Improved soundproofing glazing
The glazing solution addresses the limitations of existing soundproofing technologies by integrating a perforated wall and sound-absorbing layer to enhance sound insulation across a broad frequency range, offering improved performance and ease of manufacturing.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-03-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing glazing solutions, such as double glazing, fail to effectively insulate against sound across a wide frequency range, particularly due to the 'mass/spring/mass' effect at low frequencies, and lack efficient, cost-effective methods to enhance soundproofing performance.
The glazing incorporates a sound-absorbing device with a perforated wall and a sound-absorbing layer, featuring periodically arranged perforations and a porous material, which forms a chamber and layer to absorb sound energy across various frequencies, enhancing sound insulation.
The solution provides improved sound insulation performance across low, medium, and high frequencies, while being easy and cost-effective to manufacture, with a lightweight and compact design.
Smart Images
Figure 2026510062000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] This invention relates to glazing, which belongs to the technical field of glazing manufacturing, and includes a sound-absorbing device configured to improve the sound insulation performance of the glazing. While this invention finds particularly useful applications in building glazing, it is by no means limited thereto. [Background technology]
[0002] Double glazing, consisting of two panes of glass separated by a gas-filled cavity, typically filled with air, has traditionally been used in windows and building facades for its thermal and soundproofing properties. However, the loss of sound transmission caused by such double glazing is reduced with respect to frequencies around the so-called "mass / spring / mass" frequency, which is the resonant frequency of double glazing and is typically located at low frequencies. This phenomenon, also known as the "mass / spring / mass" effect, is due to substantial pressure fluctuations within the air cavity at the mass / spring / mass frequency.
[0003] Various solutions have been developed to improve the soundproofing performance of glazing. For example, International Publication No. 2022 / 234237 relates to glazing comprising at least two glass walls forming a cavity between them, wherein the cavity comprises at least one sound-absorbing device comprising at least one sheet, the sheet comprising a plurality of periodically arranged perforations defining a chamber located within the cavity. The sound-absorbing device is configured to improve the acoustic attenuation characteristics of the glazing at low frequencies.
[0004] US4850175A, US5683764, and CH630993 relate to a shielding glazing with spacers provided with sound-absorbing material. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]
[0005] In light of conventional technologies, there is a need to provide alternative solutions to improve the acoustic isolation properties of glazing over a wide frequency range. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve upon the shortcomings of the prior art described above by proposing a solution that enables the acquisition of glazing that is highly effective in terms of acoustic shielding over a wide range of frequencies. Furthermore, the glazing should be manufactured in an easy, time-efficient, and cost-effective manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of glazing according to the present invention on the left, and an enlarged schematic perspective view on the right of an example of a sound-absorbing device according to the present invention in the form of a profile body used as a glazing spacer. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of a specific embodiment of the sound-absorbing device according to the present invention that can be used for the glazing in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of a further specific embodiment of the sound-absorbing device according to the present invention that can be used for the glazing in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of a further specific embodiment of the sound-absorbing device according to the present invention, which can be used for the glazing in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0008] According to the present invention, the glazing includes at least two glass walls forming a cavity between them, the cavity having at least one sound-absorbing device, the sound-absorbing device including a profile or box body formed of a plurality of walls. The walls surround a chamber, and each wall has an inner wall surface facing the chamber and an outer wall surface facing the inner wall surface. At least one of the walls is provided with a plurality of periodically arranged wall perforations. According to the present invention, at least one of the outer wall surfaces of the wall is provided with a sound-absorbing layer containing or made of a sound-absorbing material.
[0009] In certain embodiments, the glazing according to the present invention may have, alone or in any technically possible combination, one or more of the following features:
[0010] In one embodiment, the walls of the sound-absorbing device (i.e., the walls of the profile or box) are polymer walls made of one or more polymer materials.
[0011] In one embodiment, the outer wall surface of the perforated wall, which includes a plurality of periodically arranged wall perforations, comprises the sound-absorbing layer, the sound-absorbing layer comprises a plurality of layer perforations, the layer perforations being aligned with the wall perforations. This embodiment is preferred because sound waves can pass through the layer perforations of the sound-absorbing layer and thus access the wall perforations of the perforated wall.
[0012] In one embodiment, the wall comprises an inner wall facing the glazing cavity and an outer wall opposite it, with the perforated wall being the inner wall.
[0013] In one embodiment, a sound-absorbing layer is provided only on the outer wall surface of the perforated wall. In other words, only the perforated wall has a sound-absorbing layer, while the other walls among the multiple walls do not.
[0014] In one embodiment, the wall of the sound absorption device (i.e., the wall of the profile body or the box body) includes an inner wall facing the cavity of the glazing and an outer wall facing the inner wall, and the inner wall and the outer wall are connected by side walls, and a sound absorption layer is provided on one or each outer surface of the side walls. Typically, the inner wall and the outer wall are connected by two side walls. In this embodiment, the sound absorption layer does not need to have perforations. Specifically, the sound absorption layer is provided on one or only the outer wall surface of each of the side walls. In other words, only one or each of the side walls has a sound absorption layer, while the other walls among the plurality of walls do not have a sound absorption layer.
[0015] In one embodiment, the wall of the sound absorption device (i.e., the wall of the profile body or the box body) includes an inner wall facing the cavity of the glazing and an outer wall facing the inner wall, and the perforated wall having a plurality of periodically arranged wall perforations is the inner wall, and the outer surface of the outer wall has a sound absorption layer.
