DEVICE FOR MECHANICAL DISSIPATION

The present invention relates to a device for mechanical dissipation of the type specified in the preamble of first claim.

The present invention relates to a device for mechanical dissipation mainly used in the field of the construction safety. In particular, the device allows to reduce damages to structures deriving from intense external vibrations and to dissipate shaking energy due to events such as earthquakes or phenomena of other nature. Several types of devices for mechanical dissipation, or dampers, are currently known. Each type of mechanical damper implements the energy dissipation through different dissipation means.

Some types of dampers of known type are:

• Metallic Yield Dampers;

• Friction Dampers;

• Visco-Elastic Dampers;

• Viscous Fluid Dampers;

• Metallic Shear Panels.

These devices are mainly used in the seismic isolation techniques of structures. Therefore, along the vertical development of a specific structure they introduce a discontinuity. This allows to separate the whole structure in different "sections”, so as to decrease the transmission of the seismic actions along the vertical development of the structure itself.

The dampers then can be constrained both to the beams and to the vertical elements upon which they are rested, so as to be able to absorb effectively the energy deriving from external phenomena. An example of solutions of this type are the Viscous Fluid Dampers which are characterized by a dual-chamber cylindrical piston containing special liquids (oil or paraffin).

The dampers are used in case of structures consisting of beams, made of metal or cement, rested upon pillars. Typically, the dampers of this type are friction dampers and they are used for structures such as sheds, in which the stability of the structures depends upon their weight.

The described known art includes some important drawbacks.

In particular, a disadvantage of these devices lies in their complexity, as well as in costs, due both to the productive process, which results to be all the more difficult, the greater the structural complexity of the device results to be, and to the materials used for the construction of the single components. For example, the previously mentioned Viscous Fluid Dampers have considerable production and maintenance costs.

An example of device of this type is described in the patent application IT 102016000127520 of the same applicant.

In this situation the technical task underlying the present invention is to devise a device for mechanical dissipation capable of substantially obviating at least partially the mentioned drawbacks.

Within said technical task an important object of the invention is to obtain a device for mechanical dissipation having a less complex structure than those of the known solutions.

Another important object of the invention is to implement a device for mechanical dissipation allowing to reduce the production costs.

The technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a device for mechanical dissipation as claimed in the enclosed claim 1.

Preferred technical solutions are highlighted in the depending claims.

The features and advantages of the invention are explained hereinafter by the detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, with reference to the enclosed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section of the device according to the invention;

Figure 2 illustrates the enlargement ll-ll shown in Figure 1 ; a first end of the device;

Figure 3 shows a central component of the device in longitudinal section; and

Figure 4 is section IV-IV shown in Figure 3.

In the present document, the measurements, values, shapes and geometrical references (such as perpendicularity and parallelism), when associated to words such as “about” or other similar terms such as “approximately” or “substantially”, are to be meant as excluding measurements errors or inaccuracies due to production and/or manufacturing errors and, above all, excluding a slight deviation from the value, measurement, shape or geometrical reference thereto it is associated. For example, such terms, if associated to a value, preferably designate a deviation not higher than 10% of the value itself.

Moreover, when used, terms such as “first”, “second”, “higher”, “lower”, “main” and “secondary” do not identify necessarily an order, a relation priority or relative position, but they can simply be used to distinguish more clearly components different from each other.

Unless otherwise specified, as it results from the following discussions, it is considered that terms such as "treatment", "computer science", "determination", "calculation", or the like, relate to the action and/or processes of a computer or similar electronic calculation device which manipulates and/or transforms data represented as physical data, such as electronic quantities of registers of a computer system and/or memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer systems, registers or other devices for storing, transmitting or displaying information.

The measurements and data reported in the present text are to be considered, unless otherwise indicated, as performed under International Standard Atmosphere ICAO (ISO 2533:1975).

With reference to Figures, the device according to the invention is designated as a whole with reference 1.

The device 1 is a vibration dissipator for static structures such as, for example, buildings or sheds.

It comprises a first body 2. The first body 2 preferably comprises a plurality of assembled elements and it is mainly extended along a longitudinal axis 1a. The longitudinal axis defines the main development direction of the first body 2 and, more generally, of the whole device 1 .

Therefore, the first body 2 comprises a first end 4 of attachment to a first external structure and develops from said first external structure along said longitudinal axis 1 a.

