IT201800011071A1 - MODULAR ENERGY DISSIPATION DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

MODULAR ENERGY DISSIPATION DEVICE

DESCRIPTION

This disclosure generally refers to an energy dissipation device designed to connect two structures along a longitudinal direction. In particular, the present disclosure refers to a modular energy dissipation device and a shock absorber comprising said modular energy dissipation device particularly for building structures.

Many structures, especially large structures such as bridges, viaducts or skyscrapers, include insulating devices or dissipators designed to modify the response of these structures to seismic action or other dynamic actions, such as that of the wind.

In particular, strong winds and earthquakes often induce excessive dynamic loads in bridge structures or viaducts. In order to prevent any structural damage, these forces must be reduced and brought within safety limits. To this end, such structures include shock absorbers or dissipators which reduce such vibrations or forces.

This type of shock absorbers are also widely used in construction if you want to rigidly tie several separate buildings together in the event of a seismic event. This makes it possible to considerably reduce the space between the various buildings which would otherwise have to be sized in such a way as to take into account the counter-phase movements that could occur under dynamic action, for example during an earthquake.

Generally, these devices include a watertight cylinder filled with a highly viscous fluid, such as a silicone oil, and a piston inserted inside this cylinder and connected via a rod to the structure on which the device is installed. Specifically, the piston divides the cylinder into two chambers: in the case of slow movements, the fluid can flow from one chamber to another through a space between the piston and the cylinder, while in the case of rapid movements, the viscosity of the fluid increases. considerably, preventing the flow of fluid between the two chambers and consequently blocking the internal movement of the device.

This type of device also includes seals suitably arranged to prevent leaks between the two chambers of the cylinder and towards the environment outside the cylinder. Furthermore, known damping devices can comprise valves for regulating the flow of the hydraulic fluid between the two chambers of the pneumatic cylinder. Similar devices, suitably modified, are also used in vehicles such as cars, trucks, two-wheeled vehicles, trains. In this context, coil spring suspensions are often used which are characterized by a high risk of breakage or air springs.

However, the above types of damping devices include a series of disadvantages which make their application to different types of structures or vehicles difficult.

In the first place, the devices of the known art are difficult to modify in order to withstand loads of different intensity and / or nature. For example, the modification of a hydraulic damping device for its installation in a structure of different dimensions can for example involve, in addition to a considerable increase in dimensions, the change of the materials of which the cylinder and / or the piston is made, a specific type of gaskets and a different type of fluid to be inserted inside the cylinder.

Secondly, especially the damping devices of the hydraulic type, are adapted to work mainly along a single main direction.

The presence of the gaskets also represents a major drawback, especially due to the fact that the material they are made of tends to wear out over time, compromising the functionality of the entire cushioning device. A further disadvantage is represented by the fact that the behavior and operation of the hydraulic damping devices is not easily predictable and is not constant over time. More specifically, in use, the temperature of the fluid contained within the hydraulic cylinder varies due to the forces of friction. Changes in the temperature of the hydraulic fluid can affect the viscosity of the fluid itself and, consequently, the behavior and functionality of the entire cushioning device.

Furthermore, the presence of the hydraulic fluid regulating valves considerably increases the manufacturing complexity and consequently the manufacturing and maintenance costs of these devices.

Damping devices designed and installed in the automotive sector are also characterized by several disadvantages. For example, the steel springs must be made of sufficient hardness to be able to load the maximum or gross weight of the vehicle, while ensuring sufficient deflection and transmission of vibrations even when the vehicle is empty or only partially loaded. However, this compromise is often difficult to find. However, this disadvantage was overcome with the introduction of air springs, which are characterized by a compensating elastic constant. In other words, they allow changes in the spring rate or stiffness depending on the load difference: in lightly or lightly loaded vehicles the pressure in the bellows is low, while in fully loaded vehicles the pressure in the bellows is high. This makes the vehicles on which they are mounted more reliable and long-lasting than those fitted with steel springs and ensure greater driving comfort. In this type of spring, the pressure change in the bellows occurs automatically by means of valves with level sensors. Ultimately, the installation of air springs reduces downtime and allows a constant ride height which represents greater ride comfort for the driver by reducing his fatigue. The use of air springs also improves the damping of vibrations both in the loaded and unloaded state and reduces the load on the road surface. However, it is often necessary to subject the system and the air spring to constant maintenance, checking the compressed air lines and equipment for any leaks; checking that the bellows supports do not show any damage, deformation and sharp edges. It is also necessary to check the functioning of the hermetic seal of the shock absorbers, the fixing and the support system; periodically check the correct tightening torque of the nuts and screws; check that there are no signs of wear on the axle suspension, steering and cross members and the correct operation of the leveling valve. The constant monitoring of all the elements mentioned significantly increases maintenance costs.

