Fixing device for parts with sound-dampening properties

Abstract

Fastening Device for Parts with Sound-Dampening Properties. The present invention relates to a fastening device (1), particularly for a three-dimensional part-shaped body made of cellular or fibrous material, especially of the panel type made of layers of fibers or foam, comprising a lower anchoring portion (3), an upper hooking portion (4), and an intermediate connecting portion (5) defining a longitudinal axis (AL) and connecting the two aforementioned portions (3 and 4). Device (1) characterized in that the three portions (3, 4, and 5) are formed as a single piece and constitute together from a single continuous length of wire (6), in that the anchoring portion (3) comprises two mutually opposed and coplanar notches (7 and 7'), and in that the intermediate portion (5) is formed from two strands of wire (8 and 8'), each terminating in a hook (7, 7'). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Fixing device for parts having sound attenuating properties

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of fixing light surface structures by suspension, in particular products in the form of parts (in particular three-dimensional) having sound absorption or attenuation properties, in particular made of cellular or fibrous material and more particularly in the form of panels or plates. Its subject is a fixing device for this type of part, a method for installing at least one part of this type, in particular a baffle or island, and an acoustic absorption or attenuation system comprising at least one baffle or island.

[0002] Parts having sound absorption or attenuation properties mainly include two categories: "baffles" and "islands". Acoustic baffles, or panel-type products of similar shape and construction, are generally formed of foam or fibrous material arranged in superimposed layers. Acoustic islands are generally formed of similar materials, but have more varied shapes.

[0003] It is of course possible to equip these panels with a supporting frame or a rigid structure of the baguette type on one side, but these solutions are expensive and tedious to implement if dimensional adaptation is required on site.

[0004] For their hanging by suspension, fixing devices can be put in place by insertion in their upper edge, in a number and position suitable for the size and weight of the baffle concerned.

[0005] Currently, known fixing devices of this type, and implemented for acoustic structures of the “island” type, consist of screws or spiral screws. But they are not satisfactory, particularly when the material is fibrous.

[0006] Furthermore, particularly in the case of baffles formed by superimposing layers of fibrous material (non-woven thermoplastic material, polyester wool for example) or layers of foam, the introduction of this type of device into the edge results in delamination of the panel and insufficient or faulty adhesion over time.

[0007] The present invention aims to propose a fixing device making it possible to overcome these limitations.

[0008] For this purpose, it relates to a fixing device, in particular for a body in the form of a three-dimensional part made of cellular or fibrous material, in particular panel type made up of layers of fibers or foam, comprising a lower anchoring part, an upper attachment part and an intermediate connecting part defining a longitudinal axis and connecting the two aforementioned parts,

[0009] device characterized in that the three parts are formed from a single piece and together consist of a single continuous portion of wire, in that the anchoring part comprises two mutually opposite and coplanar hooks and in that the intermediate part is formed from two strands of wire each ending in a hook.

[0010] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given as non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the appended schematic drawings, in which:

[0011] [Fig.l], [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] are elevation views in a direction perpendicular to the plane of their hooks of four different embodiments of a fixing device according to the invention;

[0012] [Fig.lA] is a side elevational view, along the plane of the hooks, of the device of [Fig.l];

[0013] [Fig.5] represents a baffle provided with fixing devices according to one of figures 1 to 4, attached to a supporting structure and forming part of an acoustic absorption or attenuation system comprising at least one baffle, preferably several;

[0014] [Fig.6] is a detail view on another scale of a site for hanging the baffle of [Fig.5];

[0015] [Fig.7] is a partial detailed and sectional view along a plane perpendicular to the median plane of the baffle of [Fig.5], at the level of an implantation site of a fixing device according to one of figures 1 to 4.

[0016] Figures 1 to 4 and 7 illustrate by way of example a fixing device (1), in particular for a body (2) in the form of a three-dimensional part made of cellular or fibrous material, in particular of the panel type made of layers of fibers or foam, comprising a lower anchoring part (3), an upper attachment part (4) and an intermediate connecting part (5) defining a longitudinal axis (AL) and connecting the two aforementioned parts (3 and 4) together.

[0017] According to the invention, the three parts (3, 4 and 5) are formed in one piece and together consist of a single continuous portion of wire (6). In addition, the anchoring part (3) comprises two mutually opposite and coplanar hooks (7 and 7') and the intermediate part (5) is formed of two strands of wire (8 and 8') each ending in a hook (7, 7').

[0018] Thanks to the aforementioned provisions, the invention makes it possible to provide a simple, inexpensive, easy-to-manufacture, strong and perfectly adapted fixing device for securing by symmetrical and deep attachment in the material constituting the panel (2). In particular in the case of a panel (2) formed of layers and subject to delamination, the fixing device (1) once installed in its final position and orientation in the panel ([Fig.7]) helps to limit or even avoid this phenomenon.