[0016] In this embodiment, the outer wall (different from the perforated wall) has a plurality of openings or perforations, so that sound waves can pass through the openings and thus have access to the sound absorption layer. In this embodiment, the sound absorption layer does not need to have perforations.
[0017] In one embodiment, the sound absorption layer is provided only on the outer wall surface of the outer wall. In other words, the sound absorption layer is provided only on the outer wall, and the other walls among the plurality of walls do not have a sound absorption layer.
[0018] In one embodiment, the sound absorption layer is fixed to the outer wall surface of the above-mentioned wall of the sound absorption device. Preferably, the sound absorption layer is adhered to the wall by an adhesive. Preferably, the sound absorption layer is in direct contact with the wall. "Direct contact" means that a bonding material layer such as an adhesive layer may exist between the sound absorption layer and the wall.
[0019] In one embodiment, the sound absorption layer includes or consists of a porous sound absorption material. From the perspective of sound absorption in the medium frequency and high frequency regions, porous materials are considered preferable.
[0020] In one embodiment, the sound absorption layer comprises or consists of a porous sound absorption material selected from the group consisting of mineral wool, textile fibers, polymer foam, and combinations thereof. These materials have been shown to have excellent sound absorption characteristics.
[0021] In one embodiment, the porous polymer foam has an average proportion of open pores of 30 to 99%, preferably 65 to 98%.
[0022] In one embodiment, the porous polymer foam is selected from the group consisting of silicone foam, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, melamine foam, and combinations thereof.
[0023] In one embodiment, the thickness of the sound absorption layer is 6 to 100 mm, preferably 6 to 60 mm, and even more preferably 6 to 30 mm.
[0024] In one embodiment, the width of the sound absorption layer is 1 to 1 / 3, preferably 1 to 1 / 2 of the width of each of the polymer sheet or polymer wall.
[0025] In one embodiment, the glazing contains a desiccant within the sound insulation device or includes a desiccant associated with the sound insulation device.
[0026] In one embodiment, the desiccant is preferably disposed within at least one packaging material held inside or outside the chamber.
[0027] In one embodiment, the sound absorption device is a glazing spacer.
[0028] In one embodiment, the sound insulation device is an integrated device, and the sound absorption layer is fixedly attached to the profile body or box body, for example, by an adhesive.
[0029] In one embodiment, at least one perforated wall includes at least three perforations, preferably at least four perforations.
[0030] In one embodiment, the glazing further comprises one or more additional sound-absorbing devices, each additional sound-absorbing device comprising at least one perforated wall, the at least one perforated wall comprising a plurality of periodically arranged perforations defining a chamber located within the cavity, preferably the periodicity of the perforations in the perforated wall of each additional sound-absorbing device being different from one another.
[0031] In one embodiment, a sound-absorbing device is placed in the peripheral area of the glazing cavity.
[0032] In one embodiment, the glazing is building glazing, such as glazing of a building facade, windows or doors, or interior glazing.
[0033] The present invention satisfies the above-mentioned needs. In particular, the present invention provides a glazing that is easy and simple to manufacture, relatively lightweight and compact, while providing a glazing with improved sound insulation performance. Specifically, the glazing is configured to attenuate sound waves not only in the low-frequency range but also in the medium-frequency and high-frequency ranges.
[0034] This is achieved by the presence of a sound-absorbing device that includes a perforated wall having multiple periodically arranged perforations, the perforated wall enabling the formation of a chamber, which is combined with a sound-absorbing layer containing or consisting of sound-absorbing material. Such a device enables a dual acoustic effect, achieved by the absorption of sound energy by the chamber and multiple perforations at low frequencies, and by the absorption of sound energy by the sound-absorbing layer at medium and high frequencies.
[0035] The combination of the chamber and the presence of perforations within the wall (these perforations are periodic) allows for the creation of a resonator that absorbs at least a portion of the sound energy within the cavity of the glazing formed by the two glass walls, thereby reducing the transmission of sound through the glazing. Furthermore, the sound-absorbing layer further enhances acoustic insulation by absorbing at least a portion of the sound energy itself due to the porous structure of the sound-absorbing layer. Specifically, the sound-absorbing material of the sound-absorbing layer does not need to be introduced into the chamber, but can be placed on the outer wall surface of the wall, preferably by bonding it to its outer surface, thereby greatly simplifying the manufacture of the sound-absorbing device. A sound-absorbing device comprising one or more sound-absorbing layers can also be fabricated in advance and thus configured to be ready for use in the manufacture of the glazing. In this way, the device of the present invention incorporating sound absorption capabilities is easy to manufacture while providing improved sound insulation performance.
[0036] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating non-limiting examples of its implementation. In the diagram: Figure 1 shows an example of glazing according to the present invention on the left, and an enlarged schematic perspective view on the right of an example of a sound-absorbing device according to the present invention in the form of a profile body used as a glazing spacer. Figure 2 shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of a specific embodiment of the sound-absorbing device according to the present invention that can be used for the glazing in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of a further specific embodiment of the sound-absorbing device according to the present invention that can be used for the glazing in Figure 1. Figure 4 shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of a further specific embodiment of the sound-absorbing device according to the present invention, which can be used for the glazing in Figure 1.
[0037] Here, the present invention will be described in more detail and in a non-limiting manner in the following description. The present invention mainly relates to glazing equipped with sound-absorbing devices. The following description aims to first present the features of sound-absorbing devices that enable glazing equipped with sound-absorbing devices to provide excellent performance in terms of sound insulation at low, medium, and high frequencies, according to various embodiments.
