SOUND-ABSORBING PARTITION CURTAIN

Description

[0001] The application concerns a sound-absorbing hall partition curtain for sports halls, event and exhibition halls, factory halls and similar spaces.

[0002] Partition curtains for sports halls are usually made of two layers of plastic film, tarpaulin or artificial leather and can be lowered from the hall ceiling when required. This means that a hall can be divided into sections, each of which can be used by different groups of people for different or the same sports. In other halls, too, a hall partition curtain can be used to allow different uses of certain areas of the hall. When the sections are in use, relatively high noise levels can often occur, e.g. in sports halls. Hall partition curtains are therefore usually designed to be sound-insulating, i.e. the hall partition curtain reduces the passage of sound from one section of the hall to the adjacent section. This means that a relatively high noise level remains in the individual sections.While sound insulation, i.e., the prevention of sound transmission from one side of the hall partition curtain to the other, can usually be prevented to a certain extent, hall partition curtains generally do not provide satisfactory broadband sound absorption. This means that while the sound hitting the hall partition curtain passes through the curtain into the adjacent part of the hall in a reduced form, a large portion is reflected by the hall partition curtain instead of being absorbed by the hall partition curtain, thus dampening the sound field in the room and reducing the noise level.

[0003] To solve this problem, EP 1 174 063 A1, for example, proposes additionally covering the hall partition curtain with absorbent material to achieve sound absorption. This approach is generally sensible and suitable, but its effectiveness tends to be limited to high frequencies, and the additional weight and associated additional effort are sometimes undesirable.

[0004] DE 198 10 597 A1 discloses a multi-layer partition curtain with perforated outer panels. The perforated panels allow for improved sound absorption, but sound can penetrate through the perforated panels, so sound insulation would be impaired if no additional insulation measures were taken. These insulation measures, in turn, lead to increased costs. This is particularly complex if sound absorption is desired on both sides of the hall partition curtain.

[0005] DE 198 32 723 A1 discloses a pull-up partition curtain for sports halls, gymnasiums, or the like. It comprises horizontally opposing curtain panels connected by cross cords. The curtain panels can be gathered together using tension belts. At least one of the curtain panels is perforated. At least one curtain panel has a perforated front wall facing the hall or part of the hall, and a rear wall. A fleece-like sound-absorbing material is arranged between the front and rear walls. Typically, two such curtain panels are provided.

[0006] DE 10 2012 021 446 A1 discloses a pull-up partition curtain for large rooms. It features two curtain panels connected by cross members at regular intervals. The lower ends are connected to a motor-driven winding shaft via tension members. At least one of the curtain panels consists of an inner sound-absorbing layer and an outer perforated plastic layer.

[0007] JP H08 87279 A discloses a sound-absorbing body with improved corrosion protection. The plate-shaped body has a back side with a sound-absorbing body attached to it, which has a plurality of tubular sound-absorbing chambers. This is followed by a fiberboard. This, in turn, is followed by a body with a plurality of tubular sound-absorbing chambers, which are shorter than the aforementioned tubular sound-absorbing chambers. A porous sound-absorbing plate is attached to the front side. Due to the sound-absorbing plate on the front side, the attenuation is greater on this side than on the back.

[0008] In one embodiment, an arrangement is shown in which a sound-absorbing plate is located in one area on one side and the back side is located in an adjacent area on the same side. This arrangement can be imagined as an arrangement in which a plate-shaped body described above is alternately arranged with the front side and then with the back side.

[0009] US 2010 / 0307866 A1 discloses a sound-absorbing arrangement in which layers of varying porosity are stacked. This results in areas with different absorption levels.

[0010] DE 10 2004 040 112 A1 discloses a sound-absorbing element with a front side. This front side has a plurality of recesses for sound absorption, which extend from the front side into the element.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a partition curtain that is easy to design and offers both satisfactory sound insulation and sound absorption. This object is achieved by claim 1. The dependent claims specify advantageous further developments. Further details and indications for achieving this object can be found in the description.

[0012] According to the invention, it was recognized that a partition curtain, particularly for halls, including, for example, sports halls, event halls, exhibition halls, and factory halls, should be provided, which has two layers and is characterized in that each of the layers has absorption areas and insulation areas. The absorption areas and insulation areas are adjacent within a layer. Sound absorption is higher in the absorption areas than in the insulation areas. Sound insulation is higher in the insulation areas than in the absorption areas. Furthermore, the absorption areas of one layer are located opposite the insulation areas of the other layer.

