to the present invention;

- Figures 2 to 4 show an exploded view of some components of the device in Figure 1 ;

- Figures 5A and 5B show anti-seismic devices according to the present invention installed at appropriate elements making up a structure;

- Figures 6A and 6B show the behaviour of the device at two subsequent functioning moments; - Figures 7A and 7B show details of the behaviour of some device components during subsequent moments corresponding to those in Figures 6A and 6B respectively;

- Figure 8 shows in detail some components of a possible embodiment of the device as assembled and with one component, in particular the dissipating pin, highlighted.

In the enclosed figures, the numerical reference 1 generically denotes an anti-seismic device, which is referred to, in the hereinafter description, simply as device 1 .

In particular, this device 1 is configured and adapted to be installed between two structural elements of a structure in such a way that it can dampen and soften the stresses acting on these elements.

By way of example, the device 1 can be coupled to a beam T and a pillar P of a building as detailed below.

Such a beam T can be arranged on the pillar P in such a way that it has a lower face extending perpendicular to a side face of the pillar P and the device 1 can be installed between these two faces at a point where the beam T rests on the pillar P, as shown for example in Figure 5.

As it can be seen in greater detail in Figure 1 , the device 1 essentially comprises a first connector 2, a second connector 3, a connecting rod 4 and a dissipator 5.

The first connector 2 comprises a substantially U-shaped bracket with a base portion that can be bound to the element of interest of the structure and two side portions extending away from the base portion and perpendicular thereto.

The base portion in turn has through-holes that allow the use of appropriate fixing elements F, such as screws, bolts and tie-rods, with which the first connector 2 can be bound to the structure on which the device 1 is to operate.

The second connector 3 has a structure corresponding to that of the first connector 2 and can be bound to an element of the structure other than that to which the first connector 2 is bound.

For example, as mentioned above, in a use configuration, the first connector 2 can be connected to a pillar P, while the second connector 3 can be connected to a beam T.

The two connectors 2, 3 are then in turn mutually connected by the connecting rod 4 which is thus interposed between the two, having in particular a first end 4a associated and coupled to the first connector 2 and a second end 4b associated and coupled to the second connector 3. This connecting rod 4 preferably has a circular cross-section.

Instead, the dissipator 5 is interposed between the connecting rod 4 and one of the connectors 2, 3.

In other words, the dissipator 5 is coupled to one of the two ends 4a, 4b of the connecting rod 4 and acts as an interface element with the respective connector 2, 3.

By way of example only, in the enclosed figures, the dissipator 5 is shown as associated with the first end 4a of the connecting rod 4, thus being interposed between the latter and the first connector 2.

The above therefore does not exclude that the dissipator 5 may instead be interposed between the second end 4b and the second connector 3.

Structurally, the dissipator 5 has an insertion seat S that is counter-shaped to the section of the connecting rod 4, i.e. with a circular cross-section in case the connecting rod 4 has a circular cross-section, configured to slidably accommodate by insertion an end 4a, 4b (specifically the first end 4a in the exemplary embodiment shown in the enclosed figures) of that connecting rod 4.

Thus, the connecting rod 4 is axially movable along its main extension direction by its end 4a, 4b sliding into the insertion seat S.

It is thereby possible to dissipate the energy caused by the sliding of the connecting rod 4 during external compressive and tensile stresses active on the device 1 .

In other words, when the structure (specifically the building) undergoes a stress (e.g. an earthquake), the elements making it up (beams and pillars) may move with respect to each other, deforming the structure, and the specific design of the device 1 makes it possible to dampen these deformations since the connecting rod 4 is not connected to the structural elements in a rigid manner, but via the dissipator 5, which has the insertion seat S inside which the connecting rod 4 itself can slide, absorbing energy and dampening the relative displacements of the structural elements.

In addition, the dampening of the movement of the connecting rod 4 means that it can reach its end stop in a mitigated manner.

In other words, the specific structure of the device 1 allows to dampen the movement of the connecting rod 4, ensuring that the latter is slowed down appropriately before reaching its end stop.