[0038] The glazing may be any type of glazing that includes at least two glass walls defining a cavity between them. For the purposes of the present invention, the cavity of the glazing is defined as the volume between two glass walls of the glazing. The sound-absorbing device may be a glazing spacer, or may include a glazing spacer. "Spacer" means any device for fixing the length of the distance between multiple glass walls of the glazing in which it is intended to be placed. Alternatively, the sound-absorbing device may not be used as a spacer, or may be associated with a spacer.
[0039] According to the present invention, the sound-absorbing device comprises a profile body or box body, preferably configured as a glazing spacer, formed of a plurality of walls, including at least one wall having a plurality of periodically arranged wall perforations (perforated walls). The sound-absorbing device further comprises a sound-absorbing layer, which includes or consists of a sound-absorbing material, disposed on the outer wall surface of at least one of the walls.
[0040] A perforated wall and any other wall has two main surfaces facing each other and having perforations, namely, what is called the “inner wall surface” corresponding to the surface facing the chamber of the profile or box body, and what is called the “outer wall surface” opposite this inner surface. A perforated wall can be defined as having a length corresponding to the maximum dimension of the wall in the plane of its main surface, a width (main plane) corresponding to the dimension perpendicular to the length direction in the main plane, and a thickness corresponding to the dimension perpendicular to the main plane (and therefore corresponding to the dimension between the two main surfaces). A perforated wall is preferably a rectangular parallelepiped (i.e., having a constant length, width, and thickness).
[0041] In one embodiment, the soundproofing device comprises one or more unperforated walls. In another embodiment, the soundproofing device comprises one or more walls including aperiodic perforations.
[0042] The walls of the sound-absorbing device may be made of polymer and / or metallic materials. The polymer materials are preferably polyethylene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polybutadiene, polyisobutylene, polyester, polyurethane, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylate, polyamide, polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile, styrene butadiene, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate, styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer, or a combination thereof, and the polymer materials may be reinforced with glass fibers. The polymer materials may also be polymer foams. The metallic materials are preferably aluminum and / or stainless steel.
[0043] The sound-absorbing material of the sound-absorbing layer may be a porous sound-absorbing material, preferably selected from the group consisting of mineral wool, textile fibers, polymer foams, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the porous polymer foam contains an average percentage of open pores of 30-99%, preferably 65-98%. Preferably, the porous polymer foam is selected from the group consisting of silicone foam, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, melamine foam, and combinations thereof.
[0044] A "polymer foam" refers to a material having a porous structure composed of numerous small pores called "cells" within a solid polymer matrix. The terms "open pores" and "closed pores" refer to pores that are interconnected (i.e., have open passages between them) and pores that are separated from each other (i.e., do not have open passages between them), respectively. Generally, foams with open pores have better sound absorption capabilities due to the transmission of sound waves between pores, while foams with closed pores have higher rigidity. Of course, the rigidity and sound absorption capabilities of a polymer foam depend on various factors such as the density of the foam, the pore size, and the chemical composition of the foam.
[0045] Advantageously, the polymer foam may contain an average percentage of open pores of 30-100%, preferably 30-99%, and more preferably 65-98%. The average percentage of open pores can be measured using a microscope. For example, a cross-section of the polymer foam can be examined under a microscope to determine whether each cell (pore) is open or closed. The average percentage of open pores is then calculated by dividing the total number of open pores by the total number of pores. The microscope may be, for example, an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope. The polymer foam may also contain an average percentage of closed pores of 0-70%, preferably 1-70%, and more preferably 2-35%. The average percentage of closed pores can be measured in the same way as the average percentage of open pores.
[0046] In one embodiment, the polymer foam has an average porosity of 0.7 or higher and / or 5,000 to 150,000 N·s·m -4It can be characterized by the average air flow resistivity. The porosity of the material can be measured with a porosimeter using the fluid saturation method by mercury intrusion. The air flow resistivity can be measured in accordance with NF EN ISO 9053-1. Such a porous structure of the polymer foam can increase the acoustic performance of the device and thus improve the acoustic insulation of the glazing where the device is disposed. The polymer foam may have an average porosity of 0.75 or more, or 0.8 or more, or 0.85 or more, or 0.9 or more, or 0.95 or more, for example, 0.7 to 0.75, or 0.75 to 0.8, or 0.8 to 0.85, or 0.85 to 0.90, or 0.90 to 0.95, or 0.95 to 0.99. In one embodiment, the polymer foam has an average porosity of 0.7 to 0.99, more preferably 0.9 or more. In one embodiment, the average air flow resistivity of the polymer foam is 5,000 to 10,000 N·s·m -4 or 10,000 to 20,000 N·s·m -4 or 20,000 to 40,000 N·s·m -4 or 40,000 to 60,000 N·s·m -4 or 60,000 to 80,000 N·s·m -4 or 80,000 to 100,000 N·s·m -4 or 100,000 to 120,000 N·s·m -4 or 120,000 to 140,000 N·s·m -4 or 140,000 to 150,000 N·s·m -4 is.
[0047] When the sound-absorbing device according to the present invention is a spacer, the width of the perforated wall preferably determines the length of the gap between the glazing glass walls in which the spacer is intended to be used (i.e., the thickness of the cavity between the glass walls). The width of the perforated wall may be 6 to 30 mm, preferably 10 to 20 mm, for example 16 mm or 20 mm, particularly in embodiments where the device is a spacer. The thickness of the perforated wall is advantageously 0.1 to 15 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 1 mm. In particular, the perforated wall may have a thickness of 0.1 to 0.2 mm, or 0.2 to 0.4 mm, or 0.4 to 0.6 mm, or 0.6 to 0.8 mm, or 0.8 to 1 mm, or 1 to 1.2 mm, or 1.2 to 1.5 mm, or 1.5 to 2 mm, or 2 to 3 mm, or 3 to 4 mm, or 4 to 5 mm, or 5 to 10 mm, or 10 to 15 mm. The thickness of the sound-absorbing layer is preferably 6 to 100 mm, more preferably 6 to 60 mm, and even more preferably 6 to 30 mm. Preferably, the width of the sound-absorbing layer is 1 to 1 / 3, more preferably 1 to 1 / 2, of the width of the at least one perforated wall.
