Noise barrier element

Abstract

Box-shaped noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) for use in a noise barrier consisting of several identical noise barrier elements arranged one above the other (1;1',1'';1 (3) ), wherein the noise protection element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) a housing shell (3.3 (3) ) which, when installed in a noise barrier, is partially enclosed on both its vertical longitudinal sides by a retaining structure, and which has at least one vertical web (8;8';8) in a vertical cross-section (3) ) has and each has the same top and bottom terminating upper section (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) and beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ), as well as at least one to the vertical bridge (8;8';8 (3) ) parallel side which has sound openings (6) wherein within the noise protection element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) at least one planar absorber (11;11') is arranged, wherein the top rail (9;9';9'';9 (3)) and the beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) of the bridge (8;8';8 (3) ) each at the height of on both long sides of the housing shell (3,3 (3) ) arranged mounting surfaces (36,37) for a holding structure, wherein the upper beam (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) and the beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) between each pair of mounting surfaces (36,37) on opposite, vertical longitudinal sides of the noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) extends continuously in the form of a straight bridge within a single plane, without bends or other curves leaving the plane in question, characterized in that the housing shell (3, 3 (3) ) has at least two preferably extruded profile bodies (20,21), namely an upper profile body (20) whose vertical cross-section forms an upper part (22) of the vertical web (8;8';8 (3) ) includes as well as the upper, approximately horizontal top rail (9;9';9'';9(3) ) and the lower edge (23) terminating those below on the one hand, and a lower profile body (21) on the other hand, whose vertical cross-section forms a lower part (24) of the vertical web (8;8';8 (3) ) includes the upper edge (25) that closes at the top and the approximately horizontal lower beam (10;10';10'';10) that closes at the bottom. (3) ), wherein the lower edge (23) of the upper profile body (20) on the one hand and the upper edge (25) of the lower profile body (21) on the other hand have interlocking connecting elements (26,27,28,29) so that at least one connection between the two profile bodies (20,21) is established.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a box-shaped noise protection element for use in a noise barrier wall consisting of several identical noise protection elements arranged one above the other, wherein the noise protection element has a housing shell which, when installed in a noise barrier wall, is partially enclosed on both its vertical longitudinal sides by a holding structure, and which has at least one vertical web in a vertical cross-section as well as one of the same at the top and one at the bottom.The noise protection element comprises a top and bottom beam, and at least one side parallel to the vertical web which has sound openings, wherein at least one planar absorber is arranged within the noise protection element, wherein the top and bottom beams of the web are each located at the level of contact surfaces for a support structure arranged on both longitudinal sides of the housing shell, wherein the top and bottom beams extend continuously in the form of a straight web within a single plane between each pair of contact surfaces on opposite vertical longitudinal sides of the noise protection element, without any bends or other curves leaving the plane in question.

[0002] When a train is in motion, aerodynamic effects in the form of a pressure-suction wave occur at the front and rear. This pressure-suction wave is noticeably present near the track. While the locomotive pushes an air pressure wave ahead of it, which also exerts increased pressure on a noise barrier, a strong airflow is created alongside the fast-moving train. This airflow leads to a pressure reduction on the side of the noise barrier, causing it to be pushed towards the train by the atmospheric pressure on the other side. Finally, the lower pressure behind the train results in an even stronger suction effect.

[0003] Accordingly, all noise barriers and other installations and components near the tracks must be designed to withstand these pressure and suction forces. It is important to consider that the pressure and suction forces act primarily perpendicular to the plane of a noise barrier, i.e., horizontally, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of a noise barrier element. Therefore, the noise barrier elements are typically clamped in a bracket in precisely this direction. This bracket partially encompasses the noise barrier elements from both of their flat longitudinal sides, particularly in the area of ​​the two end faces of a noise barrier element. To withstand the pressure and suction forces for as long as possible, the clamping forces in the area of ​​the bracket should be as high as possible.

[0004] The intensity of the pressure-suction effect depends on: - the aerodynamic shape of the train, - the train speed v zug , as well as - the distance from the track axis.

[0005] Of the three parameters, the train speed v zug the greatest influence on the intensity of the pressure-suction effect. The intensity of the pressure-suction effect increases with the square of the pulling speed v. zug to.

[0006] Accordingly, the intensity of the pressure-suction effect on a high-speed line with a train speed of v zug = 300 km / h is approximately 3.5 times higher than the intensity on a conventional line with a train speed of v zug = 160 km / h.

[0007] The conventional lightweight metal noise barrier elements used on conventional railway lines and motorways are therefore unsuitable for use on high-speed railway lines.

[0008] The impulsive pressure-suction forces that occur at least twice (at the front and rear) with each passing train, and additionally at the coupling point for ICE double-unit trains, excite the noise barrier to vibrations and thus generate dynamic stresses in the barrier's components. Depending on the barrier's natural frequency, these stresses can be several times greater than those that would occur with a static load of the same intensity. This effect is hereinafter referred to as "dynamic superelevation".

[0009] Furthermore, stresses resulting from pressure and suction occur frequently (at least two to three times with each passing train). Under frequently repeated stresses, however, materials exhibit significantly lower resilience than under infrequent or constant stresses. This effect is known as material fatigue. The extent to which resilience is reduced by material fatigue depends on the specific design detail.

[0010] On the other hand, freight trains often run on the same routes as ICE trains. Unlike ICE trains, however, freight trains do not have wheel rims, meaning there is no damping between the freight cars and the tracks. This results in significantly higher noise levels from freight trains compared to ICE trains, even when freight trains are only traveling at speeds of, for example, 80 km / h. Therefore, there is a considerable need for highly absorbent noise barriers on such routes, which are also used by freight trains. These barriers are capable of absorbing or dampening the noise generated by freight trains as completely as possible.

[0011] By eliminating bends or other curves, the upper and lower beams can brace themselves against the clamping forces in a straight line, allowing for higher clamping forces between the bracket and the noise barrier element. This further reduces vibrations and significantly increases the service life of the noise barrier element.

[0012] German Utility Model DE 80 23 207 U1 discloses a noise barrier consisting essentially of noise barrier elements and support posts that are placed next to or on top of each other, preferably interconnected. The side of the noise barrier facing the noise source is sound-absorbing, while the side facing away from the noise source is sound-insulating, and the noise barrier elements are made of extruded plastic profiles. On the other hand, the average height of a noise barrier element installed horizontally in a noise barrier field is approximately 10 cm. For this reason, for example, about 20 noise barrier elements must be installed one above the other for a 2 m high noise barrier. Since each of these elements must be individually lifted from above into the grooves of adjacent posts facing each other, which can normally only be done with a crane, this involves a considerable amount of work.

[0013] A similar situation exists with WO2016 / 132015 A1. This discloses an arrangement for sound and noise reduction in a protective structure, which consists of at least a plurality of vertical columns arranged at intervals from one another and a wall construction inserted into the vertical columns, connecting them to each other. The wall construction comprises modular, stacked, self-supporting soundproofing elements, each of which has a space for sound-absorbing insert material and means for attaching at least one cover plate to one side of the soundproofing element. At least approximately 15 of these soundproofing elements, stacked one above the other, are required for a protective structure approximately the height of a person, meaning that this system also entails a very intensive installation effort.

