Mobile noise barrier modules

Abstract

A soundproof wall (10) with a frame element (14) comprising a lower support strip (26) and two lateral support strips (28), a head strip (12) and a sound absorber plate (16) arranged in the frame element (14), characterized in that the lateral support strips (28) are elastically flexible and movable relative to each other and the head strip (12) engages the upper end regions of the lateral support strips (28) and fixes them in a holding position.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of mobile soundproofing and partition wall systems, in particular modular room partitioning systems for offices, training and event rooms for the acoustic and optical separation of workplaces. State of the art

[0002] Various partition and soundproof walls are known from the prior art, but they often have numerous drawbacks. These constructions are frequently too lightweight, lacking the necessary mass for effective sound insulation. Furthermore, existing mobile walls have limited stability and do not provide the required support when subjected to vibrations or uneven surfaces. Another problem is that conventional roller systems have a high breakaway torque, severely restricting movement on carpeted or sensitive floors. Even simple locking casters are insufficient, as the entire wall loses its stability if the brake is accidentally released.

[0003] Furthermore, many existing systems can only be mounted using screws, bolts, or additional fasteners. While these designs are simple in terms of construction, they lead to a number of disadvantages: handling becomes more difficult due to the need for tools, assembly time increases considerably, and frequent assembly and disassembly is hardly practical, especially for mobile solutions. Moreover, repeated assembly and disassembly increases the risk of damage to the connection points. Various approaches exist in the current state of the art, some of which attempt to circumvent these problems.

[0004] German patent DE 202005003255 U1 concerns a stationary noise barrier with vertical steel profile supports anchored in concrete foundations. The wall modules are fastened using welded and bolted connections. The structure is designed for high dynamic loads, particularly for use on high-speed railway lines. The document contains no information on mobile applications or tool-free connections.

[0005] US 5,813,178 A relates to modular office wall systems in which panels are attached to vertical frame profiles via clip and snap-fit ​​connections. The document describes various snap-fit ​​and spring-loaded mechanisms that facilitate the installation of cover and connecting elements. The disclosure pertains to interior office partitions; it contains no references to mobile soundproof walls, high mass, or special acoustic effects.

[0006] CH 628106 A5 relates to a connecting device for wall, ceiling, or hatch elements, in which the edges of adjacent planar components are designed as claw-shaped connecting profiles. These are engaged by an essentially U-shaped connecting strip and held securely in place by means of clamping and locking legs. The connection can also be further secured by screws, rivets, adhesives, or welding. The document is intended for modular components for stationary interior or building applications that can be assembled in various angular and surface configurations. It does not include any references to mobile noise barriers or transportable outdoor applications.

[0007] Of the aforementioned documents, DE 202005003255 U1 is to be considered the closest prior art, as it discloses noise barriers made of large-area wall elements. However, this document concerns stationary, bolted or welded constructions and contains no information on mobile, detachably joined modules or on assembly using a clamping frame / strip connection.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a mobile noise barrier that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a construction is to be provided that offers high acoustic effectiveness through sufficient mass and sound absorption, while simultaneously exhibiting high stability in mobile applications and yet remaining easy to move. Furthermore, the assembly and disassembly of the components should be simplified and accelerated, especially without the use of separate fasteners such as screws, bolts, or adhesives. The invention is thus intended to provide a mobile noise barrier that combines acoustic effectiveness, mechanical stability, and flexible handling in a single, comprehensive solution.

[0009] The solution to the problem arises from the features of claim 1; advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention relates to a soundproof wall element, in particular for the mobile separation of work or living areas in interior spaces, in which high acoustic effectiveness is combined with high stability and easy relocation.

[0011] The invention provides for a wall construction in which a sound-absorbing panel 16 is received in a frame element 14. The frame element 14 has a lower support rail 26 and two lateral support rails 28, which are elastically flexible and movable relative to each other. The upper end regions of the lateral support rails are fixed in a holding position by the head rail 12, so that the frame element 14 holds the sound-absorbing panel 16 in a force-fit manner. The head rail 12 is designed as a separate component and is detachably held to the upper end regions of the lateral support rails 28.

[0012] To ensure mobility, the wall element is equipped with a chassis comprising several wheels 30, in particular heavy-duty wheels. The wheels 30 are combined with a lowering mechanism 32, which allows the wall element to be moved into a standing position. The lowering mechanism 32 is designed such that, when transitioning to the standing position, an adjusting block 34 is lowered, thereby lifting the weight of the wall off the wheels 30. This relieves the wheels 30 of their load, facilitating a stable and slip-resistant fixation of the wall.

[0013] The sound-absorbing effect is achieved by a flat sound-absorbing panel, which can consist of an open-pored, in particular fibrous, insulating material. In a preferred embodiment, the sound-absorbing panel comprises one or more high-density wood fiber insulation boards. The sound-absorbing panel is held in the frame element 14 and enclosed by the frame structure. A sound-permeable fleece can be arranged on a visible surface, which is covered by a textile, in particular printable and replaceable, cover. In an exemplary embodiment marketed under the name "eyes&ears," the outer cover is designed as a customizable fabric covering, which is detachably attached by means of a hook-and-loop fastener system.