[0048] The walls can be manufactured by any method known to those skilled in the art, for example, by injection molding. The expansion of the polymer can be achieved, for example, in a mold, using physical and / or chemical blowing agents. Alternatively, the walls may be manufactured by foam extrusion technology.
[0049] A perforated wall includes multiple periodically spaced wall perforations. "Multiple perforations" means at least two perforations. More specifically, a perforated wall may include 2, 3, or at least 3 or 4, or at least 4 or 5, or at least 5 or 6, or at least 6 or 7, or at least 7 or 8, or at least 8 or 9, or at least 9 or 10, or at least 10 periodically spaced perforations. The more periodically spaced perforations a perforated wall has, the better the sound insulation of the glazing in which the device resides. Particularly preferred is a perforated wall that includes at least 3, more preferably at least 4, periodically spaced perforations.
[0050] "Periodically arranged perforations" means that the perforations are identical and exist at regular intervals in the perforated wall (i.e., the distance between the centers of two adjacent perforations is essentially constant). The perforations are formed across the thickness of the perforated wall (i.e., extending from the inner surface to the outer surface of the perforated wall) and create fluid communication between the spaces located on either side of the perforated wall (i.e., the perforations allow for the circulation of fluid, more specifically gas, from one space to the other). Advantageously, all periodic perforations are aligned, more preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis of the perforated wall (i.e., along the direction of its length). Even more advantageously, the perforations are arranged along the longitudinal axis of the perforated wall and located in the center of the width of the perforated wall.
[0051] In one embodiment, the outer surface of the perforated wall is provided with a sound-absorbing layer, the sound-absorbing layer has multiple perforations, the perforations are aligned with the wall perforations, and the number of perforations corresponds to the number of wall perforations. Alternatively, the number of perforations may be greater than or less than the number of wall perforations.
[0052] The perforations can be made by any method known to those skilled in the art. Depending on the method, the perforations may be made during extrusion of the apparatus (in-line) or by using drilling techniques with additional process steps (offline).
[0053] The perforations may be of any suitable shape. In some embodiments, they have a circular or substantially circular cross-section (i.e., a cross-section in the main plane of the perforated wall). Advantageously, the perforations are microperforations. A “microperforation” means a hole having a diameter or maximum dimension (in the main plane of the perforated wall) of 8 mm or less. Preferably, the perforations have a diameter or maximum dimension (in the main plane of the perforated wall) of 0.2 to 8 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 8 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter or maximum dimension of the perforations may be 0.2 to 0.5 mm, or 0.5 to 1 mm, or 1 to 2 mm, or 2 to 3 mm, or 3 to 4 mm, or 4 to 5 mm, or 5 to 6 mm, or 6 to 7 mm, or 7 to 8 mm. Particularly preferably, periodic perforations are distributed along the entire length of the perforated wall. Alternatively, the perforations may be periodically arranged along only a portion of the length of the perforated wall, for example, along a portion of the perforated wall having a length of 90% or less, or 80% or less, or 70% or less, or 60% or less, or 50% or less, or 40% or less, or 30% or less, or 20% or less, or 10% or less of the length of the perforated wall.
[0054] For each perforation, the geometric center of the perforation (hereinafter simply referred to as the "center") can be defined. The distance between the centers of two adjacent perforations is preferably 5 to 200 mm, more preferably 10 to 110 mm. The distance between the centers of two adjacent periodic perforations may be 5 to 10 mm, or 10 to 20 mm, or 20 to 30 mm, or 30 to 40 mm, or 40 to 50 mm, or 50 to 60 mm, or 60 to 70 mm, or 70 to 80 mm, or 80 to 90 mm, or 90 to 100 mm, or 100 to 110 mm, or 110 to 120 mm, or 120 to 140 mm, or 140 to 160 mm, or 160 to 180 mm, or 180 to 200 mm.
[0055] Advantageously, the opening area ratio (i.e., the ratio of the area of all periodically placed perforations to the total area of the perforated wall (including the area of the perforations)) is 0.01 to 8%, preferably 0.05 to 0.8%. This opening area ratio may be 0.01 to 0.05%, or 0.05 to 0.1%, or 0.1 to 0.2%, or 0.2 to 0.3%, or 0.3 to 0.4%, or 0.4 to 0.5%, or 0.5 to 0.6%, or 0.6 to 0.7%, or 0.5 to 0.7%, or 0.6 to 0.7%, or 6 to 0.7%, or 0.7 to 0.8%, or 0.8 to 0.9%, or 0.9 to 1%, or 1 to 2%, or 2 to 3%, or 3 to 4%, or 4 to 5%, or 5 to 6%, or 6 to 7%, or 7 to 8%.