[0019] Although the invention is described herein more particularly in relation to the fixing of baffles, those skilled in the art will understand that the fixing device (1) is also entirely suitable for the fixing of three-dimensional parts of the “island” type, made from the same materials, into which said device can be introduced, if necessary after making a notch.

[0020] Preferably, and with a view to secure suspension, the upper attachment part (4) consists of a curved wire part, for example shaped into a loop, connecting the two strands (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5), the upper attachment part (4) being located in the same plane (P) as the two hooks (7, 7').

[0021] The loop (4) may, if necessary, have more than one turn of wire (more rigid and more resistant structure).

[0022] By making the hooks and the loop coplanar, the bulk is significantly reduced and the orientation of the loop indicates the orientation of the hooks (useful when the latter are driven into the panel). This advantageously results in a part in the form of a double hook, symmetrical with respect to the axis (AL), with a flat and plane structure.

[0023] In accordance with a first embodiment, shown in Figures 1 to 3, the two strands of wire (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) extend, substantially parallel, side by side over at least a fraction of the length (L) of this intermediate part (5), preferably from the hooking part (4), or possibly even substantially over the entire length, the upper hooking part (4) being located in the same plane (P) as the two hooks (7, 7'). This results in manufacturing by simple forming and bending, and in an intermediate part of small section, not disturbing the material during introduction and rotation in the panel, but nevertheless having high tensile strength.

[0024] According to a first constructive variant of the first embodiment, emerging from [Fig. 2], it may be provided that the two strands of wire (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) move away from each other in the direction of the hooks (7, 7'), the two strands (8 and 8') being substantially parallel to each other and possibly held mutually close or joined, over a fraction of the length (L) of the intermediate part (5) adjoining the hooking part (4), by means of a ring or a ring (9), for example formed by a portion of wound wire.

[0025] According to a second constructive variant of the first embodiment, emerging from figures 1 and 3, it can be provided that the two strands of wire (8 and 8') are mutually parallel and in contact with each other over the entire length (L) of the intermediate part (5), possibly being mutually secured by at least one welding point (10), a ring (9) or a portion of wound wire.

[0026] In accordance with a second embodiment, shown in [Fig. 4], the two strands of wire (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) are braided together with each other over at least part of the length (L) of said part, if necessary over the entire length (L). This second alternative mode also results in simple manufacture, and in a product with high tensile strength and a small section at the intermediate part.

[0027] It can be noted that the two embodiments allow manufacturing processes that are easily industrializable and efficient in terms of production.

[0028] According to a preferred practical construction, with a good hooking length, and as shown in particular in figures 1 and 2, the two coplanar and mutually opposite hooks (7, 7') are constituted by end segments of the wire portion (6), inclined by approximately 30° to 60°, preferably by approximately 45°, relative to the longitudinal axis (AL) and / or relative to the respective strands (8, 8') of the intermediate part (5) and having a length of approximately 10 mm.

[0029] Alternatively, they can also have a curved shape over their entire length (figures 3 and 4).

[0030] These hook shapes contribute to maintaining the structural cohesion of the panel at the site of installation of a fixing device, in particular under the effect of the weight of said panel (the material is stressed in the direction of the intermediate part of the device).

[0031] To have a device that is mechanically strong, easy to manufacture and sufficiently rigid to allow rotation of the device, and in particular of the hooks, in the material of the panel, the portion of wire advantageously consists of a stainless steel wire, for example of the Inox 302 type, with a diameter of approximately between 1.5 and 3 mm, preferably approximately 2 mm.

[0032] The fixing device (1) having the above practical construction arrangements can support a load of 80 N to at least 200 N, depending on the orientation, type and density of the fibers constituting the panel concerned. And, it is more particularly suitable for panels (2) formed of multiple superimposed layers of polyester wool or mineral wool, with a thickness greater than 35 mm in particular.

[0033] The invention also relates, as partially shown in Figures 5 to 7, to an acoustic absorption or attenuation system comprising at least one three-dimensional part made of cellular or fibrous material, in particular of the baffle type (2) in the form of a panel, attached by vertical suspension to a supporting structure (11), said or each baffle (2) being provided, at the edge (12) of one of its sides, of at least two fixing devices to which are attached ropes or cables (13) connected to the supporting structure (11).

[0034] This system is characterized in that the aforementioned fixing devices are fixing devices (1) as described above, the hooks (7, 7') of which are oriented perpendicular to the median plane (PM) of the baffle panel (10).

[0035] Finally, the invention also relates to a method of installing an acoustic baffle (2), in the form of a foam or fibrous material panel, by suspension with attachment to a supporting structure (11) by means of fixing devices mounted in the edge (12) of one side of the baffle panel (2), method characterized in that it consists of using at least two fixing devices (1) as described above.

