NZ628246B - Lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly includes a first wall, a second wall and a viscoelastic damper. The first and second walls are connected respectively to a first structural member and a second structural member. The viscoelastic damper includes a swing rod connected pivotally to the first and second walls, a first viscoelastic unit connected between the first wall and an end portion of the swing rod, and a second viscoelastic unit connected between the second wall and an opposite end portion of the swing rod. The swing rod is driven to pivot relative to the first and second walls, and to thereby generate shear deformations of the first and second viscoelastic units to damp a relative movement between the first and second structural members. Other embodiments are disclosed. and second walls, a first viscoelastic unit connected between the first wall and an end portion of the swing rod, and a second viscoelastic unit connected between the second wall and an opposite end portion of the swing rod. The swing rod is driven to pivot relative to the first and second walls, and to thereby generate shear deformations of the first and second viscoelastic units to damp a relative movement between the first and second structural members. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Description

LEVER VISCOELASTIC DAMPING WALL ASSEMBLY The invention relates to a lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly, more particularly to a lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly for use in an architectural structure.

Chinese Patent Publication No. CN 1245858A discloses a conventional damper apparatus for damping a relative movement between two structural elements resulting from an earthquake or a gust of wind.

The conventional damper apparatus includes a lever and a viscoelastic member. The lever has opposite first and second end portions, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second end portions. A distance between the first end portion and the intermediate portion is smaller than that between the intermediate portion and the second end portion. The first end portion of the lever is connected pivotally to one of the structural elements. The intermediate portion is connected pivotally to the other one of the structural elements. The viscoelastic member is connected between the second end portion of the lever and the other one of the structural elements. Through the abovementioned configuration, the lever of the conventional damper is capable of generating a relative displacement between the second end portion and the other one of the structural elements in response to the relative movement between the structural elements, which is greater than that between the structural elements, and which generates deformation of the viscoelastic member to damp the relative movement between the structural elements.

However, in response to an intense relative movement between the structural elements, the amplified relative movement between the second end portion and the other one of the structural elements may cause fracture and failure of the viscoelastic member.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly that can overcome the aforesaid drawbacks associated with the prior arts. An additional or alternative object is to provide the public with a useful choice.

Accordingly, a lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly of the present invention is for damping a relative movement between a first structural member and a second structural member in a first direction. The first and second structural members are spaced apart from each other. The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly includes a first wall, a second wall and a viscoelastic damper. The first wall is connected to the first structural member, and is formed with at least one pivot hole. The second wall is connected to the second structural member, and is formed with at least one pivot hole. The pivot holes of the first and second walls are spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The viscoelastic damper includes at least one swing rod, at least one first viscoelastic unit, at least one second viscoelastic unit, at least one first bolt assembly and at least one second bolt assembly. The swing rod has a middle portion formed with first and second extending holes, and first and second end portions disposed respectively at opposite sides of the middle portion.

The first and second extending holes are aligned respectively with the pivot holes of the first and second walls. The first viscoelastic unit is connected between the first wall and the first end portion of the swing rod. The second viscoelastic unit is connected between the second wall and the second end portion of the swing rod. The first bolt assembly extends through the pivot hole of the first wall and the first extending hole of the swing rod to interconnect pivotally the swing rod and the first wall. The second bolt assembly extends through the pivot hole of the second wall and the second extending hole of the swing rod to interconnect pivotally the swing rod and the second wall. The first and second structural members allow a relative movement between the first and second walls in the first direction due to the relative movement therebetween, so as to pivot the swing rod relative to the first and second walls, and to thereby generate shear deformations of the first and second viscoelastic units to damp the relative movement therebetween.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the first wall is connected to a lower end of the first structural member, said second wall is connected to an upper end of the second structural member; and wherein: each of said first and second walls further has a main wall segment; and each of said first and second viscoelastic units includes a viscoelastic member that has a side connected fixedly to said main wall segment of the corresponding one of said first and second walls, a connecting member that is connected fixedly to an opposite side of said viscoelastic member opposite to said main wall segment of the corresponding one of said first and second walls, and a bolt assembly that interconnects pivotally said connecting member and the corresponding one of said first and second end portions of said swing rod.

The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly may comprise a friction damper for damping the relative movement between the first and second structural members.

Reference may be made in the description to subject matter which is not in the scope of the appended claims.

That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in the art and may assist putting into practice the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment; Fig. 3 is a side view of the first preferred embodiment; Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is another sectional view of the first preferred embodiment taken along line V-V in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment illustrating a friction damper; Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of the first preferred embodiment illustrating the friction damper; Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the first preferred embodiment; Fig. 9 is another schematic side view of the first preferred embodiment; Fig. 10 is a schematic fragmentary sectional view of the friction damper of the first preferred embodiment; Fig. 11 is another schematic fragmentary sectional view of the friction damper of the first preferred embodiment; Fig. 12 is a perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 13 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment illustrating a friction damper; Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view of the second preferred embodiment illustrating the friction damper; Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 16 is a schematic side view of the third preferred embodiment; Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the fourth preferred embodiment; Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a fifth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 20 is a fragmentary sectional view of the fifth embodiment illustrating a viscoelastic damper; Fig. 21 is a perspective view of a sixth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 22 is a fragmentary sectional view of the sixth embodiment illustrating a viscoelastic damper; Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a seventh preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the seventh preferred embodiment; Fig. 25 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a friction damper of the seventh preferred embodiment; Fig. 26 is a fragmentary section view of the seventh preferred embodiment illustrating the friction damper; Fig. 27 is another fragmentary section view of the seventh preferred embodiment illustrating the friction damper; Fig. 28 is a side view of an eighth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 29 is a perspective view of a ninth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly; Fig. 30 is a partly exploded perspective view of the ninth preferred embodiment; Fig. 31 is a fragmentary section view of the ninth preferred embodiment illustrating a friction damper; and Fig. 32 is another fragmentary section view of the ninth preferred embodiment illustrating the friction damper.

