Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus

Abstract

Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of modules (100) juxtaposed in a wall. At least one module (100) comprises: a planar element (200) defining a development plane; a plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements (300) arranged horizontally and mutually parallel on a sound dissipation side of the at least one module (100) and configured to absorb a sound emission; at least two reinforcing linear elements (400) arranged horizontally and mutually parallel and configured to structurally support the planar element (200); at least two side plate supports (500; 500b) constrained to first ends of the sound-absorbing linear elements (300) and to second ends of the at least two reinforcing linear elements (400), respectively, configured to support the sound-absorbing linear elements (300) on the sound dissipation side of the at least one module (100), and further configured to support the planar element (200). One or more of the sound-absorbing linear elements (300) comprises a first box-like body (301) defining a first inner cavity (302) and having a first plurality of openings (303) communicating with an external environment, so as to constitute at least one first acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against the sound dissipation side.

Description

[0001] Title: Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to a sound-absorbing and soundinsulating modular apparatus, comprising modules juxtaposed in a wall; each module comprises a planar element and sound-absorbing linear elements configured to absorb a sound emission.

[0005] In general, the present invention finds application in the fields of noise protection or noise reduction, even inside buildings and rooms, and of structures to absorb or reflect noise transmitted in the air, for instance near vehicular traffic.

[0006] Prior art

[0007] Solutions for sound-absorbing or sound-insulating or noise-reduction apparatuses are known, which comprise a wall structure or modules constituting a wall.

[0008] Document US8544601 (B2) relates to a sound-absorbing noisereduction barrier, having a main body which has a front surface and a rear surface and extends horizontally and wherein a gap is formed between the front surface and the rear surface; and a sound-absorbing material which is housed in the gap of the main body; the front surface of the main body is formed with vertically-oriented alternate protrusions and recesses and is formed with a plurality of sound-absorbing holes.

[0009] Document KR1008 18025 (Bl) relates to a structure with soundabsorbing panels; a plurality of soundproofing sheets are stacked and connected to form a soundproof wall; a sound-absorbing material is filled between the front and rear plates to absorb the surrounding noise to have a sound-absorbing effect. Document K 101389116 (Bl) relates to a group of soundproofing panels of the sound-absorbing type, wherein the sound-absorbing body comprises an opening and a sound-absorbing portion; the opening is obtained in the front part at a noise-generating source; the soundabsorbing portion is arranged through the opening; the soundabsorbing portion has a sound-absorbing hole and a rear portion.

[0010] Document WO20 10 / 092606 (Al) relates to a sound barrier comprising a bearing frame and a plurality of sound-absorbing panels, overlapped and arranged toward a noise source when used to protect an area in general. Each panel comprises a rectangular sectional sound-absorbing box-like element, so as to be filled with sound-absorbent material.

[0011] Document GB2269842 (A) relates to an elongated sound-absorbing element for traffic noise barriers, having a resonant cavity with an impermeable upper surface wall extending downwardly and outwardly and with a perforated lower surface wall extending outwardly; a layer of sound absorbent material is disposed within the cavity overlying the lower surface wall.

[0012] Document US4095669 (A) relates to a sound-absorbing panel for use in the construction of barriers of variable height; each panel is made of parallel, hollow, triangular-shaped chambers, equally spaced apart and mounted on the panels; there is a slot along each longitudinal side of the triangular-shaped chambers.

[0013] Further solutions for sound-absorbing or sound-insulating or noisereducing systems according to the prior art are described in documents KR101889426 (Bl), KR100982745 (Bl), KR20070009808 (A),

[0014] KR101824209 (Bl), JP2005506478 (A).

[0015] Document US2012 / 067665 (Al) relates to a sound-absorbing noise barrier comprising: a main body which has a front surface and a rear surface and extends horizontally and in which a space is formed between the front surface and the rear surface; and a sound-absorbing material which is accommodated in the space of the main body and is disposed at a distance away from the front surface and the rear surface respectively, wherein the front surface of the main body is formed with vertically oriented alternating projections and recesses.