[0056] The perforated wall defines a chamber located within the cavity of the glazing. The thickness of the chamber is preferably 2 to 200 mm, more preferably 5 to 50 mm. The thickness of the chamber corresponds to the dimensions of the chamber in a direction perpendicular to the main plane of the perforated wall. In embodiments, the chamber has a thickness of 2 to 5 mm, or 5 to 10 mm, or 10 to 20 mm, or 20 to 30 mm, or 30 to 40 mm, or 40 to 50 mm, or 50 to 60 mm, or 60 to 70 mm, or 70 to 80 mm, or 80 to 90 mm, or 90 to 100 mm, or 100 to 120 mm, or 120 to 140 mm, or 140 to 160 mm, or 160 to 180 mm, or 180 to 200 mm. The size and configuration of the perforated wall, its perforations, and the chamber can be selected according to the frequency at which the assembly of the perforated wall and chamber is desired to resonate. This is publicly known to those skilled in the art (see, for example, International Publication No. 2022 / 234237), and therefore does not need to be further elaborated herein.
[0057] The above description regarding wall perforation also applies to layer perforation.
[0058] The sound-absorbing layer has two main surfaces facing each other, namely, an inner surface corresponding to the surface facing the chamber of the profile or box body, and an outer surface opposite the inner surface. The sound-absorbing layer includes a plurality of perforations arranged periodically or aperiodicly, preferably periodically. "Multiple perforations" means at least two perforations. More specifically, the sound-absorbing layer may include two, or three, or at least three, or four, or at least four, or five, or at least five, or six, or at least six, or seven, or at least seven, or eight, or at least eight, or nine, or at least nine, or ten, or at least ten perforations. Particularly preferably, the perforated wall has at least three, more preferably at least four perforations. "Periodically arranged perforations" means that multiple perforations are identical and exist at regular intervals within the sound-absorbing layer (i.e., the distance between the centers of two adjacent perforations is essentially constant). The perforations are formed across the thickness of the sound-absorbing layer (i.e., they extend from the inner surface to the outer surface of the sound-absorbing layer) and are in fluid communication with the spaces located on both sides of the sound-absorbing layer (i.e., they allow for the circulation of fluid, more specifically gas, from one space to the other). Advantageously, all periodic perforations are more preferably aligned along the longitudinal axis of the sound-absorbing layer (i.e., along the direction of its length). Even more advantageously, the perforations are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the sound-absorbing layer and located in the center of the width of the perforated wall.
[0059] In one embodiment, a system consisting of a perforated wall and chamber is configured to resonate in the low-frequency range. Low frequencies are defined as sound waves having frequencies below 300 Hz. For example, a system of perforated walls and chambers may be configured to resonate at frequencies of 250 Hz or less, or 225 Hz or less, or 200 Hz or less, or 175 Hz or less, or 150 Hz or less. In other embodiments, a system of perforated walls and chambers may be configured to resonate at frequencies of 400 Hz or less, or 350 Hz or less. Mid and high frequencies are defined as sound waves having frequencies of 300 Hz or more.
[0060] The perforated wall preferably comprises a single set of periodically arranged perforations. Alternatively, it may comprise several sets of periodically arranged perforations, such as at least two sets or at least three sets, where each set differs from the others (e.g., the size of the perforations and / or the distance between the centers of two adjacent perforations may differ in each set). If the perforated wall comprises multiple sets of periodic perforations, each set is located in a different portion of the perforated wall (depending on the length of the perforated wall). The presence of several different sets of periodic perforations allows the perforated wall and chamber system to resonate at several frequencies, and each portion of the perforated wall and chamber assembly containing different sets of periodic perforations has a different resonant frequency.
[0061] In one embodiment, the desiccant is located within or associated with the soundproofing device. “Desiccant” means an agent that has the property of drying the air in which it is placed by absorbing all or part of the moisture present in the air. The use of such a desiccant is based on the desire to absorb moisture before it turns into liquid water.
[0062] In one embodiment, the desiccant comprises granular material, preferably in a non-aggregated (i.e., individualized) manner. The granular material is, for example, molecular sieves, silica gel, calcium chloride (CaCl2), sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), activated carbon, or zeolite. In general, any material known to those skilled in the art for manufacturing desiccants can be used as the granular material.
[0063] In one embodiment, the desiccant is placed in at least one packaging, which is preferably held inside or outside a chamber. Each packaging may contain the desiccant in the granular form described above. Each packaging may be made of a flexible or rigid material, such as paper, plastic, polymer, or plant or textile fibers. The packaging may be provided with perforations that allow the granules to absorb moisture. These perforations are typically smaller in diameter than the granules so that the granules cannot leak out of the packaging containing them. The use of packaging advantageously prevents the release of granules through perforations in the perforated walls.
[0064] The glazing according to the present invention comprises at least two glass walls. Advantageously, these glass walls are parallel to each other or substantially parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the glazing comprises just two glass panes (referred to here as “double glazing”), or just three glass panes (referred to here as “triple glazing”), or at least three glass panes, for example four glass panes (referred to here as “quadrilateral glazing”). For the purposes of the present invention, “glass wall” means any structure comprising (or consisting of) at least one sheet of glass or a glazing assembly. “Glazing assembly” means a multilayer glazing element in which at least one layer is a glass sheet. Thus, for example, a glass wall may independently comprise a single glass sheet or a glazing assembly, for example, a glazing assembly made of laminated glass. The glass sheet may be made of organic or inorganic glass. It may be made of tempered glass.
[0065] A glass wall (or one of a glass wall) may have (or consist of) a glazing assembly having at least one sheet of glass, which may be as described above. The glazing assembly is preferably a laminated glazing. "Laminated glazing" means at least two sheets of glass with at least one interlayer, generally made of viscoelastic plastic, inserted between them. The viscoelastic plastic interlayer may include one or more layers of viscoelastic polymer, for example, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), or ethylene copolymer (corresponding to the definition of ionomer), more preferably one or more layers of viscoelastic polymer such as PVB. The interlayer may be standard PVB or acoustic PVB (e.g., single-layer or triple-layer acoustic PVB). Typically, acoustic PVB consists of three layers: two outer layers of standard PVB and an inner layer of PVB having an added plasticizer to make it less rigid than the outer layers. The use of glass walls with laminated glass improves the sound insulation of the glazing, and if the intermediate layer is made of acoustic PVB, the sound insulation is further increased.