Before the present invention is described in greater detail, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the disclosure.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a first preferred embodiment of a lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 is adapted for damping a relative movement between a first structural member 1 and a second structural member 2 in a first direction (D1) that results from an earthquake or a gust of wind. In this embodiment, the first and second structural members 1, 2 are spaced apart from each other in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to the first direction (D1) (i.e., a vertical direction), and are configured as beams. However, the first and second structural members 1, 2 may be configured as columns or other structures.

The first embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 includes a first wall 3, a second wall 4, a viscoelastic damper 5 and a friction damper 6.

Referring further to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the first wall 3 is connected to a lower end of the first structural member 1, and has a main wall segment 31, a plurality of pairs of block segments 32, an end wall segment 33 and a pair of reinforcing wall segments 34. Each pair of the block segments 32 are soldered respectively to opposite sides of a lower portion of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3 in a third direction (D3) perpendicular to the first and second directions (D1, D2), are aligned with each other in the third direction (D3), and are spaced apart from the other pairs of the block segments 32 in the first direction (D1). The first wall 3 further has a plurality of pivot holes 35 each being formed through an assembly of a respective pair of the block segments 32 and the main wall segment 31 (see Fig. 4). The end wall segment 33 is connected to an upper end of the main wall segment 31, and is proximate to the first structural member 1. The reinforcing wall segments 34 are connected respectively to opposite sides of the main wall segment 31 in the first direction (D1).

The second wall 4 has a configuration similar to that of the first wall 3, and is spaced apart from the first wall 3 in the second direction (D2). The second wall 4 is connected to an upper end of the second structural member 2, and has a main wall segment 41, a plurality of pairs of block segments 42, an end wall segment 43 and a pair of reinforcing wall segments 44. Each pair of the block segments 42 are soldered respectively to opposite sides of an upper portion of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4 in the third direction (D3), are aligned with each other in the third direction (D3), and are spaced apart from the other pairs of the block segments 42 in the first direction (D1). The second wall 4 further has a plurality of pivot holes 45 that correspond respectively to the pivot holes 35 of the first wall 3. Each of the pivot holes 45 of the second wall 4 is formed through an assembly of a respective pair of the block segments 42 and the main wall segment 41, and is spaced apart from the corresponding one of the pivot holes 35 of the first wall 3 in the second direction (D2) (see Fig. 4). The end wall segment 43 is connected to a lower end of the main wall segment 41, and is proximate to the second structural member 2. The reinforcing wall segments 44 are connected respectively to opposite sides of the main wall segment 41 in the first direction (D1).

The viscoelastic damper 5 includes a plurality of pairs of swing rods 51, two first viscoelastic units 52a, two second viscoelastic units 52b, a plurality of first bolt assemblies 53 and a plurality of second bolt assemblies 54.

Each of the swing rods 51 extends in the second direction (D2), and has a middle portion formed with first and second extending holes 511a, 511b, and first and second end portions 512a, 512b disposed respectively at opposite sides of the middle portion in the second direction (D2). The first and second extending holes 511a, 511b of the middle portion of each of the swing rods 51 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2), and are proximate to the first and second end portions 512a, 512b, respectively. A distance between the first and second extending holes 511a, 511b is smaller than that between the first extending hole 511a and the first end portion 512a, and is smaller than that between the second extending hole 511b and the second end portion 512b.

Each pair of the swing rods 51 are spaced apart from each other in the third direction (D3). The first and second walls 3, 4 are disposed between each pair of the swing rods 51. The first extending holes 511a of each pair of the swing rods 51 are aligned with a respective one of the pivot holes 35 of the first wall 3. The second extending holes 511b of each pair of the swing rods 51 are aligned with a respective one of the pivot holes 45 of the second wall 4.

Each of the first bolt assemblies 53 includes a bolt 531, and a nut 532 connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 531. The bolt 531 of each of the first bolt assemblies 53 extends through the first extending holes 511a of a respective pair of the swing rods 51 and the respective one of the pivot holes 35 of the first wall 3, such that the respective pair of the swing rods 51 are connected pivotally to the first wall 3.

Each of the second bolt assemblies 54 includes a bolt 541, and a nut 542 connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 541. The bolt 541 of each of the second bolt assemblies 54 extends through the second extending holes 511b of a respective pair of the swing rods 51 and the respective one of the pivot holes 45 of the second wall 4, such that the respective pair of the swing rods 51 are connected pivotally to the second wall 4.