[0016] Document KR2005 / 01 17512 (A) relates to a sound-absorbing soundproofing plate structure, which includes a rectangular outer frame, one or more soundproofing members mounted on the lower part of the outer frame, and a structure located on top of the soundproofing member and mounted on the outer frame and having transparency; the soundproofing member includes a coupling portion mounted on a receiving portion formed in the lower portion of the outer frame.

[0017] Document KR 100634348 (Bl) relates to a soundproof wall and a construction method thereof; the soundproof wall includes a base part, a support part having plural base plates fixed on the base part with anchor bolts, a prop part formed by assembling an H-beam with the base plate, a soundproof panel part formed by stacking plural soundproof panels with sound absorbing holes between the H-beams by spring clips.

[0018] However, the known sound-absorbing or sound-insulating or noisereducing solutions are not fully effective in acoustically attenuating noise.

[0019] Summary of the invention

[0020] An object of the present invention is to overcome the prior art drawbacks.

[0021] A particular object of the present invention is to attenuate an acoustic field which propagates between two environments (i.e., to provide an effective “sound insulation”) in a more effective manner.

[0022] A particular object of the present invention is to attenuate a noise directed against a planar element (i.e., to provide an effective “sound absorption”) in a more effective manner.

[0023] A further particular object of the present invention is to provide a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus which has a more rational and effective construction.

[0024] These and other objects are achieved by a sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus as apparent from the features of the attached claims, which form an integral part of the present description.

[0025] An idea underlying the present invention is to provide a soundabsorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus comprising a plurality of modules juxtaposed in a wall.

[0026] At least one module of the plurality of modules comprises: a planar element defining a development plane.

[0027] The module comprises a plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements arranged horizontally and mutually parallel and configured to absorb a sound emission. The plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements is arranged on a sound dissipation side of the at least one module.

[0028] The module comprises at least two reinforcing linear elements arranged horizontally and mutually parallel and configured to structurally support the planar element.

[0029] The module comprises at least two side plate supports constrained to first ends of the sound-absorbing linear elements and to second ends of the at least two reinforcing linear elements, respectively.

[0030] The at least two side plate supports are configured to support the sound-absorbing linear elements on the sound dissipation side of the at least one module and are further configured to support the planar element.

[0031] One or more of the sound-absorbing linear elements comprises a first box-like body defining a first inner cavity and having a first plurality of openings communicating between an enclosed volume of the first inner cavity and an external environment, so as to constitute at least one first acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against the sound dissipation side.

[0032] Advantageously, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus allows attenuating an acoustic field or a noise directed against the planar element and the sound-absorbing linear elements more effectively.

[0033] Advantageously, the good sound absorption performance is combined by sound-absorbing linear elements that develop in front of the planar element, which can be transparent, thus allowing the passage of light and the vision through the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus.

[0034] Advantageously, the at least two reinforcing linear elements in combinations with the at least two side plate supports allow forming a module having rational and effective construction.

[0035] Advantageously, it is possible to effectively intervene on the structure of the modules that make up the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus, so as to optimize the sound reduction frequencies conferred.

[0036] Advantageously, it is possible to introduce further sound dissipation effects in the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus according to what will be further described.

[0037] Preferably, on a cross sectional profile of the sound-absorbing linear elements, the first box-like body has a rectangular section profile with a width development that is greater than the height development, thus forming thin sound-absorbing linear elements that are arranged perpendicularly to the development plane. Advantageously, this configuration allows defining the first acoustic resonator with better sound-absorption capabilities in the frequencies of interest of noises directed against the sound dissipation side.

[0038] Preferably, the first plurality of openings is exclusively positioned on an underside of the first box-like body, arranged along the direction perpendicular to the development plane. Advantageously, this configuration allows defining the first acoustic resonator with better sound-absorption capabilities in the frequencies of interest of noises directed against the sound dissipation side.

[0039] Preferably, an upper side of the first box-like body is impervious and the sound-absorbing linear elements of each module are arranged at least on a top thereof and on a bottom part thereof, so as to form a resonant cavity between sound-absorbing linear elements in adjacent modules juxtaposed in a wall. Advantageously, this configuration allows defining the modular apparatus with better sound-absorption capabilities in the medium-low frequencies of noises directed against the sound dissipation side.