The first end 4, then, performs the function of constraining the device 1 to said first external structure. In an embodiment example, the constraint to the first end 4 preferably is a first ring 40. Said first ring 40 can be part of a junction connected to said first external structure, so as to allow a rotation with respect to the first external structure and facilitate the placement of the device 1 .

The first ring 40 comprises a first hooking hole 401 with circular shape. It is configured for the insertion of a hooking pin to the first external structure. In particular, the hooking pin can be part of said junction and the rotation axis of said junction coincides with the axis passing through the centre of the first hooking hole 401.

The first ring 40 preferably has diameter comprised between 92 mm and 100 mm, more preferably between 94 mm and 98 mm and thickness related to the edge preferably comprised between 21 mm and 25 mm, more preferably comprised between 22 mm and 24 mm.

The first hooking hole 401 preferably has diameter comprised between 32 mm and 37 mm, more preferably between 33 mm and 36 mm.

The portion surrounding the first hooking hole 401 can have a shape protruding in the direction passing through the axis of the first hooking hole 401 .

Therefore, the thickness of the first ring 40 related to the edge of the first hooking hole 401 is preferably comprised between 41 mm and 49 mm, more preferably between 43 mm and 47 mm, still more preferably between 44 mm and 46 mm.

The first end 4 is connected to a first plate 41.

For example, the first ring 40 preferably comprises an extension constrained to the plate 41 .

The constraint between the extension of the ring 40 and the plate 41 can be implemented by welding.

The first plate 41 is preferably connected to the first body 2 and then it is the connecting element between the first end 4 and the first body 2.

The first plate 41 preferably, but not necessarily, is a disc. Said disc is arranged so as to have the centre on the longitudinal axis 1 a and height parallel to the longitudinal axis 1 a. The disc preferably has diameter preferably comprised between 130 mm and 170 mm, or more preferably between 140 mm and 160 mm and height preferably comprised between 10 mm and 14 mm or, more preferably, between 11 mm and 13 mm. The extension of the ring 40 is preferably constrained to the central portion of said disc.

The disc preferably at least partially, and more preferably completely, is made of steel S355. This type of steel has the advantage of guaranteeing the best compromise between the requested mechanical properties and the cost of the component. The constraint between the extension of the ring 40 and the central portion of the disc is preferably implemented by welding.

The disc preferably comprises equidistant through-holes 41a with axis parallel to the disc axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis 1 a and preferably arranged along a circumference internal to said disc having diameter preferably comprised between 100 mm and 140 mm or, more preferably, between 110 mm and 130 mm, still more preferably, between 115 mm and 125 mm. The internal circumference defines the conjunction of the centres of the holes 41a. Each hole 41 a preferably has diameter comprised between 10 mm and 14 mm, more preferably between 11 mm and 13 mm. The disc preferably has 8 equidistant holes 41 a. Each hole 41 a preferably is threaded.

It should be indicated that the first and the second ring are aligned in a possible configuration.

Each hole 41 a is suitable to make a bar 24, preferably an at least partially threaded bar, to slide.

Each threaded bar 24 preferably has length comprised between 570 mm and 610 mm or, more preferably, between 580 mm and 600 mm and transverse size preferably comprised between 10 mm and 14 mm, more preferably between 11 mm and 13 mm.

Each threaded bar 24 has the function of supporting the first body 2. Moreover, each threaded bar preferably comprises steel. In particular, the steel selected for the threaded bar 24 is a high-strength steel.

The first body 2 comprises a plurality of connecting elements 21.

The connecting elements 21 advantageously participate in the function of supporting the first body 2, analogously to what seen for the threaded bars 24.

In fact, the connecting elements 21 preferably are hollow discs. Said hollow discs preferably have the same dimensions of the first plate 41 in the disc shape, with the difference that each connecting element 21 in the hollow disc shape comprises a central cavity 21a. The central cavity 21 a is a through-hole with discoidal shape preferably having the axis coincident with the axis of the hollow disc and the longitudinal axis 1a. It has the purpose of accommodating one of the components suitable to implement interference, described subsequently.

Moreover, the central cavity 21a preferably has diameter comprised between 33 mm and 37 mm, more preferably between 34 mm and 36 mm.

The connecting elements 21 preferably steel S355, for the previously described advantages linked to this type of material.

As already anticipated, each hollow disc, too, preferably comprises holes 41 a. Moreover, on each hollow disc preferably there are 8 holes 41 a and they preferably follow the same arrangement of the holes 41 a present on the plate 41 .

