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 exhibiting sound attenuation properties

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

[0002] Components exhibiting sound absorption or attenuation properties fall primarily into two categories: "baffles" and "islands." Acoustic baffles, or panel-type products of similar shape and construction, are generally made of foam or fibrous material arranged in superimposed layers. Acoustic islands are generally made of similar materials but come in a wider variety of 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 costly and tedious to implement in case of need for dimensional adaptation on site.

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

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

[0006] Moreover, 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 failing adhesion over time.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a fastening device that overcomes these limitations.

[0008] To this end, it relates to a fastening device, in particular for a body in the shape of a three-dimensional part made of cellular or fibrous material, in particular of panel type consisting of layers of fibers or foam, comprising a lower anchoring part, an upper hanging part, and an intermediate connecting part defining a longitudinal axis and linking the two aforementioned parts.

[0009] device characterized in that the three parts are formed in one piece and together made of a single continuous portion of wire, in that the anchoring part comprises two mutually opposed and coplanar notches and in that the intermediate part is formed of 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 by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0011] [Fig.1], [Fig.2], [Fig.3] and [Fig.4] are elevation views along a direction perpendicular to the plane of their hooks of four different embodiments of a fastening device according to the invention;

[0012] [Fig.1A] is a lateral elevation view, along the plane of the hooks, of the device of [Fig.1];

[0013] [Fig.5] represents a baffle equipped with fastening devices according to one of the figures 1 to 4, attached to a load-bearing 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 at another scale of a baffle mounting site of the [Fig.5];

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

[0016] Figures 1 to 4 and 7 illustrate by way of example a fastening 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 type panel 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 parts (3 and 4) mentioned above together.

[0017] According to the invention, the three parts (3, 4 and 5) are formed as a single piece and together consist of a single continuous portion of wire (6). In addition, the anchoring part (3) comprises two mutually opposed and coplanar notches (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 fastening device perfectly suited for symmetrical and deep anchoring in the constituent material of 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, the person skilled in the art understands that the fixing device (1) is also perfectly suited for fixing three-dimensional pieces of the "island" type, made of the same materials, into which said device can be introduced, where appropriate after making a notch.

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

[0021] The loop (4) may, where appropriate, include more than one turn of wire (more rigid and more resistant structure).

[0022] By making the hooks and loop coplanar, the overall size is significantly reduced, and the orientation of the loop indicates the orientation of the hooks (useful when the latter are embedded in the panel). This advantageously results in a double-hook-shaped part, symmetrical about the axis (AL), with a flat, planar 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 to each other, side by side, over at least a fraction of the length (L) of this intermediate part (5), preferably from the hooking part (4), or even possibly over substantially the entire length, the upper hooking part (4) being located in the same plane (P) as the two hooks (7, 7'). This results in a manufacturing process by simple forming and bending, and in an intermediate part with a small cross-section, which does not disturb the material during insertion and rotation in the panel, but nevertheless exhibits high tensile strength.

[0024] According to a first constructive variant of the first embodiment, shown in [Fig.2], it may be provided that the two strands of wire (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) move apart 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 kept close together 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 band (9), for example formed by a portion of wire wound around it.

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

[0026] According to a second embodiment, shown in [Fig. 4], the two strands of yarn (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) are braided together over at least part of the length (L) of said part, if necessary over its entire length (L). This alternative second embodiment also results in a simple manufacturing process and a product with high tensile strength and a small cross-section at the intermediate part.

[0027] It can be noted that both embodiments allow for manufacturing processes that are easily industrialized and efficient in terms of production.

[0028] In accordance with a preferred practical construction, with a good hook length, and as shown in particular in Figures 1 and 2, the two coplanar and mutually opposed hooks (7, 7') are formed by end segments of the portion of wire (6), inclined from about 30° to 60°, preferably from about 45°, with respect to the longitudinal axis (AL) and / or with respect to the respective strands (8, 8') of the intermediate part (5) and having a length of about 10 mm.

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

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

[0031] To have a device that is both mechanically resistant, 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 of approximately 2 mm.