[0040] Preferably, the sound-absorbing linear elements comprise a second boxlike body defining at least one second inner cavity, which constitutes at least one second acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against the sound dissipation side. Advantageously, this configuration allows further attenuating an acoustic field or noise directed against the planar element and sound-absorbing linear elements.

[0041] Preferably, the at least two side plate supports comprise respective cutout profiles with rounded end, interposed between the ends of the sound-absorbing linear elements and the ends of the at least two reinforcing linear elements. In this way it is possible to improve the resistance of the module to dynamic stress, thus reducing the risk of fatigue damage to the structure.

[0042] Preferably, the first and / or the second box-like body comprises therein fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material placed to at least partially occupy the inner cavity. In this way, advantageously, it is possible to increase the dissipation capabilities of the sound-absorbing and soundinsulating modular apparatus.

[0043] Further features and advantages will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred non-limiting embodiments of the present invention and from the dependent claims which outline preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0044] Brief description of the drawings

[0045] The invention is illustrated with reference to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of sound-absorbing and soundinsulating modular apparatus.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates a module of the apparatus of Figure 1.

[0048] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the module of Figure 2.

[0049] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional side view of the module of Figures 2 and 3.

[0050] Figure 5 illustrates a sectional side view corresponding to Figure 4 of a module according to a further embodiment.

[0051] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional side view of modules corresponding to Figure 4, juxtaposed in a wall.

[0052] Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a module according to a further embodiment.

[0053] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional side view of a module yet according to a still further embodiment.

[0054] In the several figures, analogous elements will be identified by analogous reference numbers. Moreover, in the figures, if there is a plurality of elements which are analogous to each other, only one (or only some) of them will be indicated by a reference number for greater clarity; the other analogous elements, although not indicated by a suitable reference number, are to be intended as included by analogy.

[0055] Detailed description

[0056] Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of sound-absorbing and soundinsulating modular apparatus 10.

[0057] The sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus 10 comprises a plurality of modules 100 juxtaposed to form a wall. Further modules 100 could be side by side to each other, in order to constitute a modular apparatus having greater length.

[0058] In general, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus 10 represents a barrier with a high sound absorption and sound insulation function, intended for applications in the civil (infrastructure and building) and industrial construction fields.

[0059] In the example, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus 100 is used as a dividing element between two environments, for instance between a highway or railway line and buildings, to limit the propagation of the acoustic wave from one side to the other and simultaneously to absorb a portion of acoustic energy in a sound dissipation side, as it will be further described.

[0060] In other examples, sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses 100 may be used as covering on the walls of a room, for instance of an industrial space, in order to absorb the sound and reduce its reverberation, thus increasing the quality of the sound in the environment itself. In this case, the sound dissipation side is arranged toward the inside of the environment to be treated.

[0061] Figure 2 illustrates a module 100 of the sound-absorbing and sound- insulating modular apparatus 10 in greater detail. Preferably, but not limitedly, all of the modules 100 of the sound-absorbing and soundinsulating modular apparatus 10 are equal to each other.

[0062] The module 100 comprises a planar element 200 defining a development plane. The planar element 200 defines the development plane of the solution, and in itself is responsible for the absorption of low frequency sound and acoustic isolation, taking advantage of a global plate resonance mechanism for the entire sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus 100.

[0063] The module 100 comprises a plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements 300 arranged horizontally and mutually parallel and configured to absorb a sound emission. The plurality of soundabsorbing linear elements 300, elongated in shape, is preferably positioned mutually parallel and spaced on the sound dissipation side of the planar element 200. The linear elements 300, as it will be further described, confer sound absorption properties at medium-high frequencies to the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus 100, in particular thanks to acoustic resonance mechanisms, and optionally mechanical resonance properties in some embodiments which will be described.

[0064] The module 100 comprises at least two reinforcing linear elements 400 (not visible in Figure 2), which will be further described.