[0036] Advantageously, the method consists in introducing each fixing device (1) into the baffle panel (2) in question by positioning it in such a way that the plane (P) containing the hooks (7 and 7') is substantially coincident with the median plane (PM) of said panel, and, when the insertion depth is reached, in turning the fixing device (1) concerned by 90° around the longitudinal axis (AL) of the intermediate part (5). Thus, the hooks are anchored in the mass of foam or fibers, with a perpendicular orientation of these with respect to the median plane of the panel, an orientation which can be controlled by that of the hooking part.

[0037] In particular when the material of the panel is relatively dense, provision may be made, to facilitate introduction, to make incisions, in the form of slots positioned in the median plane (PM), in the edge (12) of the baffle panel (2), then to introduce the fixing devices (1) into these slots.

[0038] The fixing device (1) according to the invention has been described more specifically in relation to the fixing of baffles, but it can obviously also be used for the fixing of other three-dimensional parts intended to be part of an acoustic absorption or attenuation system, in particular islands, which have different shapes from a panel and are not necessarily formed of fibrous materials in superimposed layers (while allowing rotation of the device relative to the plane of the slot-shaped incision allowing its introduction into the part concerned). It will then be possible in particular to implement only one type of fixing device on site.

[0039] Furthermore, the fibrous material may possibly have increased structural coherence (compared to the rest of the panel, for example an increased or additional bond between fibers) at the surface of the edge of the panels intended to receive the fixing devices (1).

[0040] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the attached drawings. Modifications remain possible, in particular of the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Claims

1. Fixing device (1), in particular for a body (2) in the form of a three-dimensional part made of cellular or fibrous material, in particular of the panel type made of layers of fibers or foam, comprising a lower anchoring part (3), an upper hooking part (4) and an intermediate connecting part (5) defining a longitudinal axis (AL) and connecting the two aforementioned parts (3 and 4), device (1) characterized in that the three parts (3, 4 and 5) are formed in a single piece and together constituted by a single continuous portion of wire (6), in that the anchoring part (3) comprises two mutually opposite and coplanar hooks (7 and 7') and in that the intermediate part (5) is formed by two strands of wire (8 and 8') each ending in a hook (7, 7').

2. Fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper hooking part (4) consists of a curved wire part, for example shaped into a loop, connecting the two strands (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5), the upper hooking part (4) being located in the same plane (P) as the two hooks (7, 7').

3. Fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two strands of wire (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) extend, substantially parallel, side by side over at least a fraction of the length (L) of this intermediate part (5), preferably from the hooking part (4), or possibly even substantially over the entirety of this length, the upper hooking part (4) being located in the same plane (P) as the two hooks (7, 7').

4. Fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two strands of wire (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) move away from each other in the direction of the hooks (7, 7'), the two strands (8 and 8') being substantially parallel to each other and possibly held mutually close or joined, over a fraction of the length (L) of the intermediate part (5) adjoining the hooking part (4), by means of a ring or a ring (9), for example formed by a portion of wound wire.

5. Fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the two strands of wire (8 and 8') are mutually parallel and in contact with each other over the entire length (L) of the intermediate part (5), possibly being mutually secured by at least one welding point (10), a ring (9) or a portion of wound wire.

6. Fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two strands of wire (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) are braided together around each other over at least part of the length (L) of said part, if necessary over the entire length (L).

7. Fastening device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two coplanar and mutually opposite hooks (7, 7') are constituted by end segments of the wire portion (6), inclined by approximately 30° to 60°, preferably by approximately 45°, relative to the longitudinal axis (AL) and / or relative to the respective strands (8, 8') of the intermediate part (5) and having a length of approximately 10 mm.

8. Fixing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the wire portion (6) consists of a stainless steel wire, for example of the Inox 302 type, with a diameter of approximately between 1.5 and 3 mm, preferably approximately 2 mm.

9. Sound absorption or attenuation system comprising at least one three-dimensional piece of cellular or fibrous material, in particular of the baffle type (2) in the form of a panel, attached by vertical suspension to a supporting structure (11), said or each baffle (2) being provided, at the edge (12) of one of its sides, with at least two fixing devices to which are attached ropes or cables (13) connected to the supporting structure (11), system characterized in that the fixing devices are fixing devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the hooks (7, 7') of which are oriented perpendicular to the median plane (PM) of the baffle panel (10).

10. Method for installing an acoustic baffle (2), in the form of a foam or fibrous material panel, by suspension with attachment to a supporting structure (11) by means of fixing devices mounted in the edge (12) of one side of the baffle panel (2), method characterized in that it consists of using at least two fixing devices (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. Installation method according to claim 10, characterized in that it consists of introducing each fixing device (1) into the baffle panel (2) in question by positioning it in such a way that the plane (P) containing the hooks (7 and 7') is substantially merged with the median plane (PM) of said panel, and, when the insertion depth is reached, to turn the fixing device (1) concerned by 90° around the longitudinal axis (AL) of the intermediate part (5).

12. Method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it consists of making incisions, in the form of slots positioned in the median plane (PM), in the edge (12) of the baffle panel (2), then introducing the fixing devices (1) into these slots.

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