[0014] EP 1 529 883 A1 describes a noise barrier element for the construction of noise barriers, comprising a hollow box profile with a front wall, a rear wall, an upper side wall, and a lower side wall, in the cavity of which a sound-absorbing element is arranged. To enable the noise barrier element to withstand extreme loads on high-speed railway lines with high dynamic pressure and suction loads, the hollow box profile is composed of a first and a second half-shell profiled sheet. One of the profiled sheets integrally forms the front wall, a section of the lower side wall, and a section of the upper side wall, while the other profiled sheet integrally forms the rear wall, a section of the lower side wall, and a section of the upper side wall. The profiled sheets are connected to each other at the upper and lower side walls at the level of the center plane by a positive-locking profile connection.In the invention known from this document, there is neither a top beam nor a bottom beam that extends continuously in the form of a straight web within a single plane between each pair of contact surfaces on opposite, vertical longitudinal sides of the noise barrier element, without any bends or other curves leaving the plane in question that could oppose the clamping forces in a straight line, so that only relatively low clamping forces between the bracket and the noise barrier element are achievable.

[0015] The disadvantages of the described prior art give rise to the problem that initiates the invention: to further develop a generic noise protection field, particularly for the construction of a noise barrier, in such a way that it can permanently withstand even severe stresses, especially those resulting from strong pressure and suction effects, such as those occurring alongside high-speed railway lines, without damage, and that its sound absorption effect is as high as possible. Furthermore, emphasis should be placed on ensuring that a noise protection field can be constructed with as little effort as possible and, in particular, in the shortest possible time, because otherwise the relevant (ICE) train line would have to be closed for an excessively long time, resulting in significant losses for the railway company.

[0016] This problem is solved by providing a noise-reducing element of this type with a housing shell comprising two extruded profile bodies: firstly, an upper profile body comprising an upper part of the vertical web and the approximately horizontal upper rib on the one hand, and the lower rib on the other; and secondly, a lower profile body comprising a lower part of the vertical web and the upper rib on the one hand, and the approximately horizontal rib on the other; according to the invention, connecting elements are provided at the lower edge of the upper profile body and at the upper edge of the lower profile body, which interact or interlock when creating a connection between the two profile bodies.

[0017] This allows for the production of box-shaped noise barrier elements that are taller than a profile produced by extrusion. Since each box-shaped noise barrier element must be individually installed in a noise barrier field, the required working time decreases as the height of the individual noise barrier element increases.

[0018] By extending the mounting surfaces laterally beyond the adjacent vertical longitudinal side of the noise barrier profile, so that the entire holding force between the bracket and the noise barrier element is transferred within the contact area of ​​the mounting surfaces, clamping forces are introduced in a targeted manner in the area of ​​the upper or lower beam, where the clamping forces can be optimally absorbed by them.

[0019] The invention recommends that the upper beam and the lower beam are each arranged at approximately the midpoint of their respective contact surfaces. If the clamping forces are thereby introduced symmetrically to the respective upper or lower beam, they will not deflect and will therefore permanently retain their straight cross-sectional shape.

[0020] The upper beam and the lower beam can be formed in one piece with their respective contact surfaces, so that no relative movement is possible between them and the force ratios remain permanently constant.

[0021] It has proven effective for the upper and lower beams to transition directly into their respective installation surfaces, particularly by merging into them almost perpendicularly. By avoiding any intervening structures, any deformation of the noise barrier element is prevented as far as possible.

[0022] Further advantages arise from the fact that the overall thickness of the vertical web is greater, at least in planar areas, than the thickness of a top or bottom beam terminating it. The invention is based on the understanding that, in addition to acoustic sound transmission in the air, a noise protection element also exhibits structure-borne sound, in particular sound transmission in the material of the housing casing and possibly in end caps thereof, as well as – to a considerably lesser extent – ​​through the absorber material.

[0023] For example, when exposed to noise, the absorber material can vibrate. These vibrations can then be transmitted at the transitions where the absorber is held in the housing, into the housing casing and / or into the end caps of the casing. They can then also reach a vertical rib of the housing casing behind the actual absorber, causing it to vibrate as well. In the case of an asymmetrical noise barrier element, where the vertical rib forms an outer surface, these vibrations can be radiated outwards.

[0024] The present invention counteracts this by providing the vertical rib with a different overall thickness than the other parts of the housing, particularly the top or bottom beam terminating the vertical rib. Consequently, the vertical rib has a different (area) mass than the other parts of the housing, and thus a significantly different resonant frequency. This, in turn, means that structure-borne sound vibrations, in order to travel from the absorber to the vertical rib and excite it to vibrate, must first pass through the top or bottom beam and then penetrate the vertical rib. However, since these two transmission paths have different resonant frequencies and thus different transmission characteristics, higher-frequency vibrations are damped substatically in the top and / or bottom beam, while lower-frequency vibrations are damped in the vertical rib itself.

[0025] Since, on the other hand, a corresponding thickening of the vertical web would entail an excessive material requirement, which would be associated with considerable costs, for example when using aluminium, the invention further provides that the increased overall thickness in the area of ​​the vertical web is achieved by providing a parallel plate made of another material in addition to the (metallic) material of the vertical web itself.

[0026] Preferably, a less expensive material is used for the additional plate than for the vertical strut of the housing itself. Furthermore, to avoid the formation of chemical elements that could lead to substantial corrosion of certain parts through current flow, the invention recommends the use of non-metallic materials for this purpose.

[0027] Therefore, primarily organic or inorganic materials are suitable for this purpose. Since organic materials – i.e., plastics or plant-based materials such as wood panels – generally have a significantly lower specific gravity than inorganic materials, the invention generally favors the latter, although plastics or wood panels can also be used in principle.

[0028] Further developing this inventive concept, it is also provided that a mineral material is used as the inorganic material for plate-shaped reinforcements of a vertical web.

[0029] To substantially alter the resonant frequency, it is recommended that the material used for any plate-shaped reinforcement of the vertical rib be as solid as possible, and therefore certainly not mineral wool. Mineral foam is also not necessarily the preferred material.

[0030] The invention recommends that the material of a plate-shaped reinforcement of the vertical web has a bulk density ρ roh , also called apparent or geometric density or bulk density, i.e. the density of a porous solid based on the pure material volume V fest plus the volume V por the contained pores: ρroh=m / [Vfest+Vpor], exhibits a density that may be equal to or greater than 120 kg / m² 3 , or equal to or greater than 250 kg / m³ 3 e.g., equal to or greater than 500 kg / m³ 3 , preferably equal to or greater than 1,000 kg / m³ 3 , especially between 1,150 kg / m² 3 and 1,450 kg / m² 3 .

[0031] On the other hand, this does not have to be purely natural; rather, the material of the additional reinforcing plate of the vertical rib can also be produced by setting a binder; in principle, even by burning, although such a procedure might again result in a product with increased conductivity for structure-borne sound.

[0032] The invention prefers a mineral binder such as cement, gypsum, or water glass for the production of the reinforcement plate, although organic binders such as synthetic resin are also conceivable.

[0033] A reinforcement plate is preferably reinforced with fibers, in particular by means of wood and / or glass fibers.

[0034] The thickness of the additional plate of the vertical web need not be greater than 5 cm; a thickness of 2 cm or less is preferred; in particular, a thickness of 1.5 cm or less appears sufficient in many applications, possibly even a thickness of 1 cm or less.

[0035] According to the invention, it is further provided that the reinforcement plate according to the invention is arranged on the inside of the housing, i.e. in such a way that it is not visible from the outside.

[0036] The reinforcement plate according to the invention preferably lies flat, preferably over a large area, in particular over its entire surface against the vertical web of the housing component, so that it is coupled to the reinforcement plate in terms of vibration technology.

[0037] The area-wide, in particular large-area or full-area contact between the reinforcement plate and the relevant area of ​​the vertical web can be ensured by gluing, or by a suitable holder which keeps the reinforcement plate in direct contact with the relevant web section.