[0065] The module 100 comprises at least two side plate supports 500 respectively constrained to the ends of the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 and, as it will be described, at the ends of the at least two reinforcing linear elements 400. Preferably, the module 100 further comprises at least one reinforcement bracket, in this case two reinforcement brackets 501, which are in an intermediate position with respect to the at least two side plate supports 500. The reinforcement brackets 501 are configured to mechanically connect the plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements 300, as it will be further visible. Preferably, the side plate supports 500 comprise profiles, in particular C-shaped profiles, for containing and housing the planar element 200.

[0066] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of the module 100 in which one of the at least two side plate supports 500 is visible. The side plate supports 500 are respectively constrained to the ends of the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 and of the at least two reinforcing linear elements 400. In particular, the side plate supports are configured to support the soundabsorbing linear elements 300 on a sound dissipation side of the module 100, as well as further configured to house and support the planar element 200. Preferably, the side plate supports 500 are constrained to the further elements by means of screws, for instance self-drilling screws, preferably according to an embodiment that will be hereinafter described.

[0067] Therefore, the side plate supports 500 have a structural function to create, along with the reinforcing linear elements 400 that will be further described, the frame that gives the module 100 mechanical resistance and that supports the planar element 200.

[0068] In a preferred version, the side plate supports 500 are ‘wavy’ in shape in order to house the connection points with the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 and the at least two reinforcing linear elements 400, without using an unused substantial surface area.

[0069] Moreover, preferably, the side plate supports 500 further comprise respective support profiles 502, for instance C-shaped, configured to juxtapose in a wall the at least one module 100 to a pole support of the modular apparatus 10 (herein not represented).

[0070] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional side view of the module 100. The planar element 200 defines a development plane, which is transversal to the image of Figure 4. The planar element 200 is configured for low- frequency sound absorption and acoustic insulation thanks to a plate resonance mechanism. In embodiments, the planar element 200 is made from a non-permeable material such as plastic, metal, plastic or glass. In a preferred embodiment, the planar element 200 is at least partially transparent to visible light, preferably comprising polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Preferably, the planar element 200 has a thickness comprised between 0, 1 mm and 15 mm.

[0071] The plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements 300 are arranged horizontally and mutually parallel and are configured to provide a sound-absorption and sound-dissipation function in the medium-high frequency range by means of acoustic resonance mechanisms.

[0072] The at least two reinforcing linear elements 400 are arranged horizontally and mutually parallel and are configured to structurally support the planar element 200. In particular, the reinforcing linear elements 400 have a structural function to give the module 100 a high resistance to horizontal loads (e.g. wind or overpressure from passing trains) and vertical loads (own weight). In a preferred version, said reinforcing linear elements 400 are made by extruding of metal material, aluminum or steel.

[0073] As already described, the side plate supports 500 are constrained to the ends of the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 and of the reinforcing linear elements 400, respectively. The side plate supports 50 are thus arranged orthogonally to the development plane.

[0074] In particular, the ends of the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 comprise a first plurality of longitudinal holes 310 (just one is indicated by a reference number in the figure, for better readability). The longitudinal holes 310 are configured to receive first fixing screws to the at least two side plate supports 500 and 500b.

[0075] Moreover, the ends of the reinforcing linear elements 400 comprise a second plurality of longitudinal holes 410 (just one is indicated by a reference number in the figure, for better readability). The longitudinal holes 410 are configured to receive second fixing screws to the at least two side plate supports 500 and 500b.

[0076] The first fixing screws and the second fixing screws thus perpendicularly cross the at least two side plate supports 500 and 500b, so as to constrain the ends of the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 and of the reinforcing linear elements 400, respectively.

[0077] At least one, or as in the example of the module 100, multiple soundabsorbing linear elements 300 comprise a first box-like body 301 defining a first inner cavity 302.

[0078] The first box-like body 301 has a first plurality of openings 303 communicating between an enclosed volume of the first inner cavity 302 and an external environment, so as to constitute a respective at least one first acoustic resonator, adapted to absorb a sound emission directed against the sound dissipation side of the apparatus 10.

