SOUNDPROOF PANEL PROVIDED WITH TUBES COVERED WITH FIBER MATERIAL

Abstract

 The invention concerns a soundproof panel (1), comprising a main plane with two main plane sides (3) and a circumference (4) delimiting the main plane sides (3), a row of tubes (5), covered with fiber material, arranged along a main plane side (3), extending in a tube direction, wherein, near the ends (8) of the tubes, at a first pair of opposing sides (Z1, Z2) of the circumference (4), a corresponding first pair of U-profiles (9) is provided, extending perpendicularly to the tube direction, wherein the ends (8) of the tubes are received in the open sides of the U-profiles (9), wherein, at a second pair of opposing sides (Z3, Z4) of the circumference (4), a corresponding second pair of U-profiles (18) is provided, extending in the tube direction, wherein the first pair ofU-profiles (9) and the second pair ofU-profiles (18) form a frame (11).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a soundproof panel, for example for application in an soundproof wall for stopping sound, such as emitted by road traffic.

[0002] Known soundproof panels are arranged in rows along, for example, a road in a tight-fitting manner, mounted between or against mounting poles, such that a soundproof wall with sound insulating and sound absorbing properties is created. After installation of such a soundproof wall, it is possible to plant climbing plants on the front side as well as the back side of the panels, wherein the air roots of the plants can attach to the soundproof panel.

[0003] Such soundproof panels are usually constructed from concrete, which in the long run gives a less visually pleasing exterior, because the concrete gets contaminated, or wood. In view of exposure to a wide variety of weather conditions, the application of wood requires the use of hardwood, or a type of wood impregnated with environmentally unfriendly agents.

[0004] Another disadvantage is that with relatively heavy soundproof panels, such as concrete panels, a strong foundation is necessary. Moreover, use of such walls on soft soil requires piling or ramming.

[0005] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a soundproof panel, having a light construction, such that no special measures with regard to foundation are necessary.

[0006] It is a further aim of the invention to obtain a soundproof wall, wherein the exterior of the wall remains the same in the long run.

[0007] Thereto, the soundproof panel according to the invention comprises a main plane with, on both sides thereof, two main plane sides and a circumference delimiting the main plane sides, a row of tubes, covered with fiber material, arranged along a main plane side of the main plane, extending mutually parallel along the main plane side in a tube direction and covering the main plane side, wherein, near the ends of the tubes, at a first pair of opposing sides of the circumference, a corresponding first pair of U-profiles is provided, extending perpendicularly to the tube direction, wherein the ends of the tubes are clampingly received in the open sides of the U-profiles, wherein, at a second pair of opposing sides of the circumference, a corresponding second pair of U-profiles is provided, extending in the tube direction, wherein the first pair of U-profiles and the second pair of U-profiles connect in such a way, that a rectangular frame is formed.

[0008] Due to the low mass and thickness of both the panels, as well as the poles forming the foundation, material and transport costs are saved. Because with this type of panels the soundproof wall can be built without the use of cranes, also relatively large savings are achieved with regard to the installation thereof.

[0009] Due to clamping the ends of the tubes covered with fiber material against e.g. a plate with help of the U-profiles, the tubes covered with fiber material are prevented from co-vibrating or resonating when the plate itself is vibrating. The soundproof panel disclosed in NL 2007822 C, wherein bamboo tubes are used to create a visually pleasing exterior, is also associated with unwanted vibrations of the bamboo tubes.

[0010] By using clamping of the tubes covered with fiber material in U-profiles, a compact, yet sturdy, panel is created, upon which further soundproof panels can be stacked. The U-shaped profiles can be produced from wood-like material, such as tropical hardwood, or synthetic materials, or metal, for instance steel or aluminum. Preferably the U-shaped panels are produced from steel, in particular galvanized steel, due to exposure to a wide variety of weather conditions.

[0011] 'Main plane', by the way, means a plane in a geometric sense.