[0038] Such a mounting can, for example, comprise tabs, strips, ribs, and / or flanges that run parallel to the vertical rib at a distance equal to or approximately equal to the thickness of the reinforcement plate according to the invention. These strips, together with the vertical rib, form a groove or slot into which the edge of the reinforcement plate can be inserted. A narrow groove is not detrimental to the insertion of the reinforcement plate, as it can be slid into the housing in the longitudinal direction of a noise-reducing cassette.

[0039] Another way to ensure a broad or large-area or full-surface contact is to provide one or more brackets within the noise protection element, which are anchored or attached to the housing on the one hand and press the reinforcement plate against the inside of the vertical rib on the other.

[0040] Preferably, such a bracket can be anchored or attached to the housing in the area of ​​an upper or lower beam, e.g. on a web or collar there, or on a tab or strip there, in particular on a retaining tab there for an absorber element.

[0041] Preferably, such a bracket is clamped between a reinforcing plate on one side and a housing section on the other. The resulting slight deformation of this bracket has the advantageous effect of a preload, which ensures that the contact force is maintained even under the influence of vibrations. Only the magnitude of the contact force then varies, without affecting the surface contact between the reinforcing plate and the vertical rib. Since both elements thus only vibrate when coupled, they have a common resonant frequency, which depends primarily on the total mass.

[0042] To protect the reinforcement plate, the invention provides for the contact force of a bracket to be distributed over a larger area and introduced into the reinforcement plate. This can be achieved by bending the relevant end of a bracket flat so that its bent section rests flat against the reinforcement plate, particularly on the surface facing away from the vertical web.

[0043] The invention further provides that the housing shell of the box-shaped noise protection element has at least one profile body with a vertical web and with a top and / or bottom rail respectively closing the same at the top and bottom.

[0044] By extruding a profile body for the housing of a noise barrier element according to the invention, maximum inherent stiffness is achieved, while its weight is minimized. The natural frequency of the profile body is therefore significantly higher than the excitation frequency typically occurring when a high-speed train passes by, so that no significant resonance amplification occurs that could damage the noise barrier.

[0045] Furthermore, the upper and / or lower beam formed integrally with the vertical web of a profile body according to the invention serves to stiffen the profile body in a direction perpendicular to the wall plane, so that the tendency to vibrate in this direction is significantly reduced.

[0046] The extrusion process for manufacturing the profile body allows for greater wall thicknesses than bending sheet metal, in particular wall thicknesses of 2.5 mm or more. This results in significantly better mechanical stability, which also makes the elastic prestressing discussed below possible.

[0047] Furthermore, the extrusion manufacturing process offers the possibility of providing different wall thicknesses in certain areas; in particular, the invention provides for corner areas or corner- or edge-side contact surfaces, especially in the area of ​​the top or bottom of an extruded profile body, to be thicker compared to the other (main) surface areas.

[0048] On the other hand, this manufacturing process also allows the radii of curvature on edge areas on the inside and outside to be chosen completely independently of each other, whereas when bending a sheet metal, its outer bending radius r aalways approximately the wall thickness d is greater than its inner bending radius r i : r a = r i + d, this does not apply to the invention. Rather, the following generally applies here: r a # r i + d.

[0049] The invention further provides for the average bending radius r m = (r a + r i ) / 2 to limit the upper dimension at the edges between the vertical web and a horizontal leg, e.g. to values ​​below 20 mm: r m < 20 mm, preferably to values ​​below 10 mm: r m < 10 mm, especially values ​​below 6 mm: r m < 6 mm. This ensures that the contact surfaces are as close as possible to being in line with areas of the adjacent top or bottom of a profile body.

[0050] Aluminum alloys, especially wrought aluminum alloys, e.g. hardenable wrought aluminum alloys with 0.8 to 12.0% zinc (EN AW 7xxx) or with approximately 1.0% silicon and magnesium each (EN AW 6xxx), have proven particularly suitable for extrusion.

[0051] It has proven advantageous for the profile body to consist of either a C-profile or an I-profile. A profile body with a C-profile is optimized for sound attenuation in one direction, namely from the open side, which is usually facing the noise source, towards the vertical web facing away from the noise source. In contrast, a profile body with an I-profile is essentially two C-profiles placed back-to-back and can therefore attenuate sound propagation in both directions approximately equally well.

[0052] Acoustic insulation panels, especially plastic-bonded glass wool panels, are preferably used as absorbers.

[0053] The invention recommends that the cover consists of at least one piece of expanded metal or perforated sheet. In both cases, these are flat arrangements with a plurality of sound openings. The area of ​​the sound openings should comprise at least 60% of the total area, preferably at least 70% of the total area.

[0054] Between the cover and the profile body, one or more elastic elements can be arranged for defined and secure fixation, preferably elastomer profiles and / or bodies or profiles made of rubber, latex, or the like. Such elastic elements form a kind of "soft coupling" that proves stable even under vibrations or similar conditions and is intended to prevent rattling. Since direct contact is avoided, sound transmission between the cover and the profile body can be further reduced.

[0055] It has proven effective to fix the cover to the top and bottom of the profile body, preferably in mutually facing, groove-shaped recesses. Such recesses allow the cover to oscillate almost unimpeded, particularly because horizontal vibration components within the wall plane, which are always the result of a vibration perpendicular to the wall plane, are easily possible in such recesses.

[0056] The invention can be further developed such that the elastic bodies have profiles made of rubber, latex, or the like. These can, for example, have a U-shaped cross-section and be inserted into the groove-shaped recesses before the cover is inserted, in order to grip the edge of the cover.

[0057] The invention can be implemented with minimal effort by providing complementary surface areas on the lower edge of the upper profile body and on the upper edge of the lower profile body for each connecting element, allowing these surface areas to be joined together over a flat surface. The resulting flat contact causes the joined profile bodies to form a rigid and stable structure.

[0058] Particular advantages arise when complementary surface areas on the two profile bodies feature interlocking undercuts, allowing for a positive-locking connection of these surface areas. These interlocking undercuts create a kind of latching effect, preventing profile bodies that are joined perpendicular to or along the profile's longitudinal direction from separating spontaneously.

[0059] An undercut on one of the two profile bodies can be designed as a groove-shaped recess running parallel to the respective upper or lower edge, the depth of which, within the cross-sectional plane, forms a non-zero angle with the plane of the vertical web, for example, an angle of 30° or more, preferably an angle of 45° or more, and in particular an angle of 60° or more. The flanks of such a groove provide lateral support to an element engaging in the groove and thus enable the mutual locking of two profile bodies joined in this manner.

[0060] As a counterpart to a groove-shaped recess on one profile body, a nose or a rib-shaped projection can be provided on the other profile body. As soon as such a nose or rib-shaped projection engages in the designated groove-shaped recess, further relative displacement in a direction perpendicular to the groove flanks is prevented.

[0061] Provided that at least one undercut of a profile body is located in the area of ​​a spring tongue of the same, the undercut enjoys a limited degree of elastic freedom of movement relative to the profile body, namely in a direction approximately perpendicular to the plane of the spring tongue. This facilitates the joining of two profile bodies in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the profile, because the part of the undercut located at the spring tongue can now temporarily move out of the way to allow the counterpart to this undercut part to pass through, until a locking action occurs and the raised part engages in the groove-shaped part.

[0062] The invention recommends that the spring tongue extends parallel to the plane of the vertical web or approximately parallel to its plane. This allows such a spring tongue to move elastically to a limited extent in a direction transverse to the plane of the vertical web.

[0063] After interlocking with another profile body, the interlocking undercutting elements can no longer move relative to each other in a direction parallel to the plane of the vertical web, but perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the profile body.

[0064] A preferred embodiment of the invention is provided by providing at least two connecting elements at the lower edge of the upper profile body and at the upper edge of the lower profile body, which are offset from one another in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the vertical web, so that at least two connections are made when an upper and lower profile element are joined. Such a double or multiple connection has the effect that the profile bodies joined in this way cannot tilt relative to each other about a single edge, but are rigidly and, in particular, impervious to tilting.