The first viscoelastic units 52a are connected fixedly and respectively to the opposite sides of the first wall 3 in the third direction (D3). In this embodiment, each of the first viscoelastic units 52a includes a plurality of viscoelastic members 521a that are made of rubber or silicone. The first end portions 512a of each pair of the swing rods 51 are connected fixedly and respectively to a respective one of the viscoelastic members 521a of one of the first viscoelastic units 52a and a respective one of the viscoelastic members 521a of the other one of the first viscoelastic units 52a.

The second viscoelastic units 52b are connected fixedly and respectively to the opposite sides of the second wall 4 in the third direction (D3). In this embodiment, each of the second viscoelastic units 52b includes a plurality of viscoelastic members 521b that are made of rubber or silicone. The second end portions 512b of each pair of the swing rods 51 are connected fixedly and respectively to a respective one of the viscoelastic members 521b of one of the second viscoelastic units 52b and a respective one of the viscoelastic members 521b of the other one of the second viscoelastic units 52b. However, each of the first and second viscoelastic units 52a, 52b may include only one viscoelastic member 521a, 521b.

It is noted that, in this embodiment, each of the block segments 32, 42 of the first and second walls 3, 4 has a thickness the same as that of each of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b of the first and second viscoelastic units 52a, 52b.

When the relative movement between the first and second structural member 1, 2 resulting from an external force in the first direction (D1) occurs, the first and second structural members 1, 2 drive a relative movement between the first and second walls 3, 4 in the first direction (D1), so as to pivot the swing rods 51 relative to the first and second walls 3, 4, and to thereby generate shear deformation of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b of the first and second viscoelastic units 52a, 52b, so as to damp the relative movement therebetween.

Referring to Figs. 4, 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the friction damper 6 is disposed between the first structural member 1 and the first wall 3. The first structural member 1 has a lower plate 11 that is formed with a plurality of elongate grooves 111. Each of the elongate grooves 111 extends in the first direction (D1).

The end wall segment 33 of the first wall 3 is formed with a plurality of communication holes 331.

The friction damper 6 includes a friction plate 61 and a plurality of bolt assemblies 62.

The friction plate 61 is clamped between the lower plate 11 of the first structural member 1 and the end wall segment 33 of the first wall 3, and is formed with a plurality of through holes 611. In this embodiment, the friction plate 61 is made of copper.

Each of the bolt assemblies 62 includes a bolt 621, and a nut 622 connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 621.

The bolt 621 of each of the bolt assemblies 62 extends through a respective one of the communication holes 331 of the end wall segment 33 of the first wall 3, a respective one of the through holes 611 of the friction plate 61 and a respective one of the elongate grooves 111 of the lower plate 11 of the first structural member 1, and is movable along the respective one of the elongate grooves 111.

When the external force driving the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2 does not exceed a maximum static friction between the friction plate 61 and the lower plate 11 of the first structural member 1, the friction plate 61 and the lower plate 11 of the first structural member 1 do not move relative to each other.

When the external force driving the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2 exceeds a maximum static friction between the friction plate 61 and the lower plate 11 of the first structural member 1, the friction plate 61 and the first wall 3 are movable frictionally relative to the lower plate 11 of the first structural member 1 to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2.

Referring to Figs. 4, 8 and 9, in this embodiment, the friction damper 6 does not work in response to an earthquake that has a strength less than 5.0 on the Richter scale. So that the friction plate 61 and the lower plate 11 of the first structural member 1 do not move relative to each other, and the swing rods 51 are driven to pivot relative to the first and second walls 3, 4 to generate shear deformations of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural member 1, 2 in response to an earthquake that measures less than 5.0 on the Richter scale.

Referring to Figs. 8 to 11, in response to an earthquake that has a strength more than 5.0 on the Richter scale, both of the viscoelastic damper 5 and the friction damper 6 work to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural member 1, 2.

It is noted that the viscoelastic damper 5 of a variation of the first preferred embodiment may includes only one swing rod 51, one first viscoelastic unit 52a, one second viscoelastic unit 52b, one first bolt assembly 53 and one second bolt assembly 54, which also can damp the relative movement between the first and second structural member 1, 2.

Referring to Figs. 12 to 14, a second preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 is similar to the first preferred embodiment.

The difference between the first and second preferred embodiments resides in that the second preferred embodiment further includes a limiting mechanism 7 that includes two first plates 71, two second plates 72 and a plurality of limiting bolt assemblies 73.

Each of the first plates 71 is soldered to a lower end of a respective one of the reinforcing wall segments 34 of the first wall 3, and is formed with two elongate guide grooves 711 that extend in the first direction (D1).

Each of the second plates 72 is soldered to an upper end of a respective one of the reinforcing wall segments 44 of the second wall 4, and has an upper surface abutting against a lower surface of a respective one of the first plates 71. Each of the second plates 72 is formed with two through holes 721 that correspond respectively in position to the guide grooves 711 of the respective one of the first plates 71.