In this way, the threaded bars 24 can be screwed in the holes 41 a of each connecting element 21 in the hollow disc shape. The threaded bars 24 screwed in the holes 41 a and passing through them are preferably bolted on both sides of the holes 41 a.

The first body 2 comprises at least one housing block 20. The block 20 performs the function of element supporting the parts of the device 1 which participate actively in the action of dampening the external vibrations, as described hereinafter.

The block 20 is preferably connected to the connecting elements 21 .

The block 20 advantageously has a hollow tubular shape having axis coincident with said longitudinal axis 1 a. The block 20 has length preferably comprised between 100 mm and 140 mm, more preferably between 110 mm and 130 mm, still more preferably between 115 mm and 125 mm. In particular, said hollow tubular shape is preferably a hollow cylinder. In detail, the block 20 has transverse dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1a preferably comprised between 51 mm and 59 mm, more preferably between 53 mm and 57 mm, still more preferably between 54 mm and 56 mm. Such transverse dimension, in case of a hollow cylinder, is the external diameter. Moreover, said hollow cylinder has internal diameter preferably comprised between 31 mm and 39 mm, more preferably between 33 mm and 37 mm, still more preferably comprised between 34 mm and 36 mm.

The block 20 preferably at least partially, and more preferably completely, is made of steel C45 or C40. The selection of these materials is due to the fact that they are particularly suitable to the production of components by drawing. In fact, the block 20 is preferably produced by drawing. This production technique is particularly advantageous for components having mainly longitudinal development and it allows to obtain components with the optimum properties for this application.

The device 1 comprises a second body 3. The second body 3 is mainly extended along the longitudinal axis 1a. The second body 3 performs the function of implementing part of the interference responsible for the action of dampening the vibrations.

It comprises, analogously to what described in relation to the first body 2, an attachment second end 5. The second end 5 is configured to constrain the device 1 to a second external structure. Analogously to what seen with reference to the first end 4, even the second end 5 can be part of an additional junction connected to the second external structure.

The second end 5, analogously to the first end 4, preferably comprises a second ring 50. The second ring 50 comprises a second hooking hole 501 , analogously to what described for the first ring 40. Moreover, the second ring 50 preferably has the same dimensions of the first ring 40 shown previously. Analogously to what said with reference to the first hooking hole 401 , the rotation axis of the junction connected to the second external structure coincides with the axis passing through the second hooking hole 501 .

The second end 5 preferably comprises a connection portion 51.

In detail, the second ring 50 preferably is in one single piece with the connection portion 51 . It is a portion of the second end 5 having preferably shape of a plate shaped like a parallelepiped protruding from the second ring 50. The end of the connection portion 51 opposite to the second ring 50 can comprise a geometrical profile suitable to implement an interlocking constraint. The connection portion 51 has thickness preferably equal to the one of the edge of the second ring 50.

The connection portion 51 is preferably connected to a fastener 31.

The fastener 31 performs the function of connecting the second end 5 to the other components of the second body 3.

In particular, the connection portion 51 is preferably constrained by interlocking to the fastener 31 .

In detail, the fastener 31 can have shape like a parallelepiped comprising a recess counter-shaped to the part of the connection portion 51 suitable to be inserted inside the fastener 31 .

Still more in detail, the connection portion 51 preferably extends mainly in direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a and it can have a semi-cylindrical profile with axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1a and parallel to the radial direction of the second ring 50. Alternatively, the connection portion can have a profile like a prism having trapezoidal base, in which the base trapezoid can be an isosceles trapezoid having major base facing the second ring 50 and minor base further from the second ring 50.

The fastener 31 preferably comprises a flat plate extending perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis 1a and preferably comprising a portion mainly protruding in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1 a comprising a housing counter-shaped to the profile of the connection portion 51.

The fastener 31 preferably comprises steel C45 and it is preferably welded to the connection portion 51 in the area in which the interlocking is implemented.

The fastener 31 preferably is placed on a coupling portion 32.

The coupling portion 32 preferably is a component comprising a housing cavity and it is preferably welded to the fastener 31 so as to constitute a compass. In fact, the coupling portion 32 is preferably configured to implement an interlocking constraint with an additional component of the second body 3.

In detail, the second body 3 comprises a central shaft 30.

In particular, the coupling portion 32 is preferably connected to the shaft 30.