[0014] The entire system is designed so that the individual components can be repeatedly assembled and disassembled without damaging connecting elements or requiring tools. The invention thus enables a partition wall solution that is both acoustically effective and mechanically stable, as well as visually adaptable, and is particularly suitable for mobile use in changing room configurations.

[0015] The soundproof wall comprises a frame element 14 with a lower support rail 26 and two lateral support rails 28, a head rail 12 and a sound absorber panel 16 arranged in the frame element 14. Foot sections 18 are provided in the lower area, which enable secure placement on the ground and increase the stability of the entire construction.

[0016] The sound-absorbing panel 16 can consist of a high-density, open-pore wood fiberboard or a comparable sound-absorbing material. The panel has a high mass to improve sound insulation and an open-pore structure for sound absorption.

[0017] Due to the materials used and the mass of the sound-absorbing panel 16, the sound barrier 10 can have a comparatively high weight. In a preferred embodiment, the weight can be, for example, approximately 60 kg or more, and in particular approximately 80 kg or more, which promotes high acoustic effectiveness and stability. For mobility, the barrier is equipped with feet 18 that allow for the attachment of casters, in particular heavy-duty casters 30. By means of a lowering mechanism 32 and / or adjusting blocks 34, the casters 30 can be relieved of their load when stationary, and the barrier can be securely fixed to the ground.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the frame element 14 has a U-shaped cross-section and comprises two lateral support strips 28 and a lower support strip 26. It forms the lateral and lower receptacle for the sound-absorbing panel 16. The head strip 12 is a separate profile element that is arranged at the upper end regions of the lateral support strips and fixes them in a holding position.

[0019] The frame element 14 preferably consists of an elastically compliant metal or plastic profile, for example, a thin-walled, bent, or formed sheet metal profile. The lateral support strips of the frame element 14 are elastically deformable and can be moved slightly relative to each other under manual force. After the force is released, the lateral support strips can spring back apart due to their elastic restoring force. The elastic restoring force of the lateral support strips holds the sound-absorbing panel 16 securely in place when installed.

[0020] The frame element 14 can be formed in one piece, in particular from a bent or folded profile. Alternatively, the frame element 14 can be composed of several, preferably three, interconnected profile sections.

[0021] A key feature of the invention is the force-fit fixing of the sound-absorbing panel 16 by the interaction of the head rail 12 with the elastically compliant lateral support rails 28 of the frame element 14. The head rail 12 fixes the lateral support rails in a holding position in which the sound-absorbing panel 16 is held force-fit due to the elastic restoring force of the support rails. The head rail 12 is designed to be releasable and can be released by lifting or pulling it off, allowing the lateral support rails to return to their relaxed initial position.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the soundproof wall 10 is designed such that assembly and disassembly can be carried out by manually positioning and releasing the head strip 12, without the need for any tools. Examples of implementation

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] They show: Fig. 1: a front view of a preferred embodiment of the soundproof wall according to the invention; Fig. 2: a side view of the noise barrier according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3: a perspective view of the noise barrier according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4: a top view of the noise barrier according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5: an exploded view of the noise barrier with frame parts, sound absorber panel and cover plates; Fig. 6a: a representation of a chassis or wheel mounting in a first functional position (raised or not lowered position); Fig. 6b: a representation of the chassis according to Fig. 6a in a second functional position (lowered or fixed position); Description of the characters

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of the noise barrier 10. Visible is the frame element 14 with two lateral support strips 28, between which the sound-absorbing panel 16 is arranged. The top edge of the head strip 12 is shown, which overlaps the upper end regions of the lateral support strips and fixes them in a holding position. The bottom edge shows the foot sections 18, which enable the installation and support of the noise barrier 10.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows a side view of the soundproof wall 10. The shallow depth of the frame structure relative to its height is evident. The sound-absorbing panel 16 is guided within the frame element 14. The headboard 12 forms the upper termination. The laterally projecting base sections 18 are shown in the lower area.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the noise barrier 10. Visible are the frame element 14 with the lateral support strips 28, the sound absorber panel 16 and the top-mounted head strip 12. The cantilevered base sections 18 are shown in the lower area and serve to support the noise barrier 10.

[0028] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of the soundproof wall 10. Shown are the frame element 14, the top headboard 12, the sound absorber panel 16 and the foot parts 18 provided in the lower area.