In detail, the coupling between the dissipator 5, specifically its insertion seat S, and the respective end 4, 4b is an interference fit.

The relative movement between the insertion seat S and the connecting rod 4 is thereby dampened, as it is necessary to overcome the frictional force existing between the inner wall of the insertion seat S and the lateral surface of the end 4a, 4b inserted therein in order to slide the connecting rod 4.

In other words, the specific form-fitting between the insertion seat S and the connecting rod 4 makes it possible to dampen the axial sliding of the connecting rod 4 with respect to the dissipator 5 during compressive and tensile stresses acting on the structure in which the device 1 is installed, thereby absorbing the energy of these stresses and thus reducing the strain that the structure has to support in order to bear the stresses.

Advantageously, the implementation of an insertion seat S that is countershaped to the connecting rod 4 allows the contact surface between the two components to be maximised, thus maximising and levelling out the friction and dampening that can be obtained.

In order to ensure greater stability and strength of the device 1 , the connectors 2, 3 are coupled to the further elements making up the device 1 itself by means of hinges, which provide a greater degree of freedom of movement and reduce the overall stiffness thereof.

To this end, the side portions of the connectors 2, 3 have through holes inside which a cylinder C can be axially inserted.

Similarly, the dissipator 5 also has similar through-holes that can be engaged by the cylinder C, thus defining a hinge of the dissipator to the respective connector 2, 3.

Similarly and correspondingly, the device 1 may further comprise a connection head 6 interposed between the end 4a, 4b of the connecting rod 4 not coupled to the dissipator 5 and the respective connector 2, 3.

Still with reference to the specific embodiment shown in the enclosed figures, the connection head 6 is interposed between the second end 4b and the second connector 3.

As it can be seen in particular in Figure 4, the connection head 6 also has appropriate through-holes which can be engaged by a respective cylinder C of the second connector 3, in such a way as to define a hinge of the connecting rod 4 to the second connector 3.

According to a further possible embodiment, not explicitly illustrated in the enclosed figures, the connection head 6 can itself be a dissipator 5.

In other words, the device 1 may comprise a first dissipator 5 interposed between the connecting rod 4 and the first connector 2 and a second dissipator 5 interposed between the connecting rod 4 and the second connector 3.

In this context, the dissipators 5 as well as the ends 4a, 4b of the connecting rod associated thereto have the same structure, shape and functioning.

In greater detail, from a structural point of view, the dissipator 5 comprises a first half-shell 5a, a second half-shell 5b and coupling means 5c.

Each half-shell 5a, 5b has a plate-shaped base on which shoulders are made to define respective portions of the insertion seat S.

In the assembled configuration, the plates of the two half-shells are then facing each other, and their respective shoulders are coupled to obtain the insertion seat S between the two plates.

The coupling means 5c permanently bind the two half-shells 5a, 5b to each other and are preferably arranged externally to the insertion seat, so as to leave it completely free for coupling with the connecting rod 4 and, still more importantly, to prevent such a connecting rod 4 from coming into contact with the coupling means 5c during its sliding movement in the insertion seat S.

According to a possible aspect of the present invention, the coupling means 5c comprise a plurality of clamping screws (comprising, for example, pairs of screws and bolts) associated with the half-shells 5a, 5b outside the insertion seat S in such a way that, in use, the rod does not come into contact with the coupling means 5c.

In addition, cup-shaped springs or Belleville springs 5d are placed between the screw heads and one half-shell 5a, 5b and between the bolts and the other half-shell 5b, 5a in order to control the tightening of the two half-shells 5a, 5b.

As shown in the enclosed figures, Figure 5 in particular, the coupling means 5c can be positioned at a shoulder body defining the insertion seat S.

In this context, these shoulders may have through holes within which the clamping screws can be inserted.

This ensures that the connecting rod 4 sliding inside the insertion seat S cannot come into contact with the coupling means 5c, thus preventing wear and potential damage due to impacts.