This disclosure aims to make available a modular energy dissipation device that allows to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks with reference to the prior art and / or to achieve further advantages. This is achieved through a modular energy dissipation device and a shock absorber as defined in the respective independent claims. Secondary characteristics and particular embodiments of the object of this disclosure are defined in the corresponding dependent claims. In one embodiment, the modular energy dissipation device according to the present disclosure comprises a longitudinal axis and is configured to connect structural elements along a longitudinal direction. The modular energy dissipation device includes a plurality of first cushioning units arranged stacked in series along the longitudinal direction. Each of said first cushioning units is configured to deform at least in the longitudinal direction and comprises at least one pair of support elements for supporting and connecting a cushioning unit with other cushioning units of the plurality of first cushioning units and / or with structural elements that the energy dissipation device is configured to connect. Each cushioning unit also includes at least one elastic element interposed between said support elements and configured to allow deformation of the cushioning unit.

The term "modular" means that the cushioning device is formed by a plurality of modules each coinciding with a cushioning unit. The modules are the same and their number is to be chosen according to need.

According to this aspect, the damping device according to the present disclosure is modular, i.e. formed by a certain number of damping units, along at least a first direction, coinciding with said longitudinal direction, thus allowing to adapt the same type of device to withstand loads and / or deformations of very different structures.

In one embodiment, each of said first damping units comprises a first portion, or upper portion, connected in the longitudinal direction to a second portion, or lower portion. The first portion, or upper portion, comprises a first support element, a first coupling element configured for the connection between the first and second portion and a first elastic element configured to connect said first support element with said first coupling element. Similarly, the second portion, or lower portion, comprises a second support element, a second coupling element configured for the connection between said first and second portions and a second elastic element configured to connect the second support element with the second supporting element. coupling.

According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the first portion and the second portion are cup-shaped or hemispherical cap-shaped elements. In particular, the first portion is an element having a first concavity, while the second portion is an element having a second concavity. In use, the first concavity faces the second concavity. Specifically, the first portion and the second portion are shaped and connected to each other so that the cushioning unit formed by the union or association of said first and second portion assumes a ring structure or configuration configured to deform at least in the longitudinal direction. This configuration of the first and second portion favors the deformation of the cushioning unit in the longitudinal direction, both in compression and in extension.

It follows that preferably two adjacent cushioning units in the stacking turn a convex or non-concave side of the respective first portion and second portion towards each other.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the first portion, or upper portion, is connected to the second portion, or lower portion, by means of first fastening means. According to a further preferred aspect, first consecutive cushioning units face each other at the first support element of the first portion, or upper portion, and / or of the second support element of the second portion, or lower portion. Furthermore, the first support element and / or the second support element comprises second fastening means for fastening consecutive first cushioning units. It follows that consecutive cushioning units are stably connected and associated with each other even in the event that the modular energy dissipation device should work in traction, i.e. with a direct force away from the stacking of cushioning units.

According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first damping units are disk-shaped elements and include a through hole placed in correspondence with the longitudinal axis of the modular energy dissipation device. Consequently, according to this preferred aspect, the modular energy dissipation device can deform not only parallel to the longitudinal direction, but also inclined in any direction with respect to its longitudinal axis.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the modular energy dissipation device comprises a plurality of second damping units arranged in series, in which the second damping units are concentric elements with respect to the first damping units and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the modular energy dissipation device.

In other words, according to this preferred aspect, the cushioning device comprises a second plurality of cushioning units, preferably ring-shaped or disk-shaped and arranged externally and concentrically with respect to the plurality of first disk-shaped cushioning units and with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device cushioning. The second cushioning units actually surround the first cushioning units.

It follows that, in accordance with this preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the cushioning device is modular according to a second direction, that is, a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, or a radial direction to the longitudinal axis of the cushioning device.