[0065] In the area of ​​a connection (or multiple connections), the spring tongue(s) should lie approximately in the plane of the vertical web to support vertical forces within that plane. Especially when several noise barrier elements are stacked directly on top of each other, the weight exerted on a lower noise barrier element can be considerable. If the vertical webs of all stacked noise barrier elements lie in a common plane, deflections in the area of ​​the upper and / or lower beams are hardly a concern. Such a rigid structure within the plane of the vertical webs is enhanced by spring tongues positioned precisely in that plane. These spring tongue(s) should not only lie in the plane of the vertical web but also be as flush with that plane as possible; in other words, they should extend as precisely as possible in the vertical direction.

[0066] In contrast, a spring tongue(s) arranged in the area of ​​a connection offset from the plane of the vertical web need not run parallel to the plane of the vertical web, but can, at least in some areas, follow an inclined path. Such an arrangement offers the possibility of creating a ramp by means of inclined contact planes, with the function that the spring tongue(s) in question are temporarily deflected when two profile bodies are joined, until they engage upon reaching a penetrating position.

[0067] Such an inclined surface area within a connection offset from the plane of the vertical web can therefore be designed as a running surface, so that a spring tongue rubbing against it when the two profile bodies are joined is bent back by this running surface until, upon reaching the end of the running surface, a web or other projection can engage in a complementary recess. Of course, two spring tongues coming into contact with each other can both be inclined in the same way and then serve as running surfaces for each other.

[0068] If the top and bottom surfaces of a noise barrier element have complementary profiles, similar noise barrier elements can be placed on top of each other, forming a positive fit perpendicular to the wall plane, which is beneficial for the stiffness and stability of the noise barrier field.

[0069] The invention can be further developed such that one or more noise protection elements can be inserted one above the other between two mutually spaced, parallel, and mutually facing receiving grooves, in particular in receiving grooves of adjacent vertical posts. In this case, the individual wall elements are each held and stabilized at their two end faces.

[0070] It is within the scope of the invention that spacer strips are arranged or integrally formed on the outer surface of the upper and / or lower beam on the upper and / or lower profile element. These spacer strips serve as spacers to a noise barrier element arranged above or below them. Preferably, these spacer strips have a rectangular cross-section or an angle profile, with one free leg end attached to the respective profile element. Such spacer elements have several functions. On the one hand, they contribute to minimizing the exchange of structure-borne sound between adjacent noise barrier elements because the upper and lower beams do not lie in direct contact with each other. Furthermore, two adjacent upper and lower beams hardly influence each other; that is, their structure-borne sound transmission behavior exhibits approximately the same transmission or resonance curve as the upper or lower beam of a single noise barrier element.If, on the other hand, the resonance behavior of the vertical bridge is altered by a plate-shaped thickening, two resonance maxima shifted relative to each other result, which lead to particularly good damping of all vibrations of all frequencies.

[0071] Furthermore, it is recommended that centering strips be arranged or molded onto the outer surface of the top or bottom beam, on the upper and / or lower profile element, to center the spacer strips of a noise barrier element placed on top or underneath. Centering can thus be achieved primarily in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the vertical web. This can be accomplished, for example, by having two centering strips engage in the space between two spacer strips. If the distance between the two outer edges of the centering strips corresponds approximately to the distance between the inner edges of the respective spacer strips, then no clearance remains for relative movement between two stacked noise barrier elements.

[0072] Furthermore, surface areas can be created on the interacting spacer and centering strips that are inclined relative to the plane of the vertical web of the respective noise barrier element. If two contacting surface areas—on the top of a lower noise barrier element on the one hand and on the underside of a noise barrier element mounted on top of it on the other—run parallel to each other, they can even ensure that the individual noise barrier elements are aligned in a common plane when a noise barrier is assembled by stacking several elements on top of each other. For this to work, the relevant surface areas should always follow a course away from each other—that is, the surface section facing the other contact area should be connected to its own top or bottom beam at an obtuse angle.

[0073] The invention is further characterized by one or more end caps for closing the end faces of the housing profile of a noise barrier element. These end caps can perform several functions. Firstly, they can close the housing at its end faces, preventing, for example, access to the absorber material inside for small animals. Secondly, the end cap creates a flat, rigid surface at the anchoring points of the noise barrier element, which can clamp into a groove-shaped recess in a mounting post for anchoring purposes, ideally without bending. This allows for significantly higher clamping forces than without such an end cap, because without one, a certain force can only be absorbed in the area of ​​the top and / or bottom beam, which would then be considerably less overall than when using end caps.

[0074] If an end cap has ribs projecting from its base surface to engage with or grip the housing profile, it can, when clamped to a mounting post, communicate its fixed position to the housing of the noise-reducing element in question, thereby fixing the latter. The ribs can be planar elements that preferably grip the housing at its vertical edges or run parallel to these edges and extend into the housing.

[0075] To ensure that the webs used to grip or engage the housing shell profile are as rigid and dimensionally stable as possible, they should be supported at one or more points on the base of the end cap. For this purpose, the end cap can be manufactured from a profile whose longitudinal axis runs vertically, i.e., parallel to the vertical web of the housing shell. This profile can contain one or, if necessary, several chambers whose walls are inclined both relative to the plane of the end cap and relative to the plane of the vertical web of the respective noise barrier element. A horizontal cross-section through such an end cap then resembles a truss and provides comparably good stiffening properties.

[0076] On the other hand, a front cover can also have one or more holes in its base for screwing it to the body or housing of the noise barrier element, or to an element attached to it. Such a screw fastening can be designed to be extremely stable, yet can be loosened at any time to gain access to the interior of the noise barrier element.

[0077] Such an arrangement can be further developed by attaching a preferably U-shaped profile to the upper and lower beams of the noise barrier housing in the area of ​​one end face of the housing, preferably by means of mounting brackets, wherein the corresponding end cap can preferably be screwed onto bores in that profile through which mounting screws can pass. By ensuring that the open side of such a preferably U-shaped profile faces the corresponding end cap, nuts can be tightened onto the shanks of the mounting screws in such a way that the end cap is preloaded and thus frictionally secured to the corresponding end face of the noise barrier.

[0078] This purpose is served by a particular embodiment of the invention, according to which the free longitudinal edges of the side legs of the U-shaped profile are offset away from the inside of the respective end cap, so that a gap remains between the U-shaped profile and the end cap. This makes it possible to create an elastic bulge in the end cap when it is tightened, which locks the nut(s) onto the fastening screw(s).

[0079] The invention further offers the possibility of providing a groove on each of the lateral edges of the base surface of an end cap for inserting a preferably profiled bearing element. A preferably elastic bearing element within a receiving groove, between at least one groove flank and at least one noise-reducing element inserted therein, is particularly suitable for this purpose. Such a bearing element can, on the one hand, compensate for minor tolerances between the thickness of a noise-reducing element and the width of the receiving groove, and on the other hand, provide a preload between the end cap and / or housing of the noise-reducing element and the receiving groove in a mounting post.

[0080] Larger tolerances can be compensated for, if necessary, by means of shims inserted into the relevant gap.

[0081] At least one elastic bearing element can be designed as a rail, preferably made of a composite component in the form of an elastomer-metal rail with interconnected elastomer or rubber and metal profiles, in particular made of a material combination such as ethylene propylene diene monomer or rubber (EPDM) with steel or EPDM with aluminum.

[0082] Further advantages can be achieved by ensuring that, of two elastic bearings lying in a common plane perpendicular to the base plane of the supported noise barrier element, only one or both bear directly against the relevant groove flank of the receiving groove of the respective post. Using two such elastic bearings results in a symmetrical arrangement with optimal centering properties.