Advantageously, at least a portion of the dissipator 5 defining the insertion seat S, then at least the portion of the shoulders defining the inner wall of the insertion seat S, and at least the end 4a, 4b of the connecting rod 4 coupled to said dissipator 5 are made of respective materials unsuitable for welding to each other.

In fact, during use, the sliding of the end 4a, 4b of the connecting rod 4 inside the insertion seat S generates heat, which in known devices can generate mutual welding spots between the dissipator 5 and the connecting rod 4.

In the event of this occurring, the stresses acting on the device 1 therefore keep on generating and breaking these welding spots, thus worsening the overall functioning of the device 1 .

In this context, the use of materials characterised by low weldability, in particular those not adapted to be welded to each other, ensures that optimal operating conditions are maintained.

By way of a non-limiting example, at least the portion of the dissipator 5 defining the insertion seat (preferably the entire dissipator 5) and at least the end 4a, 4b of the connecting rod 4 coupled thereto are made of materials unsuitable for welding, such as, for example, high-carbon steel (i.e. steel with a high carbon content) or bronze.

In particular, according to a possible embodiment of the device 1 herein described, the dissipator 5 is made of high-carbon steel and the end 4a, 4b associated thereto is made of bronze.

This specific embodiment has a further advantage in that the friction acting on the bronze end 4a, 4b during the sliding of the connecting rod 4 with respect to the dissipator 5 causes a progressive reduction of the surface granularity of the end 4a, 4b as the combined effect of the heat generated and the mechanical action of the inner wall of the insertion seat S on the end 4a, 4b smooths its surface roughness thus increasing the contact surface between the two, improving the fluidity of the response of the device 1 when subjected to stresses avoiding in particular the risk of jamming.

In other words, after the first activation cycles, the performance of the device may even improve, as the stress-dampening capacity expressed by the device 1 is proportional to the friction existing between the dissipator 5 and the connecting rod 4 (as it dampens and brakes their mutual movement) which is in turn proportional to the contact surface between the two.

Therefore, the increase in the contact area generated after the first activation cycles also causes a progressive increase in the overall efficiency of the device 1 .

According to a preferred embodiment, shown in the enclosed figures, the connecting rod 4 comprises a dissipating pin 7 suitable to define an end 4a, 4b, in particular the end 4a, 4b inserted within the insertion seat S.

In other words, the rod includes a dissipating pin 7 that defines the end 4a, 4b thereof which is coupled to the dissipator 5.

Preferably, the connecting rod 4 has a central body 8 and the dissipating pin 7 is reversibly coupled to that central body 8.

In case the dissipating pin 7 was damaged or maintenance or repair work was required on the pin 7 itself and/or on the central body, it is possible to replace only the damaged element with no need to replace the entire device 1 .

Advantageously, the dissipating pin 7 forms, with the central body 8, a shoulder 7a suitable to abut against an edge of the insertion seat S in a condition of maximum insertion of the dissipating pin 7 therein.

The shoulder 7a thereby operationally defines an end stop for inserting the dissipating pin 7 into the insertion seat S.

Preferably, this shoulder 7a is also made in case the connecting rod 4 does not include the dissipating pin 7, or if this dissipating pin 7 is made in one piece with the central body 8.

If the device 1 comprises a pair of dissipating pins 5, the connecting rod 4 may comprise a respective pair of dissipating pins 7 having the same characteristics and configured to define respective ends 4a, 4b of the connecting rod 4.

Specifically, in this context, the connecting rod 4 comprises a first dissipating pin defining the first end 4a and a second dissipating pin defining the second end 4b.

Advantageously, the connecting rod 4 may comprise a dissipating pin 7, preferably a dissipating pin 7 reversibly coupled to the central body 8, configured to define the end 4a, 4b not coupled to the dissipator 5 (e.g. an end 4a, 4b coupled to the connection head 6) if the device 1 comprises a single dissipator 5.

Thus, in general, the device 1 comprises a connecting rod 4 whose ends 4a, 4b can be defined by respective pins 7 and at least one of said ends 4a, 4b is coupled to the respective connector 2, 3 by means of the dissipator 5, while the other end 4a, 4b can be connected to the respective connector 2, 3 by means of a further dissipator 5 or by means of the connection head 6.