[0079] On a cross sectional profile of the sound-absorbing linear elements 300, such as the one represented in Figure 4 and following, the first box-like body 301 has a rectangular section profile. The rectangular profile of the first box-like body 301 has: a width development along a direction perpendicular to the development plane of the planar element 200 (thus, horizontal in Figure 4); and a height development along a direction parallel to the development plane of the planar element 200 (thus, vertical in Figure 4). Preferably, the width development of the first box-like body 301 is greater than its height development. This creates sound-absorbing linear elements with first box-like body 301 which are thin and arranged perpendicularly to the development plane of the planar element 200. Advantageously, this configuration allows defining a first acoustic resonator of the first box-like body 301 that has better sound-absorption capabilities in the frequencies of interest, to attenuate noises directed against the sound dissipation side of the apparatus 10.

[0080] As mentioned, in these embodiments, the first box-like body 301 has the cross sectional profile that is substantially rectangular-shaped. In other embodiments, not represented, the first box-like body 301 could have even different sectional profiles.

[0081] Preferably, the first plurality of openings 303 is exclusively positioned on an underside of the first box-like body 301, where said underside is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the development plane of the planar element 200 (thus, horizontal in Figure 4), and where the side is defined as ‘lower’ in connection to the upright configuration under the operating conditions of the apparatus 100. Indeed, among other things, arranging the openings 303 exclusively on the underside of the first box-like body 301 allows preventing the infiltration by gravity of rainwater, or the accumulation of environmental debris.

[0082] In a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment, the first plurality of openings 303 comprises elongated slits that develop along the first boxlike body 301, i.e. parallel to the planar element 200. Each opening of the first plurality of openings 303 thus extends substantially along the dimension of the sound-absorbing profile of the sound-absorbing linear elements 300, and generally each opening may have different shapes in the plane orthogonal to the development plane.

[0083] Preferably, at least one or, as in the example, more of the soundabsorbing linear elements 300 further comprises a second box-like body 311 defining at least one second inner cavity 312, in this example one or two inner cavities. The second box-like body 311 has at least one second plurality of openings 313 communicating between an enclosed volume of the at least one second inner cavity 312 and an external environment, so as to constitute at least one second acoustic resonator to absorb the sound emission directed against the sound dissipation side of the apparatus 100.

[0084] In other words, the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 may comprise a plurality of cavities 302 and 312 inside their volume, with respective openings 303 and 313, which put them in communication with the external environment, thus constituting a plurality of acoustic resonators. Looking at the sectional profile, for instance the one represented in Figure 4, said cavities 302 and 312 are separated by partitions / walls inscribed inside the external walls of the section of the sound-absorbing linear elements 300.

[0085] Preferably, the second plurality of openings 313 is positioned on an underside and / or front side of the second box-like body 311, where the underside is arranged along a direction perpendicular to the development plane (horizontal in Figure 4), and where the front side is arranged along a direction parallel to the development plane (vertical in Figure 4). In particular, preferably, the second plurality of openings 313 is arranged frontally at the box-like bodies 311 on the end of the soundabsorbing linear elements 300, so as to intercept and absorb noise directed against the sound dissipation side.

[0086] In a preferred, but not limiting, embodiment, the second plurality of openings 313 comprises a plurality of holes and / or grid elements.

[0087] Figure 5 illustrates a sectional side view corresponding to Figure 4 of a module 101’ according to a further embodiment.

[0088] The module 101’ comprises the features already described in connection with the module 100.

[0089] Moreover, in the module 101’, the first box-like body 301 and / or the second box-like body 311 further comprises fibrous or porous soundabsorbing material placed to occupy at least partially the inner cavity 302 and / or 312.

[0090] The fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material may be for instance rock wool, mineral wool, glass wool, polyester, polyurethane, etc. Said fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material allows increasing the high frequency acoustic absorption performances of each single linear sound-absorbing element 300 and thus of the entire sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus 100. In possible variants, the fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material may be placed to occupy at least partially, i.e. partially or entirely, the at least one inner cavity 302 and / or 312.

[0091] The sound-absorbing material allows increasing the high frequency sound absorption performances; even in the module 101’ each cavity 302 and / or 312 is in communication, at least in one point, with an external environment by means of the openings 303 and / or 313.