[0083] Any existing lining plates can preferably be arranged between the elastic bearing and the guide profile, where they hardly change their position even under the strongest vibrations and therefore cannot leave the gap between the noise protection element and the receiving groove.

[0084] Further features, details, advantages, and effects based on the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and from the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a catenary-shaped noise protection element according to the invention; Fig. 2 a vertical section through the noise barrier element made of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a front view of the noise barrier element made of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a horizontal section through the end face of the noise barrier element according to Fig. 1, which is inserted into a post with an H-profile; Fig. 5 one of the Fig. 4 corresponding view of another embodiment of the invention, in particular with a differently designed end cap; Fig. 6 a horizontal section through an end-face cover of a further modified embodiment of the invention; Fig. 7 a further embodiment of a noise protection element according to the invention in a front view with the end cover removed; and Fig. 8 a cut through the Fig. 7 along line VIII - VIII.

[0085] The noise barrier element 1 has a box-shaped structure, which is in Fig. 1 is clearly recognizable.

[0086] The elongated shape is recognizable, with the horizontal length l being on the order of 1 meter to 6 meters: 1m<|<6m, preferably between 2 meters and 5 meters: 2m<|<5m.

[0087] The horizontal thickness d can range from 10 to 30 centimeters: 10cm <d<30cm.

[0088] The height h is preferably greater than the horizontal thickness d, but less than the horizontal length l: d <h<l.

[0089] Preferably, the height h is approximately twice the horizontal depth. As an example of a limiting value, the range of 20 to 60 cm can be specified. 20cm <h<60cm.

[0090] Noise barriers can be constructed from the noise protection element 1, for example by inserting a plurality of noise protection elements 1 one above the other between two vertical mounting posts with opposing lateral receiving grooves of a horizontal width b > d. For this purpose, the following should apply: b>d.

[0091] On the other hand, it is advantageous that the horizontal distance a between the bottom of the two receiving grooves is equal to or greater than the horizontal length l of a noise barrier element 1: a>l.

[0092] By stacking n noise barrier elements 1, each of height h, a noise barrier wall with a total height H is obtained: H=n*h.

[0093] How to get the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be further seen from Figure 2, the housing 2 of the noise protection element 1 comprises several elements, namely a housing shell 3, which has an opening 4 on at least one longitudinal side, which is covered by a flat cover element 5, preferably with sound openings 6, in particular expanded metal or perforated sheet; and at least one, preferably two end caps 7 for closing one, preferably both end-face opening(s) of the housing shell 3.

[0094] In Fig. Figure 2, which shows a vertical section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the noise barrier element 1, clearly shows the internal structure of the noise barrier element 1:

[0095] It can be seen that the case shell 3 has at least one vertical bridge 8, as well as one upper rail 9 and one lower rail 10, respectively, which close off the same top and bottom.

[0096] The vertical cross-section of the web 8 corresponds in three-dimensional geometry to a planar part whose plane is spanned by the longitudinal direction of the noise barrier element 1 and by its height extension.

[0097] Both the upper beam 9 and the lower beam 10 each comprise a planar section whose plane is defined by the horizontal longitudinal direction of the noise barrier element 1 on the one hand and by its horizontal thickness on the other. In contrast to the vertical web 8, these are therefore elements with a purely horizontal extent.

[0098] The cover element 5, which has a plurality of sound openings 6, is visible on at least one side parallel to the vertical web 8.

[0099] A first, planar absorber 11 is arranged within the housing 2. This can be a sound-absorbing panel, for example made of organic foam or mineral wool, in particular rock wool. For stabilization, such a panel can be laminated with glass fibers on one or both sides.

[0100] The absorber 11 can be held between inwardly projecting flanges or tabs 12, which are arranged in pairs on the inside of the upper beam 9 on the one hand and on the inside of the lower beam 10 on the other, in particular within two vertical planes, the distance of which corresponds approximately to the thickness of the absorber 11.

[0101] Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the vertical web 8 is reinforced in cross-section by one or more additional plates 13, which are arranged on a side 14 of the vertical web 8 facing the interior or an absorber 11.

[0102] The additional panels 13 could, for example, be cement-bonded fiberboards, particularly those containing organic fibers such as wood fibers. For instance, such an additional panel 13 could consist of a material with 50-70 Vol.-% Holzspänen 20-30 Vol.-% Portlandzement 0,5-5 Vol.-% Additive, insbesondere Hydratationsadditive 5-15 Vol.-% Wasser (Rest).

[0103] The additional plate(s) 13 or 13a, 13b is (are) held inside the housing 2 and preferably pressed flat against at least one inner side 14 of the vertical web 8, i.e., against a side 14 of the vertical web 8 that is not visible from the outside.

[0104] For this purpose, one or more brackets 15 or 15a, 15b can be provided, the function of which is to press one or more additional plates 13, 13a, 13b against the (one) inner side 14 of the vertical web 8.

[0105] One can recognize in Fig. 2 two such brackets, namely an upper bracket 15a and a lower bracket 15b. Both have a multiply bent structure and are bent in a mirror image to each other, so that only the upper bracket 15a needs to be described below.

[0106] The upper bracket 15a is clamped between two anchor points. A first anchor point is formed by the tab 12 closest to the vertical web 8, which projects downwards from the upper beam 9. The first anchor point for the upper bracket 15a is located precisely in the groove facing the vertical web 8 between this tab 12 and the upper beam 9.

[0107] The second anchor point is formed by a further tab 16a, which projects from the inner side 14 of the vertical web 8 at approximately half its height, parallel to the upper beam 9, in the direction of the absorber 11. The second anchor point for the upper bracket 15a is located precisely in the groove facing the upper beam 9, between this tab 16a and the inner side 14 of the vertical web 8.

[0108] The bracket 15a has a Z-shaped curved section in cross-section, the middle diagonal section 17a of which crosses the interior of the housing 2 between its two anchoring points mentioned above and spreads between these two.

[0109] From the horizontal section 18a of the stirrup 15a, which is adjacent to the upper beam 9, it runs diagonally downwards towards the additional plate 13a, where a further bent area lies flat against it and thereby pushes this plate 13a towards the vertical web 8.

[0110] Furthermore, the bending edge between the middle, diagonal section 17a of the stirrup 15a and its section 19a adjacent to the tab 16a also touches the additional plate 13a and presses it additionally against the vertical web 8.

[0111] In Fig. 2 The lower bracket 15b is symmetrical to the upper bracket 15a with respect to a horizontal median plane of the noise barrier element 1, and presses a lower, additional plate 13b against the vertical web 8. A diagonal section 17b of the lower bracket 15b spans between two anchor points, one of which lies in the groove between a lower flange 12b on the beam 10, and the other in the groove between the inner surface 14 of the vertical web 8 and a collar 16b projecting from it in a horizontal direction.

[0112] Of course, the brackets 15a and 15b can also be combined into a single bracket 15 by providing a vertical bracket section instead of the mutually facing bracket sections 19a, 19b, which preferably connects the two diagonal sections 17a, 17b directly to each other and is in turn pressed against the then possibly one-piece additional plate 13. Fig. Figure 2 further shows that the vertical web 8 can also be divided, i.e., it does not have to be made in one piece. This divides the housing 2 or the housing shell 3 into at least two preferably extruded profile bodies 20, 21, namely an upper profile body 20, which comprises an upper part 22 of the vertical web 8 as well as the approximately horizontal upper lip 9 and the lower edge 23, on the one hand, and a lower profile body 21, which comprises a lower part 24 of the vertical web 8 as well as the upper edge 25 and the approximately horizontal lower lip 10.