Each of the limiting bolt assemblies 73 includes a bolt 731, and a nut 732 connected threadedly to one end portion of the bolt 731. The bolt 731 of each of the limiting bolt assemblies 73 extends through one of the through holes 721 of the second plates 72 and the corresponding one of the guide grooves 711 of the first plates 71, and is movable within the corresponding one of the guide grooves 711, such that a relative displacement between the first and second walls 3, 4 is limited by the limiting mechanism 7. Therefore, the limiting mechanism 7 limits the shear deformations of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b to prevent fractures and failures of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b.

It is noted that the limiting mechanism 7 may include only one first plate 71 that is formed with one guide grooves 711, one second plate 72 that is formed with one through hole 721, and one bolt assembly 73 that extends through the through hole 721 and the guide grooves 711.

Referring to Figs. 15 and 16, a third preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 is similar to the first preferred embodiment.

The difference between the first and third preferred embodiments resides in that the third preferred embodiment further includes a limiting mechanism 7 that includes two pairs of first limiting plates 74 and two pairs of second limiting plates 75 (only one of each pair of the first and second limiting plates 74, 75 is shown in Figs. 15 and 16).

One pair of the first limiting plates 74 are soldered respectively to the opposite sides of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3 in the third direction (D3), and are respectively disposed adjacent to the first end portions 512a of one pair of the swing rods 51 that are proximate to one of the reinforcing wall segments 34 of the first wall 3. The other one pair of the first limiting plates 74 are soldered respectively to the opposite sides of the main wall segment 31 in the third direction (D3), and are respectively disposed adjacent to the first end portions 512a of another one pair of the swing rods 51 that are proximate to the other one of the reinforcing wall segments 34 of the first wall One pair of the second limiting plates 75 are soldered respectively to the opposite sides of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4 in the third direction (D3), and are respectively disposed adjacent to the second end portions 512b of one pair of the swing rods 51 that are proximate to one of the reinforcing wall segments 44 of the second wall 4. The other one pair of the second limiting plates 75 are soldered respectively to the opposite sides of the main wall segment 41 in the third direction (D3), and are respectively disposed adjacent to the second end portions 512b of another one pair of the swing rods 51 that are proximate to the other one of the reinforcing wall segments 44 of the second wall 4.

The rotation of four of the swing rods 51 adjoining to the reinforcing wall segments 34, 44 are stopped by the first and second limiting plates 74, 75 when the four swing rods 51 contact the first and second limiting plates 74, 75. Therefore, the first and second limiting plates 74, 75 cooperatively limit a rotational angle of the swing rods 51 relative to each of the first and second walls 3, 4, so as to limit a relative displacement between the first and second walls 3, 4, and to limit the shear deformations of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b to prevent fractures and failures of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b.

It is noted that the limiting mechanism 7 of the third preferred embodiment may include one pair of the first limiting plates 74 that are soldered respectively to the opposite sides of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3, and one pair of the second limiting plates 75 that are soldered respectively to the opposite sides of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4 to limit the rotational angle of the swing rods 51 relative to each of the first and second walls 3, 4.

Referring to Figs. 17 and 18, a fourth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 is similar to the first preferred embodiment.

The difference between the first and fourth preferred embodiments resides in that the friction damper 6 is omitted in the fourth preferred embodiment, and the end wall segment 33 of the first wall 3 is soldered to the lower plate 11 of first structural member 1.

Referring to Fig. 19 and 20, a fifth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 is similar to the second preferred embodiment. The difference between the fifth and second preferred embodiments resides in the configuration of the viscoelastic damper 5. In this embodiment, the first and second end portions 512a, 512b of each of the swing rods 51 are respectively formed with first and second grooves 513a, 513b that extend in the second direction (D2).

Each of the first viscoelastic units 52a includes a viscoelastic member 521a, a connecting member 522a and a plurality of bolt assemblies 523a.

The viscoelastic member 521a of each of the first viscoelastic units 52a is connected fixedly to one side of the end wall segment 33 of the first wall 3 opposite to the lower plate 11 of first structural member 1.

The connecting member 522a of each of the first viscoelastic units 52a includes a plate segment 524a that is connected fixedly to one side of the viscoelastic member 521a opposite to the end wall segment 33 of the first wall 3, and a plurality of connecting segments 525a that extend from one side of the plate segment 524a opposite to the viscoelastic member 521a, and that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1).

Each of the connecting segments 525a is formed with a pivot hole 526a.

Each of the bolt assemblies 523a of the first viscoelastic units 52a includes a bolt 527a, and a nut 528a connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 527a. The bolt 527a of each of the bolt assemblies 523a extends through the pivot hole 526a of a respective one of the connecting segments 525a of the first viscoelastic units 52a and the first groove 513a of a respective one of the swing rods 51 to interconnect pivotally the respective one of the connecting segments 525a and the first end portion 512a of the respective one of the swing rods 51.

Likewise, each of the second viscoelastic units 52b includes a viscoelastic member 521b, a connecting member 522b and a plurality of bolt assemblies 523b.

The viscoelastic member 521b of each of the second viscoelastic units 52b is connected fixedly to one side of the end wall segment 43 of the second wall 4 opposite to the second structural member 2.

The connecting member 522b of each of the second viscoelastic units 52b includes a plate segment 524b that is connected fixedly to one side of the viscoelastic member 521b opposite to the end wall segment 43 of the second wall 4, and a plurality of connecting segments 525b that extend from one side of the plate segment 524b opposite to the viscoelastic member 521b, and that are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1).