[0029] Fig. Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the noise barrier 10 with its essential components. The frame element 14 accommodates the sound-absorbing panel 16 and the two cover plates 20 and 22. The head rail 12 is provided as a separate component and is arranged at the upper end regions of the lateral support rails 28 to fix them in a holding position in which the sound-absorbing panel 16 is positively engaged. The lower section shows the foot sections 18, on which the chassis with wheel 30, adjusting block 34, and operating lever 36 is arranged.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the frame element 14 has a U-shaped cross-section and is elastically flexible, comprising a lower support rail and two lateral support rails. The lateral support rails are elastically deformable, allowing them to be slightly brought closer together by manual force for assembly. After the force is released, the lateral support rails return to their relaxed initial position due to their elastic restoring force. In the assembled state, the sound-absorbing panel 16 is supported on the lower support rail and guided between the lateral support rails. To secure it, the lateral support rails are moved towards each other, and the head rail 12 is positioned at the upper end regions of the lateral support rails, thus fixing them in a holding position.In this holding position, the sound-absorbing panel 16 is held securely by the elastic restoring force of the lateral support strips. In one embodiment, the lower support strip can be designed as the lower profile section or lower frame profile 26.

[0031] For assembly, the sound-absorbing panel 16 is inserted into the frame element 14, specifically onto the lower support rail or profile section 26. The lateral support strips are then moved towards each other and fixed in the holding position by positioning the head strip 12. For disassembly, the head strip 12 is released, allowing the lateral support strips to return to their relaxed initial position due to their elastic restoring force, thus enabling the sound-absorbing panel 16 to be removed.

[0032] Fig. Figure 6a shows a wheel 30 in the lower area of ​​the noise barrier 10 in a first functional position (travel position). In this position, the wheel 30 establishes contact with the ground and the noise barrier 10 is movable.

[0033] The lowering mechanism 32 can be designed as a lever or ratchet element, by which the adjusting block 34 is lowered so that it assumes the ground contact and the wheels 30 are relieved of load. In the driving position, the wheels 30 are loaded, while the adjusting block 34 is raised.

[0034] Fig. Figure 6b shows the same wheel 30 in a second functional position (stationary position). In this position, the wheel 30 is completely or partially relieved of load, and the sound barrier 10 stands stably on the ground via the base 18 or the support block 34.

[0035] The lowering mechanism 32 can be designed as a lever or ratchet element, by which the noise barrier 10 can be moved from the driving position to a stationary position. In this process, the actuating block 34 is lowered and assumes the ground support, while the running wheels 30 are relieved of their load.

[0036] The noise barrier 10 is equipped with a chassis at its lower section, enabling movement of the barrier and stable positioning. For this purpose, at least one wheel 30 is provided, which, in a moving position, supports the weight of the noise barrier 10. In this position, the wheel 30 is in contact with the ground, allowing the noise barrier 10 to be moved by pushing or pulling. For stationary operation, the wheel 30 can be moved to a second position in which it is completely or partially relieved of its load. In this position, the noise barrier 10 rests on the base 18 or a support surface provided thereon. This ensures high stability while relieving the chassis itself of any load. Switching between the two positions can be accomplished via a lever or other actuating element.The exact mechanism is not limited to a specific design and can, for example, be a lever, pivot, latch, or ratchet system. Crucially, the wheel 30 can be switched between a load-bearing and a load-relieved position, allowing the noise barrier 10 to be operated either mobile or stationary.

[0037] In one embodiment, several soundproof walls 10 can be coupled together to form a multi-part partition wall system. The coupling can be effected, for example, via coupling elements arranged on the base sections 18 and / or on lateral areas of the frame element 14, in particular plug-in or snap-fit ​​connections, positive-locking connectors, magnetic couplings, hook / eye elements or similar detachable connecting means.

[0038] The soundproof wall 10 according to the invention offers numerous advantages over the prior art: • Simplified assembly and disassembly thanks to elastically flexible lateral support strips of the frame element 14 and the head strip 12, which fixes the lateral support strips in a holding position; the use of separate fasteners such as screws, bolts or adhesives is not required. • High acoustic effectiveness as a result of the combination of a massive sound absorber panel 16 with open-pore absorber material. • Mobility and flexible handling through a running wheel 30, which in a driving position supports the weight of the sound barrier 10. • Stable setup in a standing position in which the running wheel 30 is relieved of load and the sound barrier 10 rests on the base 18 or the support block 34. • Repeatable connection, since the holding position can be repeatedly established by arranging and releasing the header bar 12. • Suitable for temporary or variable room concepts, as the construction is relocatable and can be operated in a stable manner.

[0039] The invention thus provides a technically advantageous solution for mobile soundproofing systems that combines acoustic effectiveness, mechanical stability, ease of handling and flexible application possibilities in one overall design. Reference symbol list 10 soundproof wall 12 Header 14 frame element 16 sound absorber panels 18 foot section(s) 20, 22 Cover plate(s) (front / back) 26 lower support rail 28 lateral support strips 30 Wheel / Heavy-duty caster 32 Lowering mechanism 34 Positioning block 36 operating levers QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 202005003255 U1 [0004, 0007] US 5,813,178 A

[0005] CH 628106 A5

[0006]

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