The shaft 30 has the task of implementing the interference with the block 20. Therefore, it is the component of the second body 3 which performs the function of implementing the interference with the first body 2.

The shaft 30 is a component having shape mainly developed along the longitudinal axis 1 a. In particular, the shaft 30 preferably has cylindrical shape and extends along the longitudinal axis 1a. It has a length preferably comprised between 560 mm and 600 mm, more preferably between 570 mm and 590 mm, still more preferably between 575 mm and 585 mm. Moreover, it has a diameter of the same transverse section comprised between 34 mm and 38 mm, and it has preferably cylindrical geometry. More generally, the shaft 30 preferably has a transverse section with same shape of the block 20 so as to ease the interference implementation.

It has a diameter of the transverse section preferably comprised between 31 mm and 39 mm, more preferably between 32 mm and 38 mm, still more preferably between 33 mm and 37 mm or still more preferably between 34 mm and 36 mm.

The shaft 30 preferably at least partially, and more preferably completely, is made of tempered and drawn NiCrMo3 steel. Moreover, said tempered and drawn steel is preferably subjected to nitriding lasting between 80 and 110 hours, more preferably between 95 and 105 hours.

This type of steel has the advantage of being suitable to applications in which the mechanical components are stressed dynamically. The nitriding process has the advantage of increasing the steel fatigue limit.

As already anticipated, the shaft 30 is connected, at one end, to the coupling portion 32.

The end of the shaft 30 is preferably stuck and welded inside the cavity for housing the coupling portion 32.

Generally, in the device 1 the second body 3 is partially housed within the first body 2 by means of a telescopic coupling.

Therefore, the body 3 is accommodated inside an internal space defined by the structure of first body 2.

In particular, the shaft 30 is the component of the second body 3 which implements said telescopic coupling with the first body 2. Due to said telescopic coupling, it is preferable that the shaft 30 has a geometry which can be coupled with the one of the components of the first body 2, in particular of the block 20, configured to accommodate said shaft 30, come already anticipated.

The device 1 comprises a plurality of interference elements 6. The interference elements 6 have at least partially spherical shape. In particular, the interference elements 6 preferably are spheres. The spherical shape improves the interference effect.

The interference elements 6 substantially implement the only mechanical constraint between the first body 2 and the second body 3.

The plurality of interference elements 6 is blocked by the block 20 and by the shaft 30 and it is configured to implement interference with the shaft 30.

In particular, the interference elements 6 produce a plastic deformation on the surface of the shaft 30 when said shaft 30 is made to slide inside the block 20. The plastic deformation produces longitudinal grooves along the surface of the shaft 30 parallel to the longitudinal axis 1a. The plastic deformation of the shaft 30 favours the energy dissipation when the first body 2 and the second body 3 are in relative motion.

In order to make that only the interference elements 6 come in contact with the shaft 30, the block 20 advantageously comprises housings 20a.

The housings 20a have the purpose of accommodating the interference elements 6 so that they are interposed between the shaft 30 and the block 20. Therefore, the block 20 is also configured to contain the interference elements 6 in the housings 20a.

Each one of the housings 20a comprises a first opening 20b. The first opening 20b is preferably placed in the portion of the block 20 closest to the shaft 30.

Therefore, the plurality of interference elements 6 is housed in the block 20 so that each one of the interference elements 6 is accommodated in each one of the housings 20a and has sizes so that it partially protrudes from the housings 20a through the first opening 20b.

Each first opening 20b preferably has circular shape.

Moreover, each first opening 20b is localized on the surface of the block 20 facing the shaft 30, then each first opening 20b is facing the surface of the shaft 30 and performs the function of making the interference element 6 to protrude so that it can come in contact with the external surface of the shaft and implement interference, by remaining however constrained to the inside of the housing 20a. Therefore, the diameter of each first opening 20b is smaller than the dimensions of each interference element 6.

Moreover, each one of the housings 20a comprises a second opening 20c in the portion of the block 20 furthest from said shaft 30. Each second opening 20c is preferably placed on the external surface of the block 20.

Each one of the interference elements 6 has dimensions so as to protrude partially from the housings 20a through the second opening 20c.

Each second opening 20c can have circular shape.