Each of the connecting segments 525b is formed with a pivot hole 526b.

Each of the bolt assemblies 523b of the second viscoelastic units 52b includes a bolt 527b, and a nut 528b connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 527b. The bolt 527b of each of the bolt assemblies 523b extends through the pivot hole 526b of a respective one of the connecting segments 525b of the second viscoelastic units 52b and the second groove 513b of a respective one of the swing rods 51 to interconnect pivotally the respective one of the connecting segments 525a and the second end portion 512b of the respective one of the swing rods 51.

When the swing rods 51 are driven to pivot relative to the first and second walls 3, 4, the connecting member 522a, 522b of each of the first and second viscoelastic units 52a, 52b is driven to move relative to the corresponding one of the end wall segments 33, 43 of the first and second wall 3, 4, so as to generate shear deformations of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural member 1, 2.

Referring to Figs. 21 and 22, a sixth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 is similar to the second preferred embodiment. The difference between the sixth and second preferred embodiments resides in the configuration of the viscoelastic damper 5. In this embodiment, the first and second end portions 512a, 512b of each of the swing rods 51 are respectively formed with first and second grooves 513a, 513b that extend in the second direction (D2).

The viscoelastic damper 5 of the sixth preferred embodiment includes only one first viscoelastic unit 52a and only one second viscoelastic units 52b.

The first viscoelastic unit 52a includes a pair of viscoelastic members 521a, a pair of connecting members 522a and a plurality of bolt assemblies 523a. The main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3 is formed with a plurality of grooves 312, each of which extends in the first direction (D1). The grooves 312 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1).

Each of the viscoelastic members 521a of the first viscoelastic unit 52a is connected fixedly to a respective one of the opposite sides of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3 in the third direction (D3), and is formed with a plurality of grooves 529a, each of which extends in the first direction (D1) and is registered with a respective one of the grooves 312 of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3.

Each of the connecting members 522a of the first viscoelastic unit 52a is connected fixedly to one side of a respective one of the viscoelastic members 521a opposite to the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3, and is formed with a plurality of pivot holes 526a that correspond respectively to the grooves 529a of the respective one of the viscoelastic member 521a.

Each of the bolt assemblies 523a of the first viscoelastic unit 52a includes a bolt 527a, and a nut 528a connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 527a. The bolt 527a of each of the bolt assemblies 523a extends through a respective one of the grooves 312 of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3, the respective ones of the grooves 529a of the viscoelastic members 521a, the respective ones of the pivot holes 526a of the connecting members 522a, and the first grooves 513a of a respective pair of the swing rods 51 to interconnect pivotally the connecting members 522a and the first end portions 512a of the respective pair of the swing rods 51.

Likewise, the second viscoelastic unit 52b includes a pair of viscoelastic members 521b, a pair of connecting members 522b and a plurality of bolt assemblies 523b.

The main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4 is formed with a plurality of grooves 412, each of which extends in the first direction (D1). The grooves 412 are spaced apart from each other in the first direction (D1).

Each of the viscoelastic members 521b of the second viscoelastic unit 52b is connected fixedly to a respective one of the opposite sides of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4 in the third direction (D3), and is formed with a plurality of grooves 529b, each of which extends in the first direction (D1) and is registered with a respective one of the grooves 412 of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4.

Each of the connecting members 522b of the second viscoelastic unit 52b is connected fixedly to one side of a respective one of the viscoelastic members 521b opposite to the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4, and is formed with a plurality of pivot holes 526b that correspond respectively to the grooves 529b of the respective one of the viscoelastic member 521b.

Each of the bolt assemblies 523b of the second viscoelastic unit 52b includes a bolt 527b, and a nut 528b connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 527b. The bolt 527b of each of the bolt assemblies 523b extends through a respective one of the grooves 412 of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4, the respective ones of the grooves 529b of the viscoelastic members 521b, the respective ones of the pivot holes 526b of the connecting members 522b, and the second grooves 513b of a respective pair of the swing rods 51 to interconnect pivotally the connecting members 522b and the second end portions 512b of the respective pair of the swing rods 51.

When the swing rods 51 are driven to pivot relative to the first and second walls 3, 4, the connecting members 522a, 522b of each of the first and second viscoelastic units 52a, 52b are driven to move relative to the corresponding one of the main wall segments 31, 41 of the first and second wall 3, 4, so as to generate shear deformations of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2.

It is noted that, in this embodiment, the grooves 312 of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3, the grooves 529a of the viscoelastic members 521a, the grooves 412 of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4 and the grooves 529b of the viscoelastic members 521b can be omitted. In this case, the first end portions 512a of a respective pair of the swing rods 51 can be connected pivotally and respectively to the connecting members 522a of the first viscoelastic unit 52a by two bolts, respectively, and the second end portions 512b of a respective pair of the swing rods 51 can be connected pivotally and respectively to the connecting members 522b of the second viscoelastic unit 52b by two bolts, respectively.

Referring to Figs 23 to 27, a seventh preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 is similar to the fourth preferred embodiment. The difference between the seventh and fourth preferred embodiments resides in that the seventh preferred embodiment further includes a friction damper 6. Each of the main wall segments 31, 41 of the first and second wall 3, 4 is formed with a plurality of elongate grooves 313, 413. Each of the elongate grooves 313, 413 extends in the first direction (D1).