According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the modular energy dissipation device comprises a number of first cushioning units equal to the number of second cushioning units. Advantageously, therefore, the deformation of the cushioning units is uniform along the entire length of the modular energy dissipation device. Furthermore, loads and stresses are evenly distributed on the first and second cushioning units.

According to an even more preferred aspect of the present disclosure, each of the second damping units of the modular energy dissipation device comprises a first portion, or upper portion, in turn comprising a first support element, a first coupling element and a first elastic element configured to connect the first support element with the first coupling element. Furthermore, each of the second cushioning units comprises a second portion, or lower portion, in turn comprising a second support element, a second coupling element and a second elastic element configured to connect said second support element with said second supporting element. coupling. Furthermore, according to a further preferred aspect, the first portion and the second portion of each of the second cushioning units are shaped and connected to each other so that the second cushioning units assume a ring-like structure or configuration configured to deform at least in the longitudinal direction. Advantageously, therefore, the second damping units are structurally similar or identical to the first damping units. Preferably, the difference between the two lies only in the size and possibly in the type of elastic elements. It follows that the realization of the modular energy dissipation device is particularly simple, as a mold is sufficient for each type of cushioning unit to create the modular energy dissipation device according to this disclosure.

The present disclosure has as a further object a shock absorber comprising a modular energy dissipation device.

According to an embodiment, the shock absorber according to the present disclosure comprises a hollow cylinder or container body configured to house a modular device and a stem at least partially inserted in the cylinder or container body and sliding in the cylinder or container body itself. According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the cylinder comprises a first base surface, a second base surface and a lateral surface adapted to connect the first base surface with the second base surface. Furthermore, the first base surface is connected to at least one cushioning unit of the energy dissipation device by means of coupling means. According to a further preferred aspect of the present disclosure, at least one cushioning unit opposite in the longitudinal direction to that connected to the first base surface, is connected to the stem by means of a connection element.

It follows that the cushioning object of this disclosure, unlike those of the known art, does not require, for example, any type of fluid to move the stem. This task is in fact performed by the energy dissipation device.

Further advantages, characteristics and methods of use of the object of the present disclosure will become evident from the following detailed description of its embodiments, presented by way of non-limiting example.

It is however evident that each embodiment of the object of the present disclosure can present one or more of the advantages listed above; however, each embodiment is not required to simultaneously present all the listed advantages.

Reference will be made to the figures of the attached drawings, in which:

- Figure 1 represents a sectional view of a modular energy dissipation device according to this disclosure;

- Figure 2 represents a perspective view of a modular energy dissipation device according to this disclosure;

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an upper portion of a discoidal damping unit according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 4 shows a side view of the upper portion of the discoid cushioning unit of Figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a lower portion of a discoidal damping unit according to the present disclosure;

- Figure 6 shows a side view of the lower portion of the discoid cushioning unit of Figure 5;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of an upper portion of a further discoidal damping unit according to the present disclosure; - Figure 8 shows a side view of the upper portion of the discoid cushioning unit of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a lower portion of a further discoidal damping unit according to the present disclosure; - Figure 10 shows a side view of the lower portion of the discoid cushioning unit of Figure 9;

Figure 11 shows a sectional view of a shock absorber according to the present disclosure.

With reference to the attached figures, an embodiment of a modular energy dissipation device is indicated with the reference number 100. With the expression "modular energy dissipation device" it is meant in the context of the present disclosure a device configured to absorb and dissipate energy, especially adapted to be installed in buildings to dissipate energy in the event of events such as earthquakes. This dissipation device is composed of one or more units or modules coupled together so that the damping device can assume different configurations.

More specifically, the modular energy dissipation device 100 according to the present disclosure is configured to connect structural elements in a longitudinal direction. The device object of the present disclosure comprises a main axis, or longitudinal axis A, preferably parallel or coincident with respect to said longitudinal direction. In other words, the modular energy dissipation device 100 is able to be interposed between structural elements, such as for example components of a structure or possibly also of a vehicle or other means of transport, in order to dissipate the energy. which moves to these structures in the event, for example, of earthquakes. The modular energy dissipation device 100 can for example be installed in load-bearing elements of buildings or bridges such as to avoid the collapse of such structures as a result of seismic or wind actions.