[0113] The lower edge 23 of the upper profile body 20 on the one hand and the upper edge 25 of the lower profile body 21 on the other hand have interlocking connecting elements 26, 27, 28, 29, with which at least one, in the illustrated example two connection(s) between the two profile bodies 20, 21 can be made.

[0114] Some or preferably all of these connecting elements 26, 27, 28, 29 are arranged in the area of ​​each spring tongue 30, 31, 32, 33. Two spring tongues 30, 32 and 31, 33 respectively lie flat against each other and each carries a pair of cooperating, i.e., interlocking, connecting elements 26, 27, 28, 29.

[0115] Such a pair of two spring tongues 30, 32 lies approximately in common alignment with the upper and lower sections 22, 24 of the vertical web 8. Its function is to transmit vertical forces within the plane of the web 8 from the upper profile body 20 to the lower profile body 21 largely free from compression or bending.

[0116] The two remaining spring tongues 31, 33 are each located at the free end of one of the two tabs 16a, 16b, on which the upper bracket 15a and the lower bracket 15b are also supported.

[0117] In this arrangement, a pair of spring tongues 30, 32; 31, 33, in particular the pair of spring tongues 31, 33 arranged outside the plane of the vertical web 8, can follow an inclined path, at least in some areas, so that two contact surfaces result which, if necessary, temporarily bend the two spring tongues 30, 32; 31, 33 apart until the two profile bodies 20, 21 are completely joined together. For this purpose, the two spring tongues 30, 31; 32, 33 of one profile body 20; 21 lie between the two spring tongues 32, 33; 30, 31 of the other profile body 21; 20.

[0118] In this fully assembled state, two undercuts of each connecting pair 26, 28; 27, 29 interlock in a form-fitting manner. Preferably, each connecting pair 26, 28; 27, 29 has for this purpose a groove-shaped undercut element 26; 29 and a web- or nose-shaped undercut element 28; 27 engaging in this groove 26; 29.

[0119] In the fully assembled state, each web- or nose-shaped undercut element 27; 28 then snaps into each groove-shaped undercut element 29; 26. By simultaneously producing two connections offset in the horizontal direction, not only vertical forces but also rotational or tilting moments can be transmitted between the two profile bodies 20, 21, and the finished housing shell 3 is then - although it originally consists of two or more parts and was only joined together by interlocking - extremely dimensionally stable.

[0120] In the drawing according to Fig. Figure 2 also shows that two outwardly projecting spacer strips 34; 35 are provided on both the upper beam 9 and the lower beam 10 – i.e., upwards on the upper beam 9 and downwards on the lower beam 10. These are preferably angled profiles which are integrally formed with the free edge of one leg, which forms part of a contact surface 36; 37, on the respective upper or lower beam 9; 10, while the other leg 38; 39 extends parallel to the respective upper or lower beam 9; 10. One pair of such spacer strips 34; 35 is located approximately in line with the vertical web 8, while the other pair of such spacer strips 34; 35 is located approximately in line with the cover element 5.

[0121] If two such noise protection elements 1 are placed one above the other, the upper noise protection element 1 rests with its lower spacer strips 35 on the upper spacer strips 34 of the lower noise protection element 1. This keeps the upper and lower beams 9, 10 adjacent in the contact area at a distance and decouples them from each other in terms of vibration.

[0122] To ensure that the two noise barrier elements 1 are indeed positioned exactly on top of each other, there are also two centering tabs or strips 40 on the top or bottom surface 41; 42 of the noise barrier element 1, which interact with the free ends of the horizontal legs 38; 39 of the spacer strips 34; 35 on another noise barrier element 1. If the (outer) distance between the two centering tabs or strips 40 corresponds exactly to the (inner) distance between the free ends of the horizontal legs 38; 39 of the spacer strips 34; 35, the noise barrier elements 1 are automatically centered when placed on top of each other.

[0123] The end caps 7 serve not only to close an opening on the front of the housing 2, but also to fix a noise protection element 1 in a receiving groove 43 of a vertical mounting post 44.

[0124] Preferably, an end cap 7 has the shape of a profile with a vertical longitudinal axis, i.e., which is in Fig. The cross-section shown in Figure 4 through an end cap 7 is constant over its entire height. This facilitates the production of an end cap 7 by extrusion.

[0125] How to Fig. As can be seen from 4, the main component of a front cover 7 is a flat central section 45 that extends over the entire thickness and height of the housing 2.

[0126] Along each of the two side edges 46 of this flat central section 45, a tab 47 extends perpendicularly to its plane. The two tabs 47 thus run parallel to each other in a vertical direction along the two vertical side edges 46 of the flat central section 45. Their distance corresponds to the horizontal thickness of the housing shell 3, so that it fits precisely between the two tabs 47. This fit can be designed as an interference or clamping fit, so that an end cover 7 can be clamped onto the housing shell 3 simply by pushing it onto its end face.

[0127] Furthermore, outside the tabs 47, a groove 48 extends along each of the two vertical side edges of the planar central or main section 45 for receiving an elastic bearing element 49. The groove 48 can be formed by the planar central or main section 45 itself or by an angle strip 50 molded onto it.

[0128] The elastic bearing element 49 is responsible for bridging the gap between each tab 47 of the end cover 7 and the flank 51 of a receiving groove 43 of a vertical mounting post 44 by forming a clamping preload.

[0129] Such a bearing element 49 has the shape of a profile with a vertical longitudinal axis. A projection 53 engaging in the groove 48 is located on its peripheral longitudinal edge 52. The other longitudinal edge 54, facing the center of the noise barrier element 1, can be lifted from the outer surface 55 by ribs 56 or other projections facing the outer surface 55 of the relevant tab 47 of the end cap 7 and elastically bent outwards in order to come into contact with the flank 51 of a receiving groove 43 of a vertical mounting post 44, thereby generating a preload.

[0130] Fig. Figure 5 shows a modified embodiment of a noise protection element 1' according to the invention, wherein the flat central part 45' of the end cover 7' is wider than the thickness of the housing shell 3' of the noise protection element 1' in question.

[0131] Since the distance between the two tabs 47' corresponds to the horizontal thickness extension of the housing shell 3' of the noise protection element 1', they are offset inwards relative to the vertical side edges 46' of the planar central section 45'.

[0132] Each tab 47' can additionally be supported by an inclined web 57 on the nearest vertical side edge 46'.

[0133] Furthermore, on each vertical side edge 46' there is an outer tab 58 parallel to the adjacent tab 47'. This outer tab 47' is supported in the area of ​​its vertical free edge 59 by a web 60 perpendicular to it on the adjacent inner tab 47'.

[0134] The outer surface 55' of the outer flange 58 serves in turn to support the bearing element 49' located there.

[0135] In Fig. Figure 6 of the drawing shows an end cap 7" of another embodiment of a noise barrier element 1". This differs from the end cap 7' of the noise barrier element 1' according to Fig. 5 especially because there is not only a slanted web 57" between the inner flap 47" and the adjacent outer flap 58", but also a second, slanted web 61.

[0136] The two webs 57", 61, together with the inner flap 47", form a preferably approximately equilateral triangle, with the inner flap 47" as its base. The apex of this triangle coincides with the free edge of the outer flap 57", i.e., the height of the triangle with the two webs 57", 61 as sides and the inner flap 47" as its base corresponds to the horizontal distance between the inner flap 47" and the adjacent outer flap 58".

[0137] Because of this arrangement, the horizontal extent of the outer flap 58" is preferably only half as large as the horizontal extent of the inner flap 47".

[0138] Preferably, the webs 57", 61 as well as the webs 57, 60 of the end cap 7' extend from Fig. 5 over the entire length or height of the end cap 7, 7' and are thus part of its cross-sectionally constant profile. The spaces between the webs 57", 61 or 57, 60 and tabs 47", 58" or 47', 58 then take the form of elongated chambers, which are open only at the upper and lower ends of the end cap 7', 7".