Advantageously, as it can be seen in Figure 8, the device 1 can further comprise a dampening element 9 that helps to further dampen the movement of the connecting rod 4 when it is close to its end stop.

Such a dampening element 9 may for example be made by one or more coil springs fitted to the end 4a, 4b of the connecting rod 4 associated with the dissipator 5.

In particular, such a coil spring can be fitted on the dissipating pin 7 preferably being interposed between the shoulder 7a and the insertion seat S and/or between the insertion seat S and a terminal end 7b of the dissipating pin 7 to which a sealing ring 7c can be bound (e.g. screwed) which provides a respective shoulder on which the dampening element 9 can abut, providing it with an abutment.

In general, therefore, the dampening element allows to obtain what is referred to in the technical jargon as work-hardening, i.e., for maximum displacements of the connecting rod 4, the opposite force (i.e. dampening) of the dampening element 9 increases as it is proportional to the deformation of the coil spring generated by the thrust of the connecting rod 4 itself.

It should be noted that the dampening function of the movement of the connecting rod 4 at, or approaching, the end stop position is an advantageous aspect that can also be implemented in anti-seismic devices with different shapes and structures.

In other words, the dampening element 9 can generally be coupled to one end of a connecting rod coupled to a dissipator so that it acts when this rod, in its sliding relative to the dissipator, approaches an end stop position, so that it can further dampen this movement in its end segment. Therefore, the dampening element could be implemented effectively even if the dissipator does not have a design that is counter-shaped to the connecting rod, but is, for example, made by means of a pair of plates that are clamped directly on the rod or on an element connected/linked to it and designed to slide by interference relative to these plates.

Figures 5A, 5B show a potential embodiment of anti-seismic devices 1 according to the present invention.

In particular, four anti-seismic devices 1 can be seen in Figure 5A, of which two first devices 1 a are installed on the left side of a pillar P and two second devices 1 b are installed on its right side.

Specifically, these devices have respective dissipators 5 associated with the walls of the pillar P and connection heads 6 associated with the lower walls of the beam T arranged standing on the same pillar P by means of respective first and second connectors 2, 3.

Alternatively, according to possible further embodiments not explicitly illustrated, the first and second devices 1 a, 1 b could comprise respective dissipators 5 also associated with the lower walls of the beams, i.e. interposed between the second ends 4b of the connecting rods 4 and the respective second connectors 3.

Alternatively, the first and second devices 1 a, 1 b could also comprise respective dissipators 5 associated only with the lower walls of the beams, i.e. interposed between the second ends 4b of the connecting rods 4 and the respective second connectors 3 while the first ends 4a are coupled to the respective first connectors 2 by means of appropriate connection heads 6.

Figures 6A, 6B below show the functioning of these devices 1 a, 1 b in the installation configuration shown in Figures 5A, 5B if the structure to which they are coupled undergoes a stress, e.g. an earthquake-related stress.

In this context, the structure goes from a resting condition shown in Figure 6A to a deformed configuration shown in Figure 6B (and shown in greater detail in Figures 7A and 7B).

In particular, looking in general at Figure 6B and in greater detail at Figure 7B, it is possible to note how the relative movement of the beams T with respect to the pillar P causes a proportional overall elongation of the first devices 1 a made possible by a corresponding protrusion of the first end 4a (defined by the pins 7) of the rods 4 of these first devices 1a from their respective insertion seats S.

Similarly, the second devices 1 b are subjected to an opposite movement that pushes the pins 7 of the second devices 1 b into their respective insertion seats S.

As indicated above, the sliding of the first ends 4a within their respective insertion seats, thanks to the maximised contact surface area guaranteed by the form-fitting between the two, advantageously allows them to dampen and soften the stresses undergone by the structure, thus making it more stable and resistant.

Advantageously, the present invention achieves the objects put forward by overcoming the drawbacks complained of in the prior art by making available to the user an anti-seismic device that guarantees optimal performance while maintaining a high degree of stress resistance.