[0013] As you can see, the term "absorption zone" is somewhat of an artificial word. Of course, every practical partition curtain has a certain amount of sound absorption. The absorption zone here is simply understood to be an area in which sound absorption is higher than in the aforementioned insulation zones. The insulation zones, in turn, are areas in which sound insulation is higher than in the absorption zones. Of course, sound insulation also occurs in the absorption zones. This is simply because every absorption also leads to slightly less sound being able to reach the adjacent room, which also causes sound insulation. The terms chosen are simply intended to clearly illustrate which effect is aimed at in the respective zone.Naturally, it is desirable to have high insulation in the absorption zones, and high sound absorption is also desired in the insulation zones. However, as already discussed in the description of the state of the art, it is often not possible, or at least not easy, to achieve both effects satisfactorily in one zone.

[0014] It is important that the absorption areas of one layer are aligned with the insulation areas of the other layer. This ensures that sound that is not sufficiently insulated in the absorption area of one layer and would therefore pass into the other part of the hall is insulated in the other layer, where an insulation area is located at that point.

[0015] If, for example, absorption areas and insulation areas are arranged alternately in the layer facing a first part of the hall, with an absorption area being arranged first and then an insulation area starting from the top, then on the layer facing the other part of the hall, an insulation area will be arranged first and then an absorption area will follow.

[0016] This ensures that sound penetrating the absorption zones of one layer is insulated at the next layer, which is primarily sound-insulating and not primarily sound-absorbing—i.e., at the insulation zone. This prevents sound from penetrating the adjacent part of the hall. The reverse is also true, of course; if virtually no sound penetrates the first layer through the insulation zone, the insulation at the second layer no longer needs to be high, so an insulation zone is not necessary there; an absorption zone is sufficient.

[0017] The invention utilizes the insight that it is generally sufficient to achieve sufficiently high sound absorption only in individual absorption zones. This allows for a sufficiently high overall sound absorption.

[0018] The distance between the layers can be used for this purpose. The distance between the layers is important for absorption. Firstly, it should be explained that the absorption areas, as explained later, are, for example, a perforated area and / or a micro-perforated area and / or areas equipped with a fleece. This is normally an area through which sound can penetrate with a certain flow resistance. As is well known, absorption does not occur solely in the layer itself, but in conjunction with the volume between the layer with the absorption area and the further layer which has an insulating area there. The distance between the layers, in the terminology of the above-mentioned DE 198 32 723 A1 the distance between the curtain panels, can therefore be used acoustically. The frequency range in which absorption occurs depends on the distance between the layers.In DE 198 32 723 A1, only the distance between the front and rear walls of a curtain panel is available for this purpose. Given the limited installation depth of a curtain, a smaller distance is available in DE 198 32 723 A1. This results in only higher frequencies being absorbed, and thus the relevant noise cannot be absorbed. Therefore, the present invention not only differs structurally from DE 198 32 723 A1, but also enables better acoustic performance with a significantly expanded frequency range of sound absorption with a limited installation depth.

[0019] According to the invention, connecting elements run between the layers to prevent the passage of sound from one spatial area between the layers to an adjacent spatial area between the layers. This prevents sound that enters the space between the layers at one point, i.e. primarily in an absorption zone, from spreading along the layers in this space. This could lead to sound passing through an absorption zone of the first layer into the space between the first and second layers, spreading in this space, and then emerging from an absorption zone of the second layer into the other part of the hall. This very sound propagation can be prevented by the connecting elements that run between the layers, which are usually almost closed.

[0020] It is understood that the connecting elements preferably depart from the boundaries of absorption areas to the insulation areas of one layer and arrive accordingly at the boundaries of absorption areas to the insulation areas of the opposite layer.

[0021] In one embodiment of the invention, the absorption areas are formed by a perforated area. As will be shown below, a number of designs of a perforated area are conceivable and well-suited for absorption. However, it is easy to see that a perforated area generally has a higher sound transmission rate than a closed area. This illustrates the conflict of objectives between sound insulation and sound absorption described above, which requires different effects to be achieved in different areas.

[0022] In one embodiment, the absorption zones are formed by a micro-perforated absorber layer. The principle of sound absorption through micro-perforation is well known and will therefore only be briefly explained here. Sound that penetrates a micro-perforated layer, i.e. a layer with holes normally 1-2 mm in diameter or less, although other values are also conceivable, and a perforation area ratio of a few percent, is dampened in the perforated layer. The underlying mechanism is the excitation of vibrations which ultimately convert the absorbed sound into heat. As a rule, it is advisable to place an air layer behind the micro-perforated layer and then a closed layer, i.e. to place an enclosed volume behind the micro-perforated layer to enhance the effect.This is the case with a single-layer system, as the absorption zones of the first layer are connected to the insulation zones of the second layer. Furthermore, the air volume is sealed off from the micro-perforated layer by the acoustically sealed connecting elements.