[0092] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional side view of modules 100’, mutually juxtaposed to form a section of wall of the apparatus 10.

[0093] Preferably, the upper side of the first box-like body 301 is impervious, and more preferably even the upper side of the second box-like body 311 is impervious. The term “impervious” means devoid of substantial openings, for instance devoid of the openings 303 or 313.

[0094] Moreover, preferably, the plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements 300 are arranged at least on a top 30A and on a lower part 30B of each respective module 100’.

[0095] This configuration forms a further resonant cavity 31 provided between the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 in the adjacent modules 100’. Indeed, the channel defined between the box-like elements 300 at the interface of the adjacent modules 100’ allows the modular creation of an overlap of multiple functional ‘sub-elements’, which make up a further acoustic element.

[0096] Arranging these modules 100’ side by side to each other preferably creates a resonant cavity 31 having length comprised between 1 mm and 10 mm, preferably comprised between 8 mm and 12 mm, defined by the interspace between the sound-absorbing linear elements 300 of adjacent modules 100’. The resonant cavity 31 is adapted to provide an absorption contribution at medium-low frequency (100-500 Hz) which adds to the absorption produced by the membrane mechanism of the planar element 200. Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a module 100b according to a further embodiment.

[0097] In the module 100b, the at least two side plate supports 500b comprise respective cut-out profiles 503b with rounded end. The cut-out profiles 503b, in particular, are interposed between the ends of the soundabsorbing linear elements 300 and the ends of the at least two reinforcing linear elements 200, as one can imagine from the arrangement of the fixing screws represented in Figure 7 (not indicated by reference number for greater intelligibility) .

[0098] The cut-out profiles 503b allow improving the resistance to dynamic stresses of the module 100b, thus reducing the risks of fatigue damage to the structure of the unit 10. Indeed, the cut-out profiles 503b allow a structural decoupling between reinforcing linear elements 200 and sound-absorbing linear elements 300, thus ensuring a better resistance to fatigue and loads of the entire system.

[0099] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional side view of a module 100c according to a still further embodiment.

[0100] The module 100c comprises a planar element 200, at least two reinforcing linear elements 400, at least two side plate supports 500b analogous to what has been described.

[0101] Moreover, the module 100c comprises a plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements 300 configured to absorb a sound emission, which comprise a different number of box-like bodies 301 and 311.

[0102] Though with a different number and configurations of box-like linear bodies 300, they also define inner cavity and openings communicating between an enclosed volume and an external environment, so as to constitute respective acoustic resonators (at least one of them) to absorb a sound emission directed against the sound dissipation side of the apparatus 10. Industrial applicability

[0103] The sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus of the present invention is adapted to perform a function of high sound absorption and sound insulation, in various technical applications, particularly in the field of civil (infrastructure or building), naval, aeronautical and industrial constructions.

[0104] Advantageously, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus of the present invention allows effectively attenuating a sound emission or a noise.

[0105] The planar element which forms a part of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus represents a sound-absorption contribution at low-frequency, thanks to the plate resonance effect thereof. Moreover, the planar element represents a sound-insulation contribution, thanks to the surface mass of the panel material and always thanks to the plate resonance effect.

[0106] The sound-absorbing linear elements which are part of the soundabsorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus in turn represent a contribution of sound absorption at medium-high frequencies, thanks to the acoustic resonance generated by the opening- internal cavity system. In particular, the resonant frequency of the system is defined by the dimensions of the at least one opening in the cross section of the profile, by the number of inner cavities and by the dimensions of the inner cavities.

[0107] The structure of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus of the present invention with reinforcing linear elements and side plate supports allows forming different versions of the module with mechanical resistance and an incremental absorption degree based on the needs of the project, in terms of noise contrast and structural features.

[0108] Taking into consideration the description herein provided, the person skilled in the art may devise further modifications and variants, in order to meet contingent and specific needs.

[0109] In particular, it is clear that, in the absence of technical incompatibilities which are apparent to the person skilled in the art, the configurations of specific elements described with reference to some exemplifying figures might be used in combination with other elements described in connection with other exemplifying figures of other embodiments herein described.