[0139] Further modifications of the invention are possible. For example, all types of noise-reducing elements 1, 1', 1" can also be designed such that the housing shell 3, 3', 3" does not have a C-shaped cross-section, but rather an approximately H-shaped cross-section, with the web 8 then located in the middle and the upper beam 9 and the lower beam 10 extending from it in both directions to an open side 4, on each of which a cover 5 is inserted, e.g., between two tabs on the upper beam 9 and lower beam 10. Furthermore, in all types of noise-reducing elements 1, 1', 1" the end caps 7, 7', 7" can (additionally) be screwed to the respective housing 2, 2', 2"

[0140] One can essentially imagine such a noise barrier element with an H-shaped cross-section as being formed by joining two mirror-symmetrical noise barrier elements with a C-shaped cross-section, whereby the two webs 8 are integrated into a single web that forms the backbone of this arrangement. The additional plate 13 only needs to be provided once in total.

[0141] The housing 2 essentially encloses two chambers, which are separated from each other by the bridge 8. Each chamber can then contain an absorber 11. With such an arrangement, any sound propagation arriving from any lateral direction can be dampened.

[0142] Regarding noise barrier element 1 (3) according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 is a modification of noise protection element 1 from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3.

[0143] As with that one, the housing also includes 2 (3)of the noise protection element 1 (3) several elements, namely a housing shell 3 (3) with a flat cover element 5 (3) closed opening 4 (3) on at least one long side.

[0144] The casing 3 (3) can be identical in construction to version 1, in particular a vertical web 8 (3) exhibit, as well as each having the same top and bottom terminating upper rib 9 (3) and beam 10 (3) , with those from the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 known characteristics.

[0145] As in embodiment 1, within the housing 2 (3)Furthermore, a flat absorber may be arranged, e.g., a sound-absorbing panel, preferably made of organic foam or mineral wool, in particular rock wool, wherein such a panel may be laminated with glass fibers on one or both sides for stabilization. This absorber is in Fig. 7 covered.

[0146] In contrast to embodiment 1 according to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. However, 3 are the forehead covers 7 (3) for closing one or preferably both end-face opening(s) of the housing shell 3 (3) designed. In particular, the forehead covers 7 (3) not by positive locking to the housing shell 3 (3) anchored.

[0147] Instead, in the area of ​​a frontal lobe, 7 (3) between the upper train 9 (3) and the underpinning beam 10 (3) a U-profile 62 with a vertical longitudinal extension.

[0148] To do this on the upper and lower beam 9 (3) , 10 (3) To determine the position, two anchoring boreholes 63 are inserted side by side in each of the openings near the front face, each approximately symmetrical to a vertical longitudinal center plane 64 of the respective noise protection element 1. (3) .

[0149] Each metal angle bracket 65, with two corresponding bores 66 in at least one leg 67, is attached to the inside of the respective upper and lower beam 9 with the outside of the leg 67 having such bores 66. (3) , 10 (3) positioned over a flat area, so that its boreholes 66 are aligned with the anchoring boreholes 63 located there.

[0150] Each screw 68 - in this case an Allen screw - is - preferably from the inside of the respective upper or lower beam 9 (3) , 10 (3)the screw is inserted through two aligned bores 63, 66 and fixed by screwing a nut 69 onto the screw shaft emerging beyond the bores 63, 66, whereby a washer and / or a snap ring may be arranged under the nut 69 in question.

[0151] The metal brackets 65 are fixed in such a way that they are not attached to the respective upper or lower beam 9. (3) , 10 (3) flat and screwed-on legs 70 viewed from the relevant, frontal opening behind the screws 68 of the relevant upper or lower beam 9 (3) , 10 (3) approximately perpendicular to the surface. Two such legs 70 lie on each end face in a common alignment, their free ends pointing towards each other.

[0152] Each preferably metallic U-profile 62 engages behind two legs 70 of two metal angles 65 lying in common alignment, which are attached to the upper beam 9. (3) on the one hand and on the underpinning beam 10 (3) On the other hand, they are screwed firmly in place. The two legs 71 of this U-profile 62 are connected to each other by a central web 72 and have a clear distance between them which corresponds to the length of a metal angle bracket 65, so that the latter fits into the groove between the two legs 71 and the central web 72 of the U-profile 62. In the assembled state, the inside of the leg 71 of the U-profile thus lies flush or flat against the outside of the aligned legs 70 of the two metal angle brackets 65.

[0153] In that central web 72, between the two metal angles 65 on or near a longitudinal central plane 64 of the U-profile 62 in question, there are several bores 73.

[0154] In a front cover to be determined in this manner 7 (3) There are also bores 74 which are aligned with the bores 73 in the relevant U-profile 62 and allow the insertion of one fastening screw 75 - preferably also an Allen screw - through each of them.

[0155] The undersides of the heads 76 of these fastening screws 75 can be frictionally engaged or even fixed to the outside of the central web 72, e.g., glued, soldered, or tacked in place with a weld. The free ends of the screw shanks 77 protrude through the bores 74 of the respective end cap 7. (3) outwards, and by screwing a nut 78 onto each of these screw shafts 77, the respective end cover 7 can be (3) to be fixed, whereby of course a washer or a snap ring may be provided to create a preload.

[0156] The frontal lobes 7 (3)can otherwise use their noise protection element 1 (3) Facing inner sides 79 bluntly at the end faces of the case shell 3 (3) issue. Reference symbol list 1 noise barrier element 2 cases 3 Housing shell 4 Opening 5 Cover element 6 Sound opening 7 Frontal Capsules 8 vertical bridge 9 Upper train 10 girder 11 absorbers 12 tabs 13 additional plates Page 14 15 hangers 16 tab Section 17 Section 18 Section 19 20 upper profile body 21 lower profile body 22 upper part 23 bottom edge 24 lower part 25 Top edge 26 Connecting element 27 Connecting element 28 Connecting element 29 Connecting element 30 spring tongue 31 Spring tongue 32 spring tongue 33 Spring tongue 34 spacer strip 35 spacer bar 36 Plant area 37 Plant area 38 thighs 39 thighs 40 Centering bar 41 Top 42 Underside 43 recordings 44 mounting posts 45 Middle section 46 side edge 47 tab 48 Nut 49 Bearing element 50 angle strip 51st flank 52 Longitudinal edge 53 continuation 54 Long edge 55 Outside 56th rib 57 Bridge 58 Outer flap 59 free edge 60 Bridge 61 Bridge 62 U-profile 63 Anchorage drilling 64 Longitudinal median plane 65 metal angles 66 bore 67 thighs 68 screw 69 Mother 70 thighs 71 thighs 72 Middle walkway 73 bore 74 bore 75 Mounting screw 76 screw head 77 screw shaft 78 Mother 79 Inside