In particular, each second opening 20c has a diameter preferably comprised between 11 mm and 15 mm, more preferably between 12 mm and 14 mm. The block 20 preferably comprises a plurality of units 201. The units 201 are portions of the block 20. Therefore, each unit 201 comprises the housings 20a. Moreover, the units 201 preferably have shape of hollow cylinders having axis coincident with the longitudinal axis 1a. The units 201 preferably have the same dimensions. They are assembled so as to align the axis of each unit 201 with the longitudinal axis 1 a and they are arranged alternated, in direction of the longitudinal axis 1a, with the connecting elements 21.

Therefore, the units 201 are alternated with the connecting elements 21 and they are aligned so that the central cavities 21 a and the space inside each unit 201 are suitable to make the shaft 30 to slide inside thereof.

Each unit 201 preferably has hollow cylinder shape.

Each unit 201 has length in the direction of the longitudinal axis 1a preferably comprised between 110 mm and 130 mm, more preferably between 115 mm and 125 mm.

The external diameter of each unit 201 is preferably comprised between 51 mm and 59 mm, more preferably between 53 mm and 57 mm, still more preferably between 54 mm and 56 mm.

Each unit 201 preferably comprises 48 housings 20a. The housings of each unit are preferably arranged so that groups of 8 housings 20a have their own centre lying on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1 a (coincident with the axis of the unit 201 ). Moreover, the housings 20a having centres lying on the same plane are equidistant with respect to the longitudinal axis 1 a. Each axis passing through the centre of each housing 20a is defined central axis 20d. In particular, 8 housings 20a preferably have central axes 20d parallel and lying on the same plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 1 a. Moreover, each pair of housings 20a opposite with respect to the longitudinal axis 1 a is preferably aligned so that the central axis 20d passing through one of the two housings 20a of said pair also passes through the other housing 20a. Each central axis 20d then is preferably rotated by 45° with respect to the adjacent central axis 20d.

This arrangement makes that the housings 20a are distributed equally in the orthogonal plane according to a ring-like arrangement.

The ring-like arrangement has the advantage of being able to restore the operation of the device 1 without having to perform the replacement of parts of the device 1 . In fact, after an action for dampening an external stress, it is possible to restore the device 1 by rotating the units 201 around the longitudinal axis 1 a. In detail, in case of the arrangement described previously, a rotation of the units 201 of a value angle comprised between 20° and 30° with respect to the first use position is sufficient.

Each previously described distribution of 8 housings 20a can be repeated 6 times along the longitudinal axis 1a, so that each group of 8 housings in each orthogonal plane is equally spaced apart from the nearest groups. The distance along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 1 a, between the centres of two groups of 8 consecutive housings 20a, is preferably comprised between 10 mm and 30 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 25 mm.

Each housing 20a preferably has partially cylindrical shape. In particular, the cylindrical portion of said housing 20a is oriented so that the axis of the cylinder is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 1a. The second opening 20c is preferably placed in the portion furthest from the longitudinal axis 1 a. The portion of the housing 20a closest to the longitudinal axis 1 a preferably has truncated cone shape, wherein the end having greater diameter coincides with the part of the cylindrical portion closest to the longitudinal axis 1a, and the opposite end with smaller diameter is placed on the surface of unit 201 facing the shaft 30.

The first body 2 comprises preferably an assembly of 4 connecting elements alternated with 3 units 201 as described previously, with two connecting elements 21 placed at the assembly ends.

In this assembly, then, 3 units 201 are included, comprising 48 interference elements 6 in as many housings 20a, with a total of 144 interference elements 6 in as many housings 20a.

Each unit 201 can be implemented by drawing and subsequent mechanical processing to implement the housings 20a. On this regard, each unit 201 preferably comprises steel C45, since particularly suitable for the drawing processes.

In the device 1 , the first body 2 advantageously further comprises an outer portion 22. It is a component preferably surrounding the block 20.

The outer portion 22 is preferably at least partially made of steel Ck6 subjected to hardening and tempering heat treatments. The selection of this material is linked to the requested hardness requirements.

In fact, the outer portion 22 is configured to exert pressure on the plurality of interference elements 6. In this way an additional interference between the interference elements 6 and the outer portion 22 is implemented. In fact, the interference elements 6 are interposed between the shaft 30 and the outer portion 22. In particular, in case the interference elements 6 are spheres, they can partially move inside their own housing 20a due to the dragging effect induced by the interference with the shaft 30. In this manner, the energy dissipation effect induced by the relative motion between the first body 2 and the second body 3 is improved. Moreover, the pressure exerted by the outer portion 22 on the interference elements 6 involves an increase in pressure which the interference elements 6 exert on the shaft 30.