The friction damper 6 of the seventh preferred embodiment includes two first friction plates 61a, two second friction plates 61b, two first connecting plates 63a, two second connecting plates 63b, a plurality of first bolt assemblies 62a and a plurality of second bolt assemblies 62b.

The first friction plates 61a are connected fixedly and respectively to the two sides of the first wall 3.

Each of the first friction plates 61a is formed with a plurality of elongate grooves 612a, each of which extends in the first direction (D1). The elongate grooves 612a of each of the first friction plates 61a are registered respectively with the elongate grooves 313 of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3.

The second friction plates 61b are connected fixedly and respectively to the two sides of the second wall 4. Each of the second friction plates 61b is formed with a plurality of elongate grooves 612b, each of which extends in the first direction (D1). The elongate grooves 612b of each of the second friction plates 61b are registered respectively with the elongate grooves 413 of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4.

Each of the first connecting plates 63a has a side abutting against one side of a respective one of the first friction plates 61a opposite to the first wall 3, and an opposite side connected to a respective one of the first viscoelastic units 52a, and is formed with a plurality of through holes 631a.

Each of the second connecting plates 63b has a side abutting against one side of a respective one of the second friction plates 61b opposite to the second wall 4, and an opposite side connected to a respective one of the second viscoelastic units 52b, and is formed with a plurality of through holes 631b.

Each of the first bolt assemblies 62a includes a bolt 621a and a nut 622a connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 621a.

The bolt 621a of each of the first bolt assemblies 62a extends through a respective one of the through holes 631a of one of the first connecting plates 63a, a respective one of the through holes 631a of the other one of the first connecting plates 63a, a respective one of the elongate grooves 612a of one of the first friction plates 61a, the respective one of the elongate grooves 313 of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3 and the respective one of the elongate grooves 612a of the other one of the first friction plates 61a, and is movable along the respective one of the elongate grooves 612a of the one the first friction plates 61a, the respective one of the elongate grooves 313 of the main wall segment 31 of the first wall 3 and the respective one of the elongate grooves 612a of the other one of the first friction plates 61a, such that the first connecting plates 63a and the first viscoelastic units 52a are movable frictionally relative to the first friction plates 61a when an external force driving the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2 exceeds a sum of a maximum static friction between one of the first connecting plates 63a and the respective one of the first friction plates 61a and a maximum static friction between the other one of the first connecting plates 63a and the respective one of the first friction plates 61a, so as to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2.

Each of the second bolt assemblies 62b includes a bolt 621b and a nut 622b connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 621b.

The bolt 621b of each of the second bolt assemblies 62b extends through a respective one of the through holes 631b of one of the second connecting plates 63b, a respective one of the through holes 631b of the other one of the second connecting plates 63b, a respective one of the elongate grooves 612b of one of the second friction plates 61b, the respective one of the elongate grooves 413 of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4 and the respective one of the elongate grooves 612b of the other one of the second friction plates 61b, and is movable along the respective one of the elongate grooves 612b of the one the second friction plates 61b, the respective one of the elongate grooves 413 of the main wall segment 41 of the second wall 4 and the respective one of the elongate grooves 612b of the other one of the second friction plates 61b, such that the second connecting plates 63b and the second viscoelastic units 52b are movable frictionally relative to the second friction plates 61b when the external force driving the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2 exceeds a sum of a maximum static friction between one of the second connecting plates 63b and the respective one of the second friction plates 61b and a maximum static friction between the other one of the second connecting plates 63b and the respective one of the second friction plates 61b, so as to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2.

It is noted that the friction damper 6 in this embodiment may include only one of the first and second friction plates 61a, 61b, and only one of the first and second connecting plates 63a, 63b that corresponds to the one of the first and second friction plates 61a, 61b, which also can work without failing to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2.

Referring to Fig. 28, an eighth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300 is similar to the seventh preferred embodiment. The difference between the eighth and seventh preferred embodiments resides in that the eighth preferred embodiment further includes a limiting mechanism 7 that includes two pairs of first limiting plates 74 and two pairs of second limiting plates 75.

One pair of the first limiting plates 74 are soldered respectively to the first connecting plates 63a of the friction damper 6, and are respectively disposed adjacent to the first end portions 512a of one pair of the swing rods 51 that are proximate to one of the reinforcing wall segments 34 of the first wall 3. The other one pair of the first limiting plates 74 are soldered respectively to the first connecting plates 63a of the friction damper 6, and are respectively disposed adjacent to the first end portions 512a of another one pair of the swing rods 51 that are proximate to the other one of the reinforcing wall segments 34 of the first wall 3.

One pair of the second limiting plates 75 are soldered respectively to the second connecting plates 63b of the friction damper 6, and are respectively disposed adjacent to the second end portions 512b of one pair of the swing rods 51 that are proximate to one of the reinforcing wall segments 44 of the second wall 4. The other one pair of the second limiting plates 75 are soldered respectively to the second connecting plates 63b of the friction damper 6, and are respectively disposed adjacent to the second end portions 512b of another one pair of the swing rods 51 that are proximate to the other one of the reinforcing wall segments 44 of the second wall 4.