[0012] An embodiment relates to a soundproof panel, wherein in the main plane, a plate, such as a sound insulating plate, is arranged, wherein the main plane sides are formed by the main planes of the plate and the plate is delimited by the circumference.

[0013] An embodiment relates to a soundproof panel, wherein an elongated fixing element is provided, of which opposing ends are each clamped between one of the U-profiles of the second pair of U-profiles and the tubes or the plate at that position, wherein the elongated fixing element extends perpendicular to the tube direction and runs over the tubes transversally, at a position of 1/3 - 2/3 the tube length, more preferably 1/2 tube length, such that the tubes are kept against the plate by the elongated fixing element. It has turned out that, in particular with tube lengths of more than 0,5 m, the tubes are relatively sensitive to picking up vibrations, for example when a train passes by (i.e. when the soundproof panel is used next to a railway line), or otherwise. It has turned out that the sound insulating plate and the tubes both start vibrating due to deflection, consequentially leading to a near-complete cancellation of the soundproofing properties of the panel. The abovementioned elongated fixing element achieves that the tubes covered with fiber material are tightly kept against the plate, preventing vibration in an effective way. Moreover, the fixing element prevents vandalism, due to it being very hard to remove the tubes from the U-profiles.

[0014] An embodiment provides a soundproof panel, wherein the elongated fixing element is covered with fiber material, preferably the same fiber material as the fiber material used for covering the tubes. Thus, a naturally looking exterior is realized, wherein the fixing element does not stand out. The elongated fixing element can also concern a strand/bundle, or wire, of fiber material.

[0015] Preferably, a fixing member is arranged at the plate near the elongated fixing element, which fixing member engages the elongated fixing element to keep the elongated fixing element against the row of tubes. Thus, an even higher stiffness and resistance against vibrating/resonance is achieved.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the fixing member comprises an adjustable tensioning member, wherein, through adjustment, the pressure of the elongated fixing element against the row of tubes can be adjusted. Usually, the fiber material of the tubes will deteriorate after some time leading to a smaller outer diameter thereof. Consequently, the pressure with which the tubes are pressed against the plate decreases. By means of the aforementioned tensioning member this pressure can be increased again, as a result of which resonance of the tubes is prevented in the long run.

[0017] Preferably, the fiber material comprises coconut fiber. Also, in an advantageous manner, polypropylene wire can be used, wound through the fiber material. Preferably, the fiber material is impregnated with a flame retardant. The tubes are preferably produced from a hard synthetic also having flame retarding properties. To provide sufficient resistance against deflection/bending, the tubes preferably have an outer diameter of 2-6 cm, such as 2-4 cm, preferably 3,2 cm.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment one of the tubes is received in a U-shaped reception space formed by a pair of projecting flanges attached to the plate and extending on both sides of the tube in the tube direction, between the first pair of U-profiles. The inventors have found that the stiffness of the plate itself increases tremendously and the tendency to resonating decreases strongly. Of course, a U-profile can be mounted to the plate to achieve the same effect. Preferably, the middle tube of the row of tubes is received in the U-shaped reception space. When a U-profile is used to form the reception space, preferably a screw or a similar connection means is provided in the first pair of profiles to tightly mount the first pair of U-profiles to the U-profile, to obtain a construction having maximal stiffness. This also prevents bulging out and prevents the panel interior from disintegrating.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, two adjacent U-profiles are connected to each other by means of a carriage bolt and a nut. By using a carriage bolt and a nut, the U-profiles can be connected to each other relatively easily. A great advantage is that welding is not necessary. When the tubes are worn out and need replacement, the carriage bolt and nut can be easily taken apart and the tubes can be removed from the profiles. This is virtually impossible with welds. Also, the elongated fixing elements can be removed easily, further facilitating the above-described replacement process.

[0020] An embodiment relates to a soundproof panel, wherein between the row of tubes covered with fiber material and the (sound insulating) plate a layer of mineral wool is arranged. Thus, a soundproof panel with high-absorbent acoustic properties is created.