With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, the modular energy dissipation device 100 comprises a plurality of first damping units 1. Each of the first damping units 1 of the plurality of first damping units is an element, preferably discoidal, configured to deform at least along the longitudinal direction of the modular energy dissipation device 100. In other words, each cushioning unit has a plate-like, or substantially flat, shape having two opposite faces. The longitudinal damping direction is orthogonal or is a direction that passes through each of the two faces.

It follows that the discoidal cushioning unit 1 is preferably an energy dissipation element configured to move from an undeformed configuration lying on an ideal support surface, to a deformed configuration that moves outside the ideal support surface. Even more preferably, this at least one discoidal cushioning unit 1 is a disk-shaped element arranged around the longitudinal axis A of the modular energy dissipation device 100 and having a through hole 22 which facilitates the deformation of the discoidal cushioning unit 1 also in directions not parallel to the longitudinal axis A and reduces the bulk and weight of the entire modular energy dissipation device 100. It is also evident to those skilled in the art that the shape of said first damping units 1 can vary, for example it can assume a square, rectangular, trapezoidal, triangular geometry, or any other shape.

Each of said first cushioning units 1 comprises at least a pair of support elements 5, 6 configured for supporting and connecting said cushioning unit 1 with other cushioning units 1 of said plurality of first cushioning units 1 and / or with structural elements which the energy dissipating device 100 is configured to connect. Furthermore, each of said first cushioning units 1 comprises at least one elastic element 10, 11 interposed between said support elements 5, 6 and configured to allow deformation of said cushioning unit 1.

More specifically, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 6, each first cushioning unit 1 is formed in two pieces, and comprises a first portion 3, or upper portion, and a second portion 4, or lower portion, each including a respective element support and elastic element.

The two portions shaped and joined to each other so as to form, in use, a cushioning unit 1 having a ring-like structure or configuration which allows the deformation of said first cushioning unit 1 and, consequently, the absorption of energy by the cushioning device 100.

More specifically, this ring-shaped structure or configuration of the cushioning unit 1 develops longitudinally and comprises an upper end and a lower end with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the cushioning device 100. In other words, such first and second portion 3, 4 of a first damping unit 1 are each a deformable element preferably shaped like a cup or a hemispherical cap. In still other words, each of said first and second portions 3, 4 each have a concavity. In use, the concavity of the first portion 3 faces or faces the concavity of the second portion 4. Said concavity is furthermore maximum when the discoidal cushioning unit 1 is in the first configuration, or non-deformed configuration, while it is minimal, or at the zero limit, when the discoidal cushioning unit 1 is in the second configuration, or deformed configuration.

As said, each first portion 3 and second portion 4 includes a respective support element and elastic element. More particularly, the first portion 3 comprises a first support element 5 configured to connect said first portion 3 with a second portion of a cushioning unit preceding or following the one on which it is arranged. Similarly, the second portion 4 comprises a second support element 6 configured to connect the second portion 4 with a first portion of a cushioning unit preceding or following the one on which it is arranged.

In other words, the ring structure or configuration of the first cushioning units 1 comprises a first and a second support element 5, 6 arranged at opposite ends of the cushioning unit 1 in the longitudinal direction. In other words, the first support element 5 is arranged at the upper end of the cushioning unit 1, while the second support element 6 is arranged at the lower end of the cushioning unit 1. In other words furthermore, each of said first and second portions 3, 4 comprises a support element 5 and 6 respectively which substantially constitutes the base of the cup-shaped element.

Preferably, the first and second support elements 5, 6 are metal elements, preferably flat and shaped in the shape of a disc or ring. Preferably moreover, when the modular energy dissipation device 100 is in a non-deformed condition, said support elements 5, 6 are substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A. Furthermore, said first and second support elements 5, 6 are configured to supporting a portion of a first damping unit 1 and connecting the latter to other first damping units 1, and / or to structural elements that the modular energy dissipation device 100 is able to connect and / or to any connecting elements or anchoring between the modular energy dissipation device 100 and a structural element. Preferably, this connection or anchoring takes place by means of connection means such as, for example, screws.