[0066] Each glass wall has two opposing principal surfaces corresponding to the glass wall surface having the largest surface area. Advantageously, each glass wall independently has a thickness of 1.6 mm or more (between the two principal surfaces), for example, 1.6 to 24 mm, preferably 2 to 12 mm, more preferably 4 to 10 mm, for example, 4 or 6 mm. The glass walls of the glazing according to the present invention may all have the same thickness or may have different thicknesses. The greater the thickness and / or the higher the density of the glass panes, the better the sound insulation. Furthermore, the thicker the glass panes, the lower the mass / spring / mass frequency of the glazing.
[0067] Preferably, all glass walls of the glazing are of equal height and width. The glazing according to the present invention can have any possible shape, preferably a quadrilateral shape, and more particularly a rectangular or essentially rectangular shape. Alternatively, the glazing may have a circular or substantially circular shape, an elliptical or substantially elliptical shape, or a trapezoid or substantially trapezoidal shape.
[0068] The glass walls define cavities between them. Each glass wall defining a cavity has an inner surface corresponding to the main surface of the glass wall facing the cavity, and an outer surface corresponding to the second main surface of the glass wall, that is, the main surface of the glass wall opposite the surface facing the cavity.
[0069] Advantageously, the sound-absorbing device is placed within the glazing cavity, more specifically in the peripheral area of the glazing cavity. The "peripheral area of the cavity" means the area of the cavity (zone) adjacent to the edge of the glass wall, and preferably has a width of 20 cm or less, more preferably 10 cm or less, and even more preferably 5 cm or less (i.e., in the plane of the glass wall, in a direction perpendicular to the edge of the glass wall). Preferably, the perforated wall of the sound-absorbing device is parallel to the edge of the glass wall, and its side wall is parallel to the main surface of the glass wall.
[0070] Particularly preferably, a sound-absorbing device is placed within the glazing cavity such that the chamber bounded by the perforated wall is in fluid communication with the glazing cavity formed between the glass walls, via the perforations in the perforated wall. If the sound-absorbing device is a spacer, the glass wall is attached to the spacer.
[0071] Preferably, the glazing cavity (between the glass walls) contains gas. The gas may be air and / or carbon dioxide and / or argon and / or krypton and / or xenon. The thermal insulation of the glazing is improved by using argon, krypton, or xenon in addition to or instead of air.
[0072] The glazing according to the present invention may be completely opaque, completely transparent, or partially opaque and partially transparent. Preferably, the glazing is at least partially transparent. One(or more) of the glass walls may be colored throughout its thickness, either in whole or in part, of its surface. One(or more) of the glass walls may be covered in whole or in part with an opaque coating, such as paint and / or enamel. The opaque coating may be present on the inside, outside, or both sides of the glass wall, preferably the coating is present on the inside of the glass wall. In one embodiment, only one of the glass walls of the glazing is covered with an opaque coating. This glass wall is advantageously intended to be the outermost glass wall of the glazing when the glazing is used for the facade or windows of an exterior building.
[0073] In one embodiment, the glazing glass wall, or at least one of the glass walls, may be treated to improve the thermal insulation of the glazing. In particular, one or more of the glass walls may include one (or more) insulating layers, such as a metal and / or metal oxide-based insulating layer, on one or more of its main surfaces, preferably on the inner surface. If the glass wall is also covered with an opaque coating (such as enamel and / or paint), it is preferable to use an insulating layer that is compatible with the opaque coating. Alternatively, the insulating layer and the opaque coating may be located on different sides of the glass wall (for example, the insulating layer may be on the inside and the opaque coating on the outside). Alternatively, if at least one of the glazing walls is a glazing assembly, the insulating layer may be interposed in the glazing assembly, for example, between the PVB layer and the glass sheet.
[0074] The glazing mass / spring / mass frequency can be determined by formulas well known to those skilled in the art (see, for example, International Publication No. 2022 / 234237), and therefore does not need to be further detailed herein.
[0075] The glazing according to the present invention can be used for any application where glazing is used. In particular, the glazing according to the present invention may be building glazing. The glazing may be intended to be an interface between the exterior and interior of a building, and may be, for example, facade glazing, window glazing, or door glazing. Alternatively, the glazing may be intended to be located inside a building.
[0076] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the glazing 100 comprises a first glass wall 101 and a second glass wall 102, with a cavity 103 formed between them. A sound-absorbing device 1 is located within the cavity 103. The sound-absorbing device 1 comprises at least one perforated profile body 2 made of polymer material, which includes an upper wall 4 and a lower wall 5 connected by two side walls 6, thereby enclosing a chamber 3. The upper wall 4 includes a plurality of periodically arranged wall perforations 7. The upper wall 4 faces the interior of the glazing cavity 3, and the lower wall 5 faces the exterior and edges of the glazing 100. Thus, the chamber 3 of the perforated profile body 2 is in fluid communication with the glazing cavity 103 through the wall perforations 6 present in the upper wall 3 of the profile body 2 (i.e., a fluid, preferably a gas, can flow from the glazing cavity 103 into the interior of the chamber 3 of the profile body 2, and vice versa).