[0021] Another embodiment concerns a soundproof panel, wherein, along a tube-free main plane side, mineral wool is arranged. It is also possible to arrange mineral wool near the tube-free main plane side, instead of mineral wool being arranged between the row of tubes covered with fiber material and the plate, or in addition thereto.

[0022] In an embodiment the mineral wool is arranged between the tube-free main plane side on the one hand and a synthetic separation net, optionally combined with a netting, on the other hand. Also, the mineral wool can be covered with wind cloth to obtain increased durability.

[0023] An advantageous embodiment provides a soundproof panel, wherein on both sides of the sound insulating plate a row of tubes covered with fiber material is arranged. Thus, the soundproof panel obtains a visually pleasing exterior on both sides. At the same time the increase in panel mass is relatively low. For example, in residential areas, such as along the boundary of a garden, near busy roads and in countryside intersected by roads and railway lines, use of such a soundproof panel can be desirable.

[0024] The invention also concerns a soundproof wall, comprising one or more of the aforementioned panels.

[0025] A preferred embodiment concerns a soundproof wall, wherein between adjacent panels an elongated support member, such as a support pole, is arranged with an H-shaped cross-section, wherein each adjacent panel is tightly received in an open side of the H-shaped cross-section. Thus, a soundproof connection between adjacent panels is created, preventing the soundproofness of the wall from being compromised, which would have been the case with the presence of a space between adjacent panels.

[0026] The invention will be elucidated by means of the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a soundproof panel according to the invention,

Figure 1 a shows a partly exploded, detail view of a corner of the panel of figure 1,

Figure 2a shows a cross-section in top view of a soundproof panel according to the invention, provided with a single row of tubes covered with fiber material,

Figure 2b shows a cross-section in top view of a soundproof panel according to the invention, provided with a double row of tubes covered with fiber material and a sound insulating plate,

Figure 2c shows a cross-section in top view of a soundproof panel according to the invention, provided with a double row of tubes covered with fiber material and a relatively thin plate,

Figure 3 shows a cross-section in top view of a soundproof panel according to the invention, provided with a single row of tubes covered with a fiber material, mineral wool, a separation net and a netting,

Figure 4 shows a cross-section in top view of the sound panel according to figure 2a, wherein mineral wool is arranged between the sound insulating plate and the row of tubes covered with fiber material,

Figure 5 shows a cross-section in top view of the sound insulating panel according to figure 2b, wherein mineral wool is arranged between the sound insulating plate and both rows of tubes covered with fiber material, and

Figure 6 shows a soundproof wall provided with soundproof panels according to the invention.

[0027] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a soundproof panel according to the invention. Figure 1 shows a soundproof panel 1 provided with a geometric main plane indicated by dotted lines, with a relatively thin plate 2 with two main plane sides 3 on both sides, and a circumference 4 delimiting these main plane sides, a row of tubes 5 covered with fiber material, such as coconut fiber, arranged along a main plane side, extending in a mutually parallel fashion along this main plane side in a tube direction, normally a vertical direction, covering this main plane side. Preferably, these tubes 5 tightly fit in a direction perpendicular to the tube direction.

[0028] Near the ends 8 of the tubes 5, at a first pair of opposing sides Z1, Z2 of the circumference 4, a corresponding first pair of U-profiles 9 is provided. This first pair of U-profiles 9 extends perpendicular to the tube direction. The ends 8 of the tubes 5 are clampingly received in the open sides of these U-profiles 9. At a second pair of opposing sides Z3, Z4 of the circumference 4 a corresponding second pair of U-profiles 18 is provided, extending in the tube direction. The first pair of U-profiles 9 and the second pair of U-profiles 18 connect to each other in such a way that a rectangular frame 11 is formed. The U-profiles 8, 19 may have a thickness of for example 1-3 mm, such as 1,25 mm or 2 mm, depending on the size of the panel 1.