In the device 1 , the block 20 and the outer portion 22 have preferably cylindrical shape aligned with the longitudinal axis 1 a.

In particular, the outer portion 22 and the block 20 are preferably arranged like two concentric and coaxial hollow cylinders, with axis coincident with the longitudinal axis 1 a.

The cylindrical shape advantageously improves the distribution of the loads on the single components.

The outer portion 22 preferably comprises a plurality of sub-portions 220. The division into sub-portions 220 has the advantage of facilitating the production of the outer portion in assemblable components. Each one of the sub-portions 220 preferably has shape of a hollow cylinder centred on the longitudinal axis 1 a.

Each outer portion 22 is preferably coupled to the units 201 by means of a telescopic coupling, at least partially along the extension of the units 201 along the longitudinal axis 1 a. Therefore, several sub-portions 220 to be assembled on each unit 201 will be required. In this way the units 201 are covered and a pressure is exerted on the interference elements 6.

The sub-portions 220 preferably have same dimensions. In this way, the assembly of the components is facilitated, apart from improving the dissipation effectiveness of the device 1. The sub-portions 220 are advantageously configured to be assembled in sequence and to be mutually in contact so as to have the axis aligned with the longitudinal axis 1a. The single sub-portions 220 then are aligned and side- by-side placed hollow cylinders.

The sub-portions 220 preferably are in such a number so as to fully cover each unit

201. In the previously described configuration of device 1 , each unit 201 , comprising 48 arranged spherical interference elements 6, can be assembled in 3 sub-portions 220, so that the whole unit 201 is covered.

In each case, each sub-portion 220 can have length along the direction of the longitudinal axis 1 a preferably comprised between 30 mm and 50 mm, more preferably between 35 mm and 45 mm. Moreover, the sub-portion 220 can have external diameter preferably comprised between 65 mm and 80 mm, more preferably between 70 mm and 75 mm and internal diameter preferably comprised between 50 mm and 70 mm, more preferably between 55 mm and 65 mm.

The previously described operation of the device 1 in structural terms is the following.

The device 1 is hooked to external structures. In detail, the first end 4 having shape of the first ring 40 can be hooked by the first hooking hole 401 of the ring 40 to a first external structure. In particular, the hooking can be a hinge constrained to the first external structure. Analogously, the second end 5, having shape of the second ring 50, can be connected to a second structure by another hinge hooked to the second hooking hole 501 .

Under normal operating conditions, the device 1 is under static condition. In fact, the device 1 acts as safety device in case of events which could involve the transmission of high frequency and/or intensity vibrations inducing the mutual motion of the two structures thereto the device 1 is constrained. In this case, the mutual motion of the two structures causes the relative motion between the first body 2 and the second body 3. In detail, the vibration coming from the first end 4 is transmitted to the block 20. The vibration puts in motion the block 20 and, therewith, all interference elements 6 accommodated in the block 20. The latter are placed in contact with the second body 3 and, in particular, with the shaft 30. The motion of the block 20 involves the interference of the interference elements 6 with the shaft 30. Analogously, the vibrations transmitted by the second end 5 put in motion the second body 3, causing the motion of the shaft 30. The relative motion of the interference elements 6 and of the shaft 30, placed in contact, involves the vibration energy dissipation. Moreover, the motion of the interference elements 6 with respect to the respective housings 20a, involves an additional contribution to the energy dissipation by interference with the outer portion 22.

The device 1 according to the invention achieves important advantages.

In fact, the device 1 has a less complex structure than the known solutions. This feature makes that the device 1 results to be easily assemblable.

In fact, the device 1 consists of components having quite common geometrical shapes.

Another advantage of the device 1 is that of being able to be reactivated, after a dissipative event, by making the blocks 20 or the units 201 to rotate with respect to the shaft 30 so as to avoid to replace the components of the device 1 .

The device 1 generally does not require maintenance except for periods longer than 40 years.

At last, the device 1 has the advantage of reducing the production costs. In fact, the device 1 consists of components which can be produced with already widely used technologies, such as, for example, the computerized numerical control (CNC). Moreover, the cost decrease is also linked to the selection of materials.

Moreover, the modular structure of the device 1 allows to determine the load capable of dissipating based upon the number of interference elements 6 accommodated in the blocks 20. The invention can be subject to variations within the scope of the inventive concept defined by the claims.

Within such scope, all details can be replaced by equivalent elements and the materials, shapes and dimensions can be any.