Four of the swing rods 51 adjoining the reinforcing wall segments 34, 44 are rotatable to contact the first and second limiting plates 74, 75 by the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2. Upon further relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2, the four swing rods 51 are further driven to rotate relative to the first and second walls 3, 4 to push the first and second limiting plates 74, 75, so as to drive a relative movement between the first connecting plates 63a and the first wall 3 which is damped by the first friction plates 61a, and a relative movement between the second connecting plates 63b and the second wall 4 which is damped by the second friction plates 61b. Therefore, the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2 is damped by the viscoelastic damper 5 and the friction damper 6.

Figs. 29 to 32 show a ninth preferred embodiment of the lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly 300. In this embodiment, each of the swing rods 51 extends in the first direction (D1), and the first and second extending holes 511a, 511b of the middle portion of each of the swing rods 51 are spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2).

Each of the first and second walls 3, 4 has two main wall segments 31, 41 that are spaced apart from each other in the third direction (D3). Each of the main wall segments 31, 41 of the first and second walls 3, 4 is formed with a plurality of elongate grooves 314, 414 (only one is shown in Figs. 31 and 32). Each of the elongate grooves 314, 414 extends in the second direction (D2).

The friction damper 6 of the ninth preferred embodiment includes two first friction plates 61a, two second friction plates 61b, two first connecting plates 63a, two second connecting plates 63b, a plurality of first bolt assemblies 62a and a plurality of second bolt assemblies 62b.

The first friction plates 61a respectively abut against the main wall segments 31 of the first wall 3.

Each of the first friction plates 61a is formed with a plurality of through holes 611a. The through holes 611a of each of the first friction plates 61a correspond respectively in position to the elongate grooves 314 of the respective one of the main wall segments 31 of the first wall 3.

The second friction plates 61b respectively abut against the main wall segments 41 of the second wall 4. Each of the second friction plates 61b is formed with a plurality of through holes 611b. The through holes 611b of each of the second friction plates 61b correspond respectively in position to the elongate grooves 413 of the respective one of the main wall segments 41 of the second wall 4.

Each of the first connecting plates 63a has a side abutting against one side of a respective one of the first friction plates 61a opposite to the first wall 3, and an opposite side connected to a respective one of the first viscoelastic units 52a, and is formed with a plurality of through holes 631a.

Each of the second connecting plates 63b has a side abutting against one side of a respective one of the second friction plates 61b opposite to the second wall 4, and an opposite side connected to a respective one of the second viscoelastic units 52b, and is formed with a plurality of through holes 631b.

Each of the first bolt assemblies 62a includes a bolt 621a and a nut 622a connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 621a.

The bolt 621a of each of the first bolt assemblies 62a extends through a respective one of the through holes 631a of the first connecting plates 63a, a respective one of the through holes 611a of the first friction plates 61a and the respective one of the elongate grooves 314 of the main wall segments 31 of the first wall 3, and is movable along the respective one of the elongate grooves 314 of the main wall segments 31 of the first wall 3, such that the first friction plates 61a, the first connecting plates 63a and the first viscoelastic units 52a are movable frictionally relative to the first wall 3 in the second direction (D2) when a resulting force that results from an external force driving the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2 and that is exerted at the first end portions 512a of the swing rods 51 in the second direction (D2) exceeds a sum of a maximum static friction between one of the main wall segments 31 of the first wall 3 and the respective one of the first friction plates 61a and a maximum static friction between the other one of the main wall segments 31 of the first wall 3 and the respective one of the first friction plates 61a, so as to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2.

Each of the second bolt assemblies 62b includes a bolt 621b and a nut 622b connected threadedly to an end portion of the bolt 621b.

The bolt 621b of each of the second bolt assemblies 62b extends through a respective one of the through holes 631b of the second connecting plates 63b, a respective one of the through holes 611b of the second friction plates 61b and the respective one of the elongate grooves 414 of the main wall segments 41 of the second wall 4, and is movable along the respective one of the elongate grooves 414 of the main wall segments 41 of the second wall 4, such that the second friction plates 61b, the second connecting plates 63b and the second viscoelastic units 52b are movable frictionally relative to the second wall 4 in the second direction (D2) when another resulting force that results from the external force driving the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2 and that is exerted at the second end portions 512b of the swing rods 51 in the second direction (D2) exceeds a sum of a maximum static friction between one of the main wall segments 41 of the second wall 3 and the respective one of the second friction plates 61b and a maximum static friction between the other one of the main wall segments 41 of the second wall 4 and the respective one of the second friction plates 61b, so as to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural members 1, 2.

To sum up, in this invention, the viscoelastic damper 5 amplifies the relative displacement between the first and second structural members 1, 2 to thereby generate shear deformations of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural member 1, 2. The friction damper 6 cooperates with the viscoelastic damper 5 to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural member 1, 2 in response to a severe earthquake or a very strong wind. The limiting mechanism 7 limits a relative displacement between the first and second walls, and to limit the shear deformations of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b to prevent fractures and failures of the viscoelastic members 521a, 521b.