[0029] As shown in figure 1, preferably use is made of an elongated fixing element 19, of which opposing ends 20 are each clamped between one of the U-profiles 9 of the second pair of U-profiles 9 and the plate 2, or the tubes 5, at that position. The elongated fixing element 19 extends perpendicular to the tube direction, running in a transversal fashion over the row of tubes 5, preferably at a position at 1/3 - 2/3 of the tube length, more preferably 1/2 of the tube length, in such a way that the tubes 5 are kept against the plate 2 by the elongated fixing element 19. The elongated fixing element 19 may also be covered with fiber material, preferably the same fiber material as the fiber material covering the row of tubes 5. Thus, a very natural-looking exterior is obtained.

[0030] As shown in figure 1, a fixing member 21 is arranged at the plate 2 near the elongated fixing element 19, which fixing member 21 engages the elongated fixing element 19 to keep the elongated fixing element 19 against the row of tubes 5. The fixing member 21 can comprise an adjustable tensioning member 22, such as a bendable or deformable iron wire, wherein, by adjustment thereof, the pressure of the elongated fixing element 19 against the row of tubes 5 can be adjusted.

[0031] As can be seen in particular in figures 2a-2c, one of the tubes 25 can be received in a U-shaped reception space 24 formed by a pair of flanges 23 projecting from the plate 2 and extending on both sides of the tube 25 in the tube direction, between the first pair of U-profiles 9. Of course, by connecting a further U-profile to the plate 2, the same effect can be achieved. Then the flanges 23 of the U-profile project away from the plate 2. The U-shaped profiles 9, 18 may comprise any conceivable construction material and can be constructed in any conceivable way.

[0032] The frame 11 is formed by letting the ends of two horizontal and two vertical U-profiles 8, 19 overlap in the corners and by connecting the overlapping parts to each other. Establishing this connection can be done in any conceivable way. For instance, a glued, a welded or a screwed connection are all conceivable. Preferably though, the U-shaped profiles 9, 18 are connected by means of a carriage bolt 12 and a nut 13, wherein beforehand a hole, such as a square hole, corresponding to the carriage bolt is created in one of the upstanding legs of the U-shaped profiles 9, 18. In this way, the U-shaped profiles 9, 18 are connected to each other in a torque-resistant fashion and a solid/sturdy rectangular or square frame 11 is obtained.

[0033] The upstanding legs of the horizontal U-profiles 9, 18 can be turned further inwards, such that tubes, covered with fiber material, with a smaller diameter can also be clamped between the legs.

[0034] With the present invention, in general hollow tubes 5 covered with fiber material are used. By connecting three U-profiles 9, 18 of the frame 11 in a U-shape, wherein one of the four sides of the frame 11 thus stays open, the tubes with fiber material 5 can be slid into the frame 11 via the open side of the frame 11.

[0035] In figure 1 a double row of tubes covered with fiber material 5 is mounted in the frame 11, of which one row of tubes 5 covered with fiber material 5 is visible. Between the rows of tubes 5 covered with fiber material a relatively thin plate 2 is arranged. To obtain improved sound insulation a thicker plate 2 can be used, such as plasticized steel plate, although a relatively high sound insulation can be obtained with a relatively thin steel plate. The insulation plate used, however, may comprise any conceivable material and can be constructed in any conceivable way. The plate 2 can for example be constructed from metal, such as aluminum, wood-like materials, such as wood fiber mortar plate, and synthetic materials, such as polycarbonate or acrylate. Important, however, is that the plate is constructed from a non-porous material and that the plate has a certain minimum mass per unit of surface area, and a high durability.