[0077] A seal may also be present, preferably located on the outer wall surface of the sound-absorbing device 1 (i.e., the wall surface of the sound-absorbing device 1 closest to the ends of the glass walls 101, 102), which is preferably the outer wall surface of the lower wall 5 of the profile body 2. More preferably, the seal extends from this outer wall surface to the ends of the glass walls 101, 102. This seal can be formed from a polyurethane, polysulfide, and / or silicone-based mastic (known as a "sealing mastic").
[0078] If the sound-absorbing device 1 is a spacer, or if the sound-absorbing device is not a spacer but is associated with a spacer, the spacer allows the length of the gap between the glass walls 101 and 102 to be fixed. The length of the gap (i.e., the thickness of the cavity 103 between the glass walls 101 and 102) may be 6 to 30 mm, preferably 10 to 20 mm, for example 16 mm.
[0079] In this specification, the terms “up” and “down” are used with reference to the orientation of the profile body 2 shown on the right side of Figure 1. Needless to say, the profile body 2 can have any other possible orientations, for example, an orientation in which the longitudinal axis of the profile body 2 is perpendicular, or an orientation in which the upper wall 4 is below the lower wall 5 (as shown on the left side of Figure 1). The profile body 2 may have an open end in the longitudinal direction. However, the chamber 3 of the profile body 2 may be closed by sealing the open end of the profile body 2 (for example, against the upper wall of another profile body).
[0080] Referring again to Figure 1, and further to Figures 2 and 3, as seen in Figure 3, one of the walls, namely the upper wall 4, is a perforated wall having a plurality of periodically arranged wall perforations 7, as described above. More specifically, the wall perforations 7 are formed over the thickness of the upper wall 4, and the chamber 3 is in fluid communication with the external environment of the profile body 2.
[0081] Advantageously, the main plane of the upper wall 4 and the main plane of the lower wall 5 are parallel to each other. More advantageously, the main planes of the upper wall 4 and the lower wall 54 are perpendicular to the main planes of the two side walls 6. Preferably, the profile body 2 has a parallelepiped shape, and more preferably a rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each of the walls 4, 5, and 6 of the profile body 2 may independently have a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and preferably each of the walls 4, 5, and 6 of the profile body 2 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The thickness of each wall 4, 5, and 6 is preferably 0.1 to 15 mm, more preferably 0.2 to 1 mm. In particular, each wall 4, 5, and 6 may have a thickness of 0.1-0.2 mm, or 0.2-0.4 mm, or 0.4-0.6 mm, or 0.6-0.8 mm, or 0.8-1 mm, or 1-1.2 mm, or 1.2-1.5 mm, or 1.5-2 mm, or 2-3 mm, or 3-4 mm, or 4-5 mm, or 5-10 mm, or 10-15 mm.
[0082] Advantageously, the length of the upper wall 4 of the profile body 2 is the same as the length of the cavity 103 between the glass walls 101 and 102 of the glazing 100 in which the sound-absorbing device 1 is placed, in the same direction.
[0083] Specifically, the outer wall 4 (i.e., the perforated wall) comprises an inner wall surface 11 facing the chamber 3 and an outer wall surface 10 opposite the inner wall surface 11. Each wall perforation 7 extends from the inner wall surface 11 to the outer wall surface 10.
[0084] In particular with respect to Figure 2, the sound-absorbing device 1 includes a sound-absorbing layer 8 made of sound-absorbing material, which is placed on the outer wall surface 10 of the upper wall 4 and preferably fixed to the upper wall 4 by adhesive. Specifically, the sound-absorbing layer 8, which has an elongated shape, includes an inner layer surface 13 facing the chamber 3 and an outer layer surface 12 facing the inner layer surface 13. As can be seen from Figure 2, the inner layer surface 13 of the sound-absorbing layer 8 is placed on the outer wall surface 10 of the upper wall 4. The sound-absorbing layer 8 is provided only on the outer wall surface 10 of the upper wall 4.
[0085] In one embodiment, the width of the sound-absorbing layer 8 is 1 to 1 / 3, preferably 1 to 1 / 2, of the width of the upper wall 4. As shown in the figure, the width of the sound-absorbing layer 8 may be equal to, for example, the width of the upper wall 4. In one embodiment, the thickness of the sound-absorbing layer 8 is 6 to 100 mm, preferably 6 to 60 mm, and more preferably 6 to 30 mm.
[0086] The sound-absorbing layer 8 includes multiple layer perforations 9 that correspond to and are aligned with the wall perforations 7 of the upper wall 4. Each layer perforation 9 extends from the inner layer surface 13 to the outer layer surface 12.
[0087] As a result, sound waves, preferably in the low-frequency range, can penetrate the perforations 9 and are thus attenuated by the upper wall 4 / chamber 3 system of the sound-absorbing device 1. Furthermore, sound waves, preferably in the medium and high-frequency ranges, may be attenuated by the sound-absorbing layer 8.
[0088] Advantageously, the sound-absorbing device 1 is integrated, meaning the sound-absorbing layer 8 is fixedly attached to the profile body 2 (upper wall 4 in Figure 2).
[0089] Further embodiments are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and for simplicity, only the differences from the embodiment in Figure 2 are described. For other details, refer to the above description in relation to Figures 1 and 2.
[0090] Referring particularly to Figure 3, in a further embodiment, the sound-absorbing device 1 comprises a profile body 2 (similar to the profile body 2 of the sound-absorbing device 1 in Figure 2) and two sound-absorbing layers 8 disposed on the outer surface of only the side walls 6 of the profile body. That is, one sound-absorbing layer 8 is disposed on the outer surface of one side wall 6, and the other sound-absorbing layer 8 is disposed on the outer surface of the other side wall 6. The sound-absorbing layers 8 do not need to have layer perforations 9 because the wall perforations 7 are freely accessible.