[0110] Therefore, the embodiments herein described are intended as non- limiting examples of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating modular apparatus (10) comprising a plurality of modules ( 100) juxtaposed in a wall, wherein at least one module (100) of said plurality of modules comprises:- a planar element (200) defining a development plane;- a plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements (300) arranged horizontally and mutually parallel on a sound dissipation side of said at least one module (100), and configured to absorb a sound emission;- at least two reinforcing linear elements (400) arranged horizontally and mutually parallel, and configured to structurally support said planar element (200);- at least two side plate supports (500; 500b) constrained to first ends of said sound-absorbing linear elements (300) and to second ends of said at least two reinforcing linear elements (400), respectively, said at least two side plate supports (500; 500b) being configured to support said sound-absorbing linear elements (300) on said sound dissipation side of said at least one module (100), and further configured to support said planar element (200); wherein one or more of said sound-absorbing linear elements (300) comprises a first box-like body (301) defining a first inner cavity (302) and having a first plurality of openings (303) communicating between an enclosed volume of said first inner cavity (302) and an external environment, so as to constitute at least one first acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against said sound dissipation side.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, on a cross section profile of said sound-absorbing linear elements (300), said first box-like body (301) has a rectangular section profile with a width development along a direction perpendicular to said development plane and a height development along a direction parallel to said development plane, saidwidth development being greater than said height development.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first plurality of openings (303) is exclusively positioned on an underside of said first box-like body (301), said underside being arranged along said direction perpendicular to said development plane.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein an upper side of said first box-like body (301) is impervious, and wherein said plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements (300) are arranged at least on a top (30A) and on a bottom part (30B) of said at least one module (100), so as to form a resonant cavity (31) between sound-absorbing linear elements (300) in adjacent modules (100) of said plurality of modules juxtaposed in a wall.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said at least two side plate supports (500; 500b) are configured to support said soundabsorbing linear elements (300) defining a gap comprised between 5 mm and 20 mm for said resonant cavity (31), preferably defining a gap comprised between 8 mm and 12 mm for said resonant cavity (31).

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first plurality of openings (303) comprises elongated slits developing along said first box-like body (301) parallel to said planar element (200).

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said first box-like body (301) further comprises fibrous or porous soundabsorbing material placed to occupy said at least one first inner cavity (302) at least partially.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein one or more of said sound-absorbing linear elements (300) further comprises a second box-like body (311) defining at least one second inner cavity (312), having at least one second plurality of openings (313) communicating between an enclosed volume of said at least one second inner cavity (312) and an external environment, so as to constitute atleast one second acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against said sound dissipation side.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said at least one second plurality of openings (313) is placed on an underside and / or front side of said second box-like body (311), said underside being arranged along a direction perpendicular to said development plane, said front side being arranged along a direction parallel to said development plane.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, said module further comprising at least one reinforcing bracket (501) intermediate with respect to said at least two side plate supports (500; 500b) and configured to mechanically connect said plurality of sound-absorbing linear elements (300).

11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said first ends of said sound-absorbing linear elements (300) comprise a first plurality of longitudinal holes (310) configured to receive first fixing screws to said at least two side plate supports (500; 500b), and wherein said second ends of said reinforcing linear elements (400) comprise a second plurality of longitudinal holes (410) configured to receive second fixing screws to said at least two side plate supports (500; 500b), said first fixing screws and said second fixing screws perpendicularly crossing said at least two side plate supports (500; 500b).

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said at least two side plate supports (500b) further comprise respective support profiles (502) configured to juxtapose in a wall said at least one module (100) to a pole support of said apparatus (10).

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said at least two side plate supports (500b) comprise respective cut-out profiles (503b) with rounded end, said cut-out profiles (503b) being interposed between said first ends of said sound-absorbing linear elements (300) and said second ends of said at least two reinforcing linear elements(400).

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said at least two side plate supports (500) comprise profiles, in particular C- shaped profiles, configured for containing and housing said planar element (200).

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said planar element (200) is at least partially transparent to visible light, preferably comprising polymethyl methacrylate.

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