[0036] The exemplary embodiment shown in figure 1 has relatively limited thickness compared to the other types of soundproof panels, as a result of which a relatively small type of foundation pole can be used, such as a foundation pole formed of a steel IPE profile beam. The panel 1 and the foundation poles to be applied have such a light weight, that the sound screen can be built by hand up until a height of approximately 3 m above ground level. The inventors have shown the insight that a wall, up until a height of approximately 200 - 250 cm, can be built with a single panel 1, i.e. a single panel 1 then has a height of approximately 200 - 250 cm. Preferably, the elongated fixing element 19 is then used to fix the relatively long tubes 5 (also having a height of 200 - 250 cm) to prevent resonation. By contrast, the width of the panel 1 can be for example 400 cm or more.

[0037] Figure 1a shows a partly exploded, detail view of a corner of the panel 1 of figure 1. It can be seen that the ends of the tubes 5 covered with fiber material are clamped between the plate 2 and the upstanding legs of the upper horizontal U-profile 9, wherein the tubes 5 covered with fiber material are also partly arranged in the vertical U-profile.

[0038] Figure 2a shows a cross-section in top view of a soundproof panel 1 according to the invention, provided with a single row of tubes 5 covered with fiber material. The upstanding flanges 23 of the U-shaped reception space 25 are also visible, in which reception space one of the tubes 5 is received.

[0039] Figure 2b shows a cross-section in top view of a soundproof panel 1 according to the invention, provided with a double row of tubes 5 covered with fiber material and a sound insulating plate 2. Due to the relatively high esthetical value, this type of panel 1 is specifically suited for individuals in a high-noise environment or for individuals who are themselves producing a lot of noise, for instance due to the owning of a swimming pool, noisy children or barking dogs, because both sides of the panel 1 are provided with tubes with sound-absorbing coconut fiber. Due to the relatively high esthetic value, the panel 1 can also be used in, for instance, an office environment. Besides, the production costs of such a panel 1 are relatively low in practice.

[0040] Figure 2c shows the variant of figure 2b, provided with a relatively thin plate 2. The elongated fixing element 19 and the fixing member 21 are also visible.

[0041] Figure 3 shows a cross-section in top view of a soundproof panel 1 according to the invention, provided with a single row of tubes 5 covered with a fiber material, mineral wool 14, a separation net 15, such as a synthetic separator net, and a netting 16. According to this exemplary embodiment, a single row of tubes 5 covered with fiber material is mounted, behind which the sound insulating plate 2 is clamped fully enclosed in the frame 11. On the rear side thereof, the plate 2 is positioned using a netting 16, such as a builder's steel netting , such that the sound insulating plate 2 is prevented from shifting or bulging out.

[0042] Figure 4 shows a cross-section in top view of the sound panel according to figure 2a. With this exemplary embodiment, however, mineral wool 14 is arranged between the sound insulating plate 2 and the row of tubes 5 covered with fiber material.

[0043] Figure 5 shows a cross-section in top view of the sound insulating panel 1 according to figure 2b, wherein mineral wool 14 is arranged between the sound insulating plate 2 and both rows of tubes 5 covered with fiber material. In this way, the soundproof panel is both sound insulating, as well as relatively highly sound-absorbing, on both sides.

[0044] Figure 6 shows a soundproof wall 17 provided with soundproof panels 1 according to the invention. The soundproof panels 1 according to the invention therein are tightly mounted in a horizontal row against a number of supporting poles. Of course, it is possible to arrange multiple of such panel rows on top of each other. However, when a soundproof wall 17 of more than 3 m is needed, a crane has to be used during installation. Preferably, the panels 1 are then fitted with crane eyelets on the upper side thereof, for instance on the upper U-profile 9. The supporting poles can, for instance, have an H-shaped cross-section.

[0045] Thus, the invention has been described by reference to the embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.

List of reference numerals

[0046] 

1.

Soundproof panel

2.

Sound insulating plate

3.

Main plane side

4.

Circumference

5.

Row of tubes covered with fiber material

6.

-

7.

-

8.

Tube end covered with fiber material

9.

U-profile belonging to first pair of U-profiles

10.

-

11.

Rectangular frame

12.

Carriage bolt

13.

Nut

14.

Mineral wool

15.

Synthetic separation net

16.

Netting

17.