According to a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, each of said first damping units 1 further comprises at least one coupling element interposed in the longitudinal direction between said first and second support element 5, 6. More specifically, said first and second portion 3, 4, each comprise a coupling element, respectively 7, 8, suitable for joining or connecting the first portion 3 with the second portion 4 of the at least one discoidal damping unit 1. In other words, the first portion 3 comprises a first coupling element 7, while the second portion 4 comprises a second coupling element 8. Said first and second coupling elements 7, 8 are configured to be arranged facing each other and to join or connect said first portion 3 to said second portion 4 to form the ring structure or configuration of the damping unit 1. Preferably, the first and second elements of coupling 7, 8, are metal elements, preferably flat. Preferably moreover, the first and second coupling elements 7, 8 are disk-shaped or ring-shaped elements of greater size than said support elements 5, 6. Even more preferably, when the modular energy dissipation device 100 is in condition not deformed, said first and second coupling elements 7, 8 are arranged substantially perpendicular to the axis of symmetry A. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the first and second portions 3, 4 of each of the first damping units 1 they are connected by means of first fixing means 9, such as for example screws or interlocking means of the male / female type. In particular, according to an embodiment, the first coupling element 7 comprises a male portion of an interlocking means of the male / female type, while the second coupling element 8 comprises a female portion of an interlocking means of the male / female type .

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, each of the first cushioning units 1 comprises at least one elastic element interposed between the support elements 5, 6 and configured to allow deformation of the cushioning unit 1. Preferably, each cushioning unit 1 comprises two elastic elements 10, 11 each configured to connect a support element 5, 6 to a coupling element 7, 8 and to allow deformation of the discoidal cushioning unit 1. More specifically, the first portion 3 of the cushioning 1 comprises a first elastic element 10 configured to connect the first support element 5 with the first coupling element 7. Similarly, the second portion 4 of the damping unit 1 comprises a second elastic element 11 configured to connect the second element of support 6 with the second coupling element 8. According to an embodiment of the According to the present disclosure, the first and second elastic elements 10, 11 are disk-shaped or ring-shaped elastic elements, preferably placed at the vertices of the structure or ring configuration of the damping unit, as illustrated in Figure 1. Preferably, said first and second elastic element 10, 11 are elements in reinforced rubber, even more preferably elements composed of a natural rubber (NR) or chloroprene rubber (CR). In this way, the ring structure or configuration of each of the first damping units 1 can deform along at least the longitudinal direction of the modular energy dissipation device 100. Furthermore, the shape and arrangement of the elastic elements described and illustrated in Figure 1 and 2 allow deformations of the cushioning unit 1 also in directions not parallel to the longitudinal direction of the modular energy dissipation device 100. In practice, said first and second elastic elements 10, 11 allow the variation of the concavity of said first and second portion 3, 4. It follows that each first cushioning unit 1 can pass from the first configuration, or non-deformed configuration, to the second configuration, or deformed configuration, or vice versa, through the deformation of the cushioning unit 1 which occurs thanks to the presence of the elastic elements 10, 11. As anticipated, the modular diss The action of energy 100 comprises a plurality of first cushioning units arranged in series, or stacked, along the longitudinal direction. More specifically, first consecutive cushioning units face each other at the first support element 5 of the first portion 4, or upper portion, and / or of the second support element 6 of the second portion 5, or portion inferior. In other words, the first portion 4, or upper portion, of one of said first damping units 1, comprises a first support element 5 which in use faces and is connected with a second support element 6 of a second portion 5, or lower portion, of a subsequent cushioning unit 1. In particular, the first support element 5 and / or the second support element 6 comprise second fixing means for fixing the first consecutive damping units. Preferably, said second fixing means are placed in said first support element 5 of the first portion 3 and / or in said second support element 6 of the second portion 4 and preferably comprise screws. Alternatively, said second fixing means comprise interlocking elements of the male / female type.

It follows that the modular energy dissipation device can comprise a plurality of first cushioning units 1 packed one on top of the other in the longitudinal direction. According to this aspect, the damping device 100 is modular in a first direction corresponding to the longitudinal direction. It follows that the number of first cushioning units 1 may vary depending on the load and stresses that the modular energy dissipation device 100 must withstand.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the modular energy dissipation device 100 can comprise a plurality of second cushioning units 20. Preferably, the second cushioning units 20 are structurally similar or identical cushioning units to the first cushioning units 1 described above, but with different dimensions. It follows that the number of first cushioning units 1 and second cushioning units 20 may vary depending on the load and stresses that the modular energy dissipation device 100 must bear.