[0023] In one embodiment, the absorption areas are formed by a layer of sound-permeable holes, with holes with a diameter of 1 mm to 8 mm being selected. Thus, larger holes are selected compared to microperforation.

[0024] In one embodiment, the absorption areas are equipped with an additional flow resistance, in particular an acoustic fleece. The flow resistance is applied to the side of the respective hall or within the partition curtain, preferably on the perforated layer or loosely arranged in front of it. This allows for a relatively simple design. The additional flow resistance does not have to provide the absorption on its own, but only in conjunction with the perforated area. This differs from EP 1 174 063 A1 described above.

[0025] In one embodiment, the absorption areas are formed by a textile. Such textiles are readily available at an affordable price. Acoustically viable solutions can be achieved with a total flow resistance in the range of approximately 50 Pa s / m to approximately 3000 Pa s / m. Acoustically optimized sound absorption is achieved with a flow resistance in the range of approximately 300 Pa s / m to approximately 1000 Pa s / m.

[0026] At this point, a general note: the term "perforated" should not be interpreted restrictively to mean only an area that is initially a closed area, into which holes are subsequently created using some kind of perforation process, thus creating the perforated area. It can also be an area that is already provided with holes during its manufacture, as is the case with a textile, for example.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the absorption regions and / or the insulation regions and / or at least one layer are made up of two layers. Two-layer layers often allow for greater acoustic efficiency than a single-layer layer of the same weight. This applies in particular to sound absorption, which is the primary focus in the absorption regions. Depending on requirements, a two-layer layer can achieve improved sound absorption, improved sound insulation, or both. If, for example, improved sound absorption is desired on only one side, the layer facing this side—more precisely, the absorption regions of this layer are sufficient—can also be made up of two layers. It is also possible to design only individual absorption regions or insulation regions of a layer with two layers.

[0028] In one embodiment, the layers of the partition curtain are divided into segments and can be gathered together. As mentioned at the beginning, partition curtains are often designed so that they can be lowered from the ceiling and then pulled back up again, i.e., gathered together. Instead of lowering from top to bottom, a lateral movement would also be conceivable. It should also not be ruled out that the curtain could be raised from bottom to top. However, this poses the problem that the gathered curtain is usually more obtrusive on the floor than on the ceiling, and some kind of accommodation would have to be found.

[0029] Back to the division into segments: In the simple and common case, the segments are adjacent panels that extend across the entire width of the curtain. Adjacent segments are joined, for example, sewn together, in such a way that the curtain can be gathered together like a bellows when not needed and unfolded when needed. It goes without saying that in addition to the division into segments, a tension mechanism, such as a cord running between the layers, must also be present to gather and unfold the dividing curtain when needed.

[0030] The above-described extension of the segments across the curtain width—whether the entire curtain width or just a portion of it—applies to cases where the curtain can be lowered from the hall ceiling. In this case, the segments run horizontally. For a curtain that can be gathered at the sides, the segments run vertically.

[0031] In one embodiment, each segment forms an insulating zone or an absorption zone. This allows the different zones—the respective absorption zones and the respective insulating zones—to be easily implemented in one layer. Compared to the prior art, this involves virtually no additional effort. Individual segments have also been used to allow the partition curtain to be gathered together.

[0032] If segments are present, the connecting elements described above preferably run between the boundaries of adjacent segments.

[0033] In one embodiment, the connecting elements described above have apertures for a tension element to gather the partition curtain. This allows for the usual design of such separation processes, in which the tension element is arranged between the layers, to be retained. If the apertures are designed to be sound-insulating, unwanted sound transmission in the area of the apertures is prevented. Examples of implementation

[0034] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a partition curtain according to the invention, Figure 2 shows a connecting element with a passage for a pull rope, also shown, Figure 3 shows various designs of the partition curtain.

[0035] In Figure 1a partition curtain 1 can be seen. A lifting device 2 in the form of a shaft is used to raise the curtain 1, often also referred to as gathering it together. A first layer 3 can be seen, which is on the left in the drawing. This layer 3 has three exemplary segments 4, 5 and 6. A real partition curtain usually has considerably more than just three segments, but for the sake of clarity, three segments are described here. Segment 4 is an area serving as an absorption zone. This is formed by a perforated layer. The adjacent segment 5 is an insulating zone formed by a continuous curtain without perforations. This is in turn followed by a segment 6, which, like segment 4, is formed by a perforated layer and serves as an absorbing segment. On the other side is the second layer 7.Segments 8, 9, and 10 can be seen. Segment 8, like segment 10, is formed as an insulating area with a continuous layer. Segment 9 is perforated and serves as an absorption area. Segments 4 and 6 of the first layer 3 and segment 9 of the second layer 7 are identical in construction. Segments 8 and 10 of the second layer 7 and segment 5 of the first layer 3 are also identical in construction. The connecting elements 11 can be seen. The connecting elements 11 run between the first layer 3 and the second layer 7, each between the boundaries of adjacent segments.