Claims

[1] Box-shaped noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) for use in a noise barrier consisting of several identical noise barrier elements arranged one above the other (1;1',1'';1 (3) ), wherein the noise protection element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) a housing shell (3.3 (3) ) which, when installed in a noise barrier, is partially enclosed on both its vertical longitudinal sides by a retaining structure, and which has at least one vertical web (8;8';8) in a vertical cross-section (3) ) has and each has the same top and bottom terminating upper section (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) and beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ), as well as at least one to the vertical bridge (8;8';8 (3) ) parallel side which has sound openings (6) wherein within the noise protection element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) at least one planar absorber (11;11') is arranged, wherein the top rail (9;9';9'';9 (3)) and the beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) of the bridge (8;8';8 (3) ) each at the height of on both long sides of the housing shell (3,3 (3) ) arranged mounting surfaces (36,37) for a holding structure, wherein the upper beam (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) and the beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) between each pair of mounting surfaces (36,37) on opposite, vertical longitudinal sides of the noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) extends continuously in the form of a straight bridge within a single plane, without any bends or other curves leaving the plane in question, characterized by , that the casing (3, 3 (3) ) has at least two preferably extruded profile bodies (20,21), namely an upper profile body (20) whose vertical cross-section forms an upper part (22) of the vertical web (8;8';8 (3) ) includes as well as the upper, approximately horizontal top rail (9;9';9'';9(3) ) and the lower edge (23) terminating those below on the one hand, and a lower profile body (21) on the other hand, whose vertical cross-section forms a lower part (24) of the vertical web (8;8';8 (3) ) includes the upper edge (25) that closes at the top and the approximately horizontal lower beam (10;10';10'';10) that closes at the bottom. (3) ), wherein the lower edge (23) of the upper profile body (20) on the one hand and the upper edge (25) of the lower profile body (21) on the other hand have interlocking connecting elements (26,27,28,29) so that at least one connection between the two profile bodies (20,21) is established. [2] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the installation areas (36,37) extend over the adjacent, vertical longitudinal side of the noise protection profile (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) project laterally, so that the entire holding force is between the bracket and the noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1(3) ) within the contact area of ​​the plant surfaces (36,37). [3] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the upper train (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) and the beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) is arranged at approximately the midpoint of the respective installation surfaces (36,37). [4] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper train (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) and the beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) with the respective mounting surfaces (36,37) is formed in one piece. [5] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the upper train (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) and the beam (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) directly transitions into the respective installation areas (36,37), in particular flowing into them approximately perpendicularly. [6] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1(3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that on the outside (41,42) of the upper rib (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) and / or underpinning (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) Spacer strips (34,35) are arranged or molded on, which serve as spacers to a noise protection element (1;1',1'';1) arranged above or below. (3) ) serve, preferably strips with a rectangular cross-section or with an angle profile which is arranged with a free leg end on the upper or lower profile body (20,21). [7] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that on the outside (41,42) of the upper rib (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) or underpinning (10;10';10'';10 (3) ) on the upper and / or lower profile body (20,21) centering strips (40) for centering the spacer strips (34,35) of a similar, mounted or underneath noise protection element (1;1',1'';1(3) ) are arranged or molded on. [8] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the interacting spacer and centering strips (34,35,40) have surface areas which are opposite to the plane of the vertical web (8;8';8 (3) ) of the relevant noise protection element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) run at an angle. [9] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the total thickness of the vertical web (8;8';8 (3) ) is greater, at least in planar areas, than the thickness of that final top layer (9;9';9'';9 (3) ) or underpinning (10;10';10'';10 (3) ). [10] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the thickened overall thickness in the area of ​​the vertical web (8;8';8 (3)) is achieved by adding to the (metallic) material of the vertical bridge (8;8';8 (3) ) even a parallel, additional plate (13a;13b) made of a different material is provided. [11] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that for each connecting element (26,27,28,29) on the lower edge (23) of the upper profile body (20) on the one hand and on the upper edge (25) of the lower profile body (21) on the other hand, complementary surface areas are provided which allow a planar joining of these surface areas. [12] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that complementary surface areas on the two profile bodies (20,21) have interlocking undercuts which allow a form-fitting joining of these surface areas. [13] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 12, characterized by , that an undercut on one of the two profile bodies (20,21) is formed as a groove-shaped depression running parallel to the respective upper or lower edge (23,25), the depth direction of which within the cross-sectional plane coincides with the plane of the vertical web (8;8';8 (3) ) includes an angle which is not equal to zero, for example an angle of 30° or more, preferably an angle of 45° or more, in particular an angle of 60° or more. [14] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 13, characterized by, that as a counterpart to the groove-shaped depression of one profile body (20,21) a nose or a ridge-shaped elevation is provided on the other profile body (21,20). [15] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least two connecting elements (26, 27, 28, 29) are provided at the lower edge (23) of the upper profile body (20) on the one hand and at the upper edge (25) of the lower profile body (21) on the other hand, which are perpendicular in one direction to the surface of the vertical web (8; 8'; 8 (3) ) are offset from each other, so that when joining an upper and lower profile body (20,21) at least two connections are made. [16] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a spring tongue (30,31,32,33) is arranged on at least one profile body (20,21). [17] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 16, characterized by , that at least one undercut of a profile body (20,21) is arranged in the area of ​​at least one spring tongue (30,31,32,33) of the same. [18] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 16, characterized by , that the spring tongue (30,32) is parallel to the plane of the vertical bridge (8;8';8 (3) ) or approximately parallel to the plane of the vertical rib (8;8';8 (3) ) extends. [19] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized by , that in the area of ​​a connection the spring tongue(s) there (30,32) approximately in the plane of the vertical web (8;8';8 (3) ) to be able to support vertical forces. [20] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized by , that in the area opposite the plane of the vertical bridge (8;8';8 (3)) offset connection the spring tongue(s) there (31,33) not parallel to the plane of the vertical bridge (8;8';8 (3) ) but at least in some areas follow a course that slopes in the opposite direction. [21] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 20, characterized by , that an inclined surface area within a plane relative to the vertical rib (8;8';8 (3) ) offset connection is designed as a starting surface, so that a spring tongue (31,33) rubbing along it when the two profile bodies (20,21) are joined is bent back from this starting surface until, upon reaching the end of the starting surface, a rib or other projection can engage in a complementary recess. [22] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the casing (3;3 (3) ) has a C-shaped cross-section. [23] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by one or more forehead covers (7;7';7'';7 (3) ) for closing the end faces of the housing shell profile (3;3 (3) ) of a noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ). [24] Noise protection element (1;1',1") according to claim 23, characterized by , that a frontal cover (7;7';7") of its base (45;45';45") projecting webs or tabs (47;47';47") for gripping the housing shell profile (3) or for engaging in the same. [25] Noise protection element (1;1',1") according to claim 24, characterized by , that the webs or tabs (47;47';47") for gripping the housing shell profile (3) or for engaging in the same are supported one or more times on the base surface (45;45';45") of the end cover (7;7';7"). [26] Noise barrier element (1 (3) ) according to claim 23, characterized by , that a forehead cover (7 (3)) in its base area (45 (3) ) has one or more holes (74) for screwing onto a body or the housing (2 (3) ) of the noise barrier element (1 (3) ) or at an element attached to it. [27] Noise barrier element (1 (3) ) according to claim 26, characterized by , that on the upper train (9 (3) ) and beam (10 (3) ) of the housing (2;2 (3) ) of the noise barrier element (1 (3) ) a preferably U-shaped profile (62) is defined, preferably by means of fastening brackets (65), wherein the end cap (7 (3) ) preferably can be screwed into bores (73) in the profile (62) through which fastening screws (75) can pass. [28] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized by , that on the side edges of the base (45;45';45'';45 (3) ) of a frontal cover (7;7';7'';7 (3) ) each one groove (48;48'';48 (3)) is provided for the insertion of a preferably profile-shaped bearing element (49). [29] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that one or more noise barrier element(s) (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) can be inserted one above the other between two receiving grooves (43) arranged at a distance from each other, parallel to each other and facing each other, wherein the receiving grooves (43) are preferably arranged on the sides facing each other of vertical mounting posts (44). [30] Noise barrier element (1;1',1'';1 (3) ) according to claim 28 in conjunction with claim 29, characterized by , that the bearing elements (49) are elastically designed and are located within a receiving groove (43), between at least one groove flank and at least one noise protection element (1;1',1'';1) inserted therein (3) ) are clamped or can be clamped.

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