For example, as illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, each of the second cushioning units comprises a first portion 23, or upper portion, in turn comprising a first support element 25, a first coupling element 27 and a first elastic element 30. Furthermore, each of the second cushioning units 20 comprises a second portion 24, or lower portion, comprising in turn a second support element 26, a second coupling element 28 and a second elastic element 31. Said first and second portion 23, 24 of the second cushioning units 20 are shaped and connected to each other so as to form, in use, a cushioning unit 20 having a ring-like structure or configuration configured to deform at least in the longitudinal direction. Preferably, these elements are disk-shaped or ring-shaped elements with a different diameter, for example larger, than those of the first damping unit 1.

Furthermore, as in the case of the first damping units 1, the first and second portions 23, 24 of the second damping units 20 are connected at the coupling elements 27, 28 by means of first fastening elements 29. Furthermore, second consecutive cushioning units 20 face each other in correspondence with said support elements 25, 26 and fixed by means of second fixing means.

It follows that, according to this embodiment, the modular energy dissipation device according to the present disclosure, in addition to a plurality of first damping units 1, can comprise a plurality of second damping units 20 arranged in series and concentric with respect to to the plurality of first damping units 1 and with respect to the longitudinal axis A of the modular energy dissipation device 100. Consequently, the damping device 100 according to the present disclosure is modular, as well as in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction, also in a second direction, perpendicular to said longitudinal direction. In the event that said plurality of first cushioning units 1 and said plurality of second cushioning units are disk-shaped cushioning units with a through hole in correspondence of the longitudinal axis A or ring, said second direction is a radial direction.

Preferably, as shown in Figure 1, the number of first cushioning units 1 is equal to the number of second cushioning units 20.

The present disclosure relates to a shock absorber comprising a modular energy dissipation device 100. The term "shock absorber" within the present disclosure means a device suitable for damping an oscillation or slowing down a relative movement between two bodies , such as for example two components of a vehicle or a structure such as a bridge. In particular, the shock absorber according to the present disclosure comprises the modular energy dissipation device 100, thus differentiating itself from the pneumatic or hydraulic shock absorbers of the known art.

Specifically, with particular reference to Figure 11, an embodiment of a shock absorber according to the present disclosure is indicated with the reference 1000.

The shock absorber 1000 comprises a hollow cylinder 200, or container body, a rod 300 at least partially inserted in the cylinder 200 and sliding in the cylinder 200 itself and a modular energy dissipation device 100.

The cylinder 200 comprises a first and second base surface, 210 and 220 respectively, and a side surface 230 configured to connect the first base surface 210 to the second base surface 220. Furthermore, the cylinder 200 is configured to house the modular device energy dissipation device 100. The modular energy dissipation device 100 is connected to the first base surface 210 by means of hooking means 110. More specifically, said hooking means 110 connect the first base surface 210 to at least one unit cushion 1, 20 of the energy dissipating device 100.

Furthermore, at least one cushioning unit 1, 20, opposite in the longitudinal direction to the cushioning unit 1, 20 connected to the first base surface 210 of the cylinder 200, is connected with the rod 300.

More specifically, the stem 300 preferably comprises a cylindrical body elongated along a longitudinal direction and having a first and a second end. At the first end, the stem 300 is connected to the modular energy dissipation device 100 by means of a connection element 310. Preferably, the connection element 310 is a threaded element able to connect with the stem 300, in particular to be screwed into the stem 300. In turn, the connecting element 310 is connected to a first and a second cushioning unit of a plurality of first cushioning units 1 and of a plurality of second cushioning units 2. The second the end of the stem 300, opposite to said first end, is instead configured to be connected to a component of a vehicle or structure on which the shock absorber is intended to be installed.

Similarly, the first base surface 210 of the cylinder 200 comprises an element 240 configured for connection with a further component of a vehicle or structure on which the shock absorber is intended to be installed.