The term ‘comprising’ as used in this specification and claims means ‘consisting at least in part of’. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the term ‘comprising’, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement can also be present. Related terms such as ‘comprise’ and ‘comprised’ are to be interpreted in a similar manner.

Claims (9)

WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly for damping a relative movement between a first structural member 5 and a second structural member in a first direction, the first and second structural members being spaced apart from each other, said lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly comprising: a first wall connected to the first structural member, 10 and formed with at least one pivot hole; a second wall connected to the second structural member, and formed with at least one pivot hole, said pivot holes of said first and second walls being spaced apart from each other in a second direction perpendicular 15 to the first direction; and a viscoelastic damper including at least one swing rod that has a middle portion formed with first and second extending holes, and first and second end portions disposed respectively at 20 opposite sides of said middle portion, said first and second extending holes being aligned respectively with said pivot holes of said first and second walls, at least one first viscoelastic unit that is connected between said first wall and said first end 25 portion of said swing rod, at least one second viscoelastic unit that is connected between said second wall and said second end portion of said swing rod, at least one first bolt assembly that extends through said pivot hole of said first wall and said first extending hole of said swing rod to interconnect 5 pivotally said swing rod and said first wall, and at least one second bolt assembly that extends through said pivot hole of said second wall and said second extending hole of said swing rod to interconnect pivotally said swing rod and said second wall; 10 wherein, the first and second structural members allow a relative movement between said first and second walls in the first direction due to the relative movement therebetween, so as to pivot said swing rod relative to said first and second walls, and to thereby generate 15 shear deformations of said first and second viscoelastic units to damp the relative movement therebetween; wherein said first wall is connected to a lower end of the first structural member, said second wall being connected to an upper end of the second structural member; 20 and wherein: each of said first and second walls further has a main wall segment, each of said first and second viscoelastic units 25 including a viscoelastic member that has a side connected fixedly to said main wall segment of the corresponding one of said first and second walls, a connecting member that is connected fixedly to an opposite side of said viscoelastic member opposite to said main wall segment of the corresponding one of 5 said first and second walls, and a bolt assembly that interconnects pivotally said connecting member and the corresponding one of said first and second end portions of said swing rod. 10

2. The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a friction damper for damping the relative movement between the first and second structural members. 15

3. The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first and second walls are arranged in the second direction, said swing rod extending in the second direction. 20

4. The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein: said first wall further has an end wall segment that is proximate to the first structural member, and that is formed with a plurality of communication holes; and 25 said friction damper includes a lower plate that is connected co-movably to the first structural member and that is formed with a plurality of elongate grooves, each of said elongate grooves extending in the first direction, a friction plate that is clamped between said lower plate and said end wall segment of said first wall, 5 and that is formed with a plurality of through holes, a plurality of bolt assemblies, each of which includes a bolt extending through a respective one of 10 said communication holes of said end wall segment of said first wall, a respective one of said through holes of said friction plate and a respective one of said elongate grooves of said lower plate, and movable along the respective one of said elongate grooves of said lower 15 plate, such that said friction plate and said first wall are movable frictionally relative to said lower plate when an external force driving the relative movement between the first and second structural members exceeds a maximum static friction between said friction plate 20 and said lower plate to damp the relative movement between the first and second structural members, and a nut connected threadedly to one end of said bolt. 25 5. The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a limiting mechanism that includes: a first plate connected fixedly to one of said first and second walls, and formed with an elongate guide groove that extends in the first direction, a second plate connected fixedly to the other one

5 of said first and second walls, and formed with a through hole, and a limiting bolt assembly extending through said through hole of said second plate and said guide groove of said first plate, and movable along said guide groove, 10 such that a relative displacement between said first and second walls is limited by said limiting mechanism.

6. The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein: 15 said first wall is formed with a plurality of said pivot holes; said second wall is formed with a plurality of said pivot holes that correspond respectively to said pivot holes of said first wall; and 20 said viscoelastic damper includes a plurality of pairs of said swing rods, each pair of said swing rods being spaced apart from each other in a third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, said first and second walls being 25 disposed between each pair of said swing rods, a plurality of said first bolt assemblies, each of which extends through a respective one of said pivot holes of the first wall and said first extending holes of a respective pair of said swing rods, such that the respective pair of said swing rods are connected pivotally to said first wall, 5 a plurality of said second bolt assemblies, each of which extends through a respective one of said pivot holes of the second wall and said second extending holes of a respective pair of said swing rods, such that the respective pair of said swing rods are connected 10 pivotally to said second wall, two said first viscoelastic units that are connected respectively to two sides of said first wall opposite to each other in the third direction, said first end portions of each pair of said swing rods being 15 connected respectively to said first viscoelastic units, two said second viscoelastic units that are connected respectively to two sides of said second wall opposite to each other in the third direction, said 20 second end portions of each pair of said swing rods being connected respectively to said second viscoelastic units.

7. The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly as 25 claimed in claim 1, wherein a distance between said first and second extending holes of said swing rod is smaller than that between said first extending hole and said first end portion of said swing rod, and is smaller than that between said second extending hole and said second end portion of said swing rod. 5

8. A lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment shown in figure 21 or 22 of the accompanying drawings. 10

9. The lever viscoelastic damping wall assembly as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.