Soundproof wall

18.

U-profile belonging to second pair of U-profiles

19.

Elongated fixing element

20.

End of elongated fixing element

21.

Fixing member

22.

Adjustable tensioning member

23.

Projecting flange

24.

U-shaped reception space

25.

Tube received in U-shaped space

Z1,Z2

= sides belonging to first pair of opposing sides

Z3, Z4

= sides belonging to second pair of opposing sides

Claims

1. Soundproof panel (1), comprising a main plane with, on both sides thereof, two main plane sides (3) and a circumference (4) delimiting the main plane sides (3), a row of tubes (5), covered with fiber material, arranged along a main plane side (3) of the main plane, extending mutually parallel along the main plane side in a tube direction and covering the main plane side (3), wherein, near the ends (8) of the tubes, at a first pair of opposing sides (Z1, Z2) of the circumference (4), a corresponding first pair of U-profiles (9) is provided, extending perpendicularly to the tube direction, wherein the ends (8) of the tubes are clampingly received in the open sides of the U-profiles (9), wherein, at a second pair of opposing sides (Z3, Z4) of the circumference (4), a corresponding second pair of U-profiles (18) is provided, extending in the tube direction, wherein the first pair of U-profiles (9) and the second pair of U-profiles (18) connect in such a way, that a rectangular frame (11) is formed.

2. Soundproof panel (1) according to claim 1, wherein in the main plane, a plate (2), such as a sound insulating plate (2), is arranged, wherein the main plane sides are formed by the main planes (3) of the plate (2) and the plate is delimited by the circumference (4).

3. Soundproof panel (1) according to claim 2, wherein an elongated fixing element (19) is provided, of which opposing ends (20) are each clamped between one of the U-profiles of the second pair of U-profiles and the tubes or the plate at that position, wherein the elongated fixing element extends perpendicular to the tube direction and runs over the tubes transversally, at a position of 1/3 - 2/3 the tube length, more preferably 1/2 tube length, such that the tubes are kept against the plate by the elongated fixing element.

4. Soundproof panel (1) according to claim 3, wherein the elongated fixing element is covered with fiber material, preferably the same fiber material as the fiber material used for covering the tubes.

5. Soundproof panel (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a fixing member (21) is arranged at the plate near the elongated fixing element, which fixing member engages the elongated fixing element to keep the elongated fixing element against the row of tubes.

6. Soundproof panel (1) according to claim 5, wherein the fixing member comprises an adjustable tensioning member (22), wherein, through adjustment, the pressure of the elongated fixing element against the row of tubes can be adjusted.

7. Soundproof panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fiber material comprises coconut fiber.

8. Soundproof panel (1) according to any one of the claims 2-7, wherein one of the tubes (25) is received in a U-shaped reception space (24) formed by a pair of projecting flanges (23) attached to the plate and extending on both sides of the tube in the tube direction, between the first pair of U-profiles.

9. Soundproof panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein two adjacent U-profiles (9) are connected to each other by means of a carriage bolt (12) and a nut (13).

10. Soundproof panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein between the row of tubes covered with fiber material (5) and the plate (2) a layer of mineral wool (14) is arranged.

11. Soundproof panel (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, along a tube-free main plane side (3), mineral wool (14) is arranged.

12. Soundproof panel (1) according to claim 10, wherein the mineral wool (14) is arranged between the tube-free main plane side (3) on the one hand and a synthetic separation net (15), optionally combined with a netting (16), on the other hand.

13. Soundproof panel (1) according to any one of the claims 1-9, wherein on both sides of the plate (2) a row of tubes covered with fiber material (5) is arranged.

14. Soundproof wall (17), comprising one or more panels according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. Soundproof wall (17) according to claim 14, wherein between adjacent panels (1) an elongated support member, such as a support pole, is arranged, with an H-shaped cross-section, wherein each adjacent panel (1) is tightly received in an open side of the H-shaped cross-section.

Drawing