[0032] The fastening device (1) having the practical construction features described above 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 in question. It is particularly suitable for panels (2) formed of multiple superimposed layers of polyester wool or mineral wool, with a thickness exceeding 35 mm.

[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 piece of cellular or fibrous material, in particular of the baffle type (2) in the shape of a panel, hung by vertical suspension from 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 wires 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, whose hooks (7, 7') are oriented perpendicularly 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 panel made of foam or fibrous material, 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), a method characterized in that it consists of using at least two fixing devices (1) as described above.

[0036] Advantageously, the method consists of inserting each fastening device (1) into the baffle panel (2) in question, positioning it so 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, rotating the relevant fastening device (1) 90° around the longitudinal axis (AL) of the intermediate part (5). Thus, the hooks anchor themselves into the foam or fiber mass, with a perpendicular orientation of the hooks relative to the median plane of the panel, an orientation which can be controlled by that of the attachment part.

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

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

[0039] Furthermore, the fibrous material may optionally exhibit 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 fastening devices (1).

[0040] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications remain possible, particularly with regard to the composition of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. A sound absorption or attenuation system comprising at least one three-dimensional piece of fibrous material of the baffle type (2) in the form of a panel, in particular of the panel type made of layers of fibers, said or each baffle (2) being suspended vertically from a supporting structure (11) and being provided, at the edge (12) of one of its sides, with at least two fastening devices (1) to which are suspended wires or cables (13) connected to the supporting structure (11), each fastening device (1) comprising a lower anchoring portion (3), an upper hanging portion (4) and an intermediate connecting portion (5) defining a longitudinal axis (AL) and connecting the two aforementioned parts (3 and 4), the system characterized in that the three parts (3, 4 and 5) of each fastening device (1) are formed in one piece and together constituted from a single continuous portion of wire (6),in that the anchoring part (3) comprises two mutually opposed and coplanar notches (7 and 7'), in that the intermediate part (5) is formed of two strands of wire (8 and 8') each terminating in a hook (7, 7'), and in that said hooks (7 and 7') of each fastening device (1) are anchored in the fiber mass of the fibrous material of the panel (2) concerned, with an orientation perpendicular to the median plane of the panel (2), an orientation which can be controlled by that of the hooking part.

2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper hooking part (4) of each fastening device (1) consists of a bent wire portion, for example formed 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. A system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two strands of wire (8 and 8') of the intermediate part (5) of each fastening device (1) extend substantially parallel to each other, side by side, over at least a fraction of the length (L) of this intermediate part (5), preferably from the attachment part (4), or possibly substantially over the entire length of this length, upper part of the hooking (4) being located in the same plane (P) as the two hooks (7,7').

4. System 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) of each fastening device (1) move apart from each other in the direction of the hooks (7, 7'), the two strands (8 and 8') being substantially parallel to each other and optionally kept close together 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 band (9), for example formed by a wound portion of wire.

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

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

7. System according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the two coplanar and mutually opposed hooks (7, 7') of each fastening device (1) are made up of end segments of the portion of wire (6), inclined from about 30° to 60°, preferably about 45°, with respect to the longitudinal axis (AL) and / or with respect to the respective strands (8, 8') of the intermediate part (5) and having a length of about 10 mm.

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

9. A method for installing an acoustic baffle (2), in the form of a panel made of fibrous material, forming part of a sound absorption or attenuation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, by suspension with attachment to a load-bearing 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) and of introducing each fixing device (1) into the baffle panel (2) considered by positioning it so that the plane (P) containing the hooks (7 and 7') is substantially coincident with the median plane (PM) of said panel, and, when the depth of insertion is reached, of rotating the fixing device (1) concerned by 90° around the longitudinal axis (AL) of the intermediate part (5), so that said hooks (7 and 7') are anchored in the mass of fibers with an orientation perpendicular to the median plane of the panel (2), this orientation being able to be controlled by that of the upper hooking part (4) of the fixing device (1) concerned.

10. Method according to claim 9, 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), and then inserting the fastening devices (1) into these slots.

Images