[0036] A pull rope 12 runs through the center, serving as a tension element. By rotating the lifting device 2, the partition curtain 1 can be raised and thus gathered. By rotating it in the opposite direction, the partition curtain 1 can be lowered. Gravity assists in this process, causing the partition curtain 1 to unfold.

[0037] In Figure 2a connecting element 11 is shown in more detail. It can be seen that the pull cable 12 is guided through the connecting element 11. For this purpose, a sealing area 13 is provided. This is designed in such a way that a movement of the pull cable 12 can pull the pull cable 12 through the connecting element 11. Furthermore, the aim is to prevent an opening from being created in the area where the pull cable 12 passes through the connecting element 11, which opening would allow sound to pass from one side of the connecting element 11 to the other side of the connecting element 11. When reference is made to preventing the passage of sound, this does not, of course, mean that a complete prevention of sound transmission could or should be achieved. It is only a matter of significantly reducing the passage of sound.

[0038] Figures 3a , 3b and 3cshow different designs of the partition curtain 1.

[0039] With the partition curtain 1 in Fig. 3a It can be seen that segments 4 and 6 of the first layer 3, as well as segment 9 of the second layer 7, which form the absorption areas, are constructed in two layers. The remaining segments 5, 8, and 9, which form the insulation layer, are constructed in one layer. The two-layer construction achieves increased sound absorption while maintaining normal sound insulation.

[0040] The Fig. 3b The partition curtain 1 shown has two-layer segments 5, 8, and 10, which form the insulation zone. Segments 4, 6, and 9, which form the absorption zone, are single-layer. This achieves increased sound insulation with normal sound absorption.

[0041] In Figure 3cA partition curtain 1 can be seen, in which all segments 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 are constructed in two layers. This achieves both increased sound absorption and increased sound insulation.

[0042] Depending on the specific requirements for sound insulation and sound absorption, one of the aforementioned designs should be selected. It goes without saying that all segments can also be designed as a single layer. List of reference symbols

[0043] 1 Partition curtain 2 Shaft of the lifting device 3 First layer 4 Segment of the first layer 3 in the absorption area 5 Segment of the first layer 3 in the insulation area 6 Segment of the first layer 3 in the absorption area 7 Second layer 8 Segment of the second layer 7 in the insulation area 9 Segment of the second layer 7 in the absorption area 10 Segment of the second layer 7 in the insulation area 11 Connecting element between the first layer 3 and the second layer 7 12 Pull rope 13 Sealing element, attached to connecting element 11, for the soundproof passage of the pull rope 12

Claims

1. Partition curtain (1) having two layers (3, 7), each of the layers including absorption areas (4, 6, 9) and insulation areas (5, 8, 10), the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) and the insulation areas (5, 8, 10) within one layer being adjacent to one another, the sound absorption being higher in the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) than in the insulation areas (5, 8, 10), and the sound insulation being higher in the insulation areas (5, 8, 10) than in the absorption areas (4, 6, 9), characterized in that the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) of one layer are located opposite to the insulation areas (5, 8, 10) of the other layer, connecting elements (11) extending between the layers (3, 7) and preventing sound from passing from one room area between the layers (3, 7) to an adjacent room area between the layers (3, 7).

2. Partition curtain according to claim 1, characterized in that the partition curtain is designed for use in halls, including e.g. sports halls, event halls, exhibition halls, and factory halls.

3. Partition curtain according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the layers (3, 7) of the partition curtain (1) are divided into segments (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) and can be gathered up.

4. Partition curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) are formed by a perforated area.

5. Partition curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) are formed by a microperforated absorber layer.

6. Partition curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) are formed by a layer with holes which are sound-permeable.

7. Partition curtain according to the preceding claim, characterized in that holes having a diameter of 1 mm to 8 mm are selected.

8. Partition curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) are equipped with additional flow resistance, in particular with an acoustic fleece.

9. Partition curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) are formed by a textile.

10. Partition curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the absorption areas (4, 6, 9) and / or the insulation areas (5, 8, 10) and / or at least one of the two layers (3, 7) are double-layered.

11. Partition curtain according to claim 3, characterized in that each segment (4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) forms an insulation area (5, 8, 10) or an absorption area (4, 6, 9).

12. Partition curtain according to claim 3, characterized in that the connecting elements (11) have openings for a pulling element (12) for gathering up the partition curtain (1).

13. Partition curtain according to the preceding claim, characterized in that sound-insulating openings (13) are provided.