The object of the present disclosure has been described up to now with reference to its embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may exist which pertain to the same inventive core, all falling within the protection scope of the claims set out below.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS 1. Modular energy dissipation device (100) having a longitudinal axis (A) and configured to connect structural elements along a longitudinal direction, said modular energy dissipation device (100) comprising a plurality of first damping units ( 1) arranged stacked in series along said longitudinal direction, in which each of said first cushioning units (1) is configured to deform at least in the longitudinal direction and comprises at least one pair of support elements (5, 6) configured for the support and the connection of said cushioning unit (1) with other cushioning units (1) of said plurality of first cushioning units (1) and / or with structural elements that the energy dissipation device (100) is configured to connect and at least one elastic element (10, 11) interposed between said support elements (5, 6) and configured to allow the deformation of said damping unit tization (1). Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to claim 1, wherein each of said first damping units (1) includes a first portion (3), or upper portion, connected in the longitudinal direction to a second portion ( 4), or lower portion; wherein the first portion (3), or upper portion, comprises a first support element (5) of said support elements (5, 6), a first coupling element (7) configured for the connection between said first and second portion (3, 4) and a first elastic element (10) configured to connect said first support element (5) with said first coupling element (7) and in which the second portion (4), or lower portion, comprises a second support element (6) of said support elements (5, 6), a second coupling element (8) configured for the connection between said first and second portions (3, 4) and a second elastic element (11) configured to connect said second support element (6) with said second coupling element (8). Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first portion (3), or upper portion, and said second portion (4), or lower portion, of each of the first damping units ( 1) are shaped and connected to each other so that each of said first damping units (1) assumes a ring-like structure or configuration configured to deform at least in the longitudinal direction. Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said first portion (3), or upper portion, and said second portion (4), or lower portion, are cup-shaped or shaped elements hemispherical cap, in which said first portion (3), or upper portion, has a first concavity and said second portion (4), or lower portion, has a second concavity; said first concavity being, in use, facing towards said second concavity. 5. Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein said first portion (3) is connected to said second portion by means of first fastening means (9). 6. Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein first consecutive damping units (1) face each other at said first support element (5) of the first portion (3), or upper portion, and / or of said second support element (6) of the second portion (4), or lower portion. 7. Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first support element (5) of the first portion (3), or upper portion, and / or said second support element (6) of the second portion (4), or lower portion comprises second fastening means for fastening consecutive first damping units (1). 8. Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said second fixing means are placed in said first support element (5) of the first portion (3), or upper portion, and / or in said second support element (6) of the second portion (4), or lower portion. Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first damping units (1) is a ring-shaped or disc-shaped element comprising a through hole located in correspondence with the longitudinal axis ( A) of the modular energy dissipation device (100). Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to claim 6 or 7, comprising a plurality of second cushioning units (20) arranged stacked in series along said longitudinal direction, wherein the second cushioning units are arranged concentric with respect , and around, the first damping units (1) and with respect to said longitudinal axis (A) of the modular energy dissipation device (100). 11. Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to the previous claim, in which the number of first cushioning units (1) is equal to the number of second cushioning units (20). Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein each of said second damping units (20) comprises a first portion (23), or upper portion, in turn comprising a first element support element (25), a first coupling element (27) and a first elastic element (30) configured to connect said first support element (25) with said first coupling element (27) and in which each of said second units cushion (20) comprises a second portion (24), or lower portion, comprising in turn a second support element (26), a second coupling element (28) and a second elastic element (31) configured to connect said second support element (26) with said second coupling element (28). Modular energy dissipation device (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein said first portion (23), or upper portion, and said second portion (24), or lower portion, of each of the second damping units ( 20) are shaped and connected to each other so that each of said second cushioning units (20) assumes a ring-like structure or configuration configured to deform at least in the longitudinal direction. 14. Shock absorber (1000) comprising a hollow cylinder (200) or a container body configured to house a modular energy dissipation device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims; the shock absorber (1000) also comprising a stem (300) at least partially inserted in the cylinder (200) or in the container body, and sliding in the cylinder (200) or in the container body itself. Shock absorber (1000) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cylinder (200) comprises a first base surface (210), a second base surface (220) and a lateral surface (230) adapted to connect said first surface of base (210) to said second base surface (220) and in which the first base surface (210) is connected to at least one damping unit (1, 20) of the energy dissipation device (100) by means of coupling means (110). Shock absorber (1000) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one shock absorber unit (1, 20) of the energy dissipation device (100), opposite in the longitudinal direction to said shock absorber unit (1, 20) connected to the first base surface (210), is connected to the stem (300) by means of a connecting element (310).