[0091] Referring particularly to Figure 4, according to yet another embodiment, the sound-absorbing device 1 comprises a profile body 2 and a sound-absorbing layer 8 arranged on the outer wall surface of the lower wall 5. In contrast to the profile body 2 in Figures 2 and 3, the lower wall 5 comprises a plurality of openings (not shown) which may be arranged periodically or aperiodically. The sound-absorbing layer 8 does not need to have layer perforations 9 because the wall perforations 7 of the upper wall 4 are freely accessible. In this embodiment, the openings in the lower wall 5 allow sound waves, preferably in the medium and high frequency range, to penetrate the lower wall 5 and thereby be attenuated by the sound-absorbing layer 8.
[0092] Although not shown in the exemplary embodiments, the sound-absorbing device may preferably include a desiccant within the chamber. Preferably, the desiccant is present in granular form and placed in packaging such as a bag or container so as to prevent it from leaking out through wall perforations due to gravity.
[0093] As can be seen from the above description, the present invention discloses a glazing that is highly effective in terms of sound insulation over a wide range of frequencies. Furthermore, the sound-absorbing device and the glazing can be manufactured in an easy, time-efficient, and cost-effective manner. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0094] 1. Sound absorption device 2 Profiles 3 chambers 4. Upper wall, inner wall 5. Lower wall, exterior wall 6 side wall 7 Wall drilling 8. Sound-absorbing layer 9 layers perforation 10 Exterior wall surface 11 Interior wall surface 12 Outer layer surface 13 Inner surface 100 glazing 101 First Glass Wall 102 Second glass wall 103 Cavity
Claims
1. A glazing (100) having at least two glass walls (101, 102) forming a cavity (103) between them, wherein the cavity (103) has at least one sound-absorbing device (1) having a profile body (2) or box body formed from a plurality of walls (4, 5, 6), the walls (4, 5, 6) surrounding a chamber (3), and the walls (4, 5, 6) are the same as the chamber The wall (4, 5, 6) comprises an inner wall surface (11) facing a ramber (3) and an outer wall surface (10) opposite to the inner wall surface (11), wherein the wall (4, 5, 6) includes at least one perforated wall (4) having a plurality of periodically arranged wall perforations (7), each of which wall perforations (7) extends from the inner wall surface (11) to the outer wall surface (10), and at least one of the walls (4, 5, 6) the outer wall surface (10) comprises a sound-absorbing layer (8), the sound-absorbing layer (8) includes or consists of sound-absorbing material, (i) The outer wall surface (10) of the perforated wall (4) is provided with the sound-absorbing layer (8), the sound-absorbing layer (8) is provided with an inner layer surface (13) facing the chamber (3) and an outer layer surface (12) opposite to the inner layer surface (13), the sound-absorbing layer (8) is provided with a plurality of layer perforations (9), each of the layer perforations extending from the inner layer surface (13) to the outer layer surface (12), the layer perforations (8) are aligned with the wall perforations (7), or (ii) The walls (4, 5, 6) each have an inner wall (4) facing the cavity (103) of the glazing (100) and an outer wall (5) on the opposite side, the inner wall (4) and the outer wall (5) being connected by a side wall (6), and only one of the side walls (6) or each of the outer wall surfaces (10) having the sound-absorbing layer (8), or (iii) The walls (4, 5, 6) comprise an inner wall (4) facing the cavity (103) of the glazing (100) and an outer wall (5) opposite to it, wherein the perforated wall (4) is the inner wall, the outer wall surface (10) of the outer wall (5) comprises the sound-absorbing layer (8), and the outer wall (5) comprises a plurality of periodic or non-periodic openings. Glazing (100).
2. The glazing (100) according to claim 1(i), wherein the walls (4, 5, 6) comprise an inner wall (4) facing the cavity (103) of the glazing (100) and an outer wall (5) facing it, and the perforated wall (4) is the inner wall (4).
3. The glazing (100) according to claim 1(i) or claim 2, wherein only the outer wall surface (10) of the perforated wall (4) is provided with the sound-absorbing layer (8).
4. The glazing (100) according to claim 1 (iii), wherein only the outer wall surface (10) of the outer wall (5) is provided with the sound-absorbing layer (8).
5. The glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the sound-absorbing device (1) is configured to resonate in a frequency range of 400 Hz or less, 350 Hz or less, or less than 300 Hz.
6. The glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the sound-absorbing layer (8) is fixed to the outer wall surface (10) of the at least one wall (4, 5, 6) particularly by adhesive.
7. The glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sound-absorbing layer (8) comprises or consists of a porous sound-absorbing material selected from the group consisting of mineral wool, textile fibers, polymer foam, and combinations thereof, and the polymer foam preferably has an average percentage of open pores of 30 to 99%, more preferably 65 to 98%.
8. The glazing (100) according to claim 7, wherein the polymer foam is selected from the group consisting of silicone foam, polyurethane foam, polyethylene foam, melamine foam, and combinations thereof.
9. The glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the thickness of the sound-absorbing layer (8) is 6 to 100 mm, preferably 6 to 60 mm, and more preferably 6 to 30 mm.
10. The glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the width of the sound-absorbing layer (8) is 1 to 1 / 3, preferably 1 to 1 / 2, of the width of the at least one perforated wall (4).
11. Glazing according to any one of claims 1 to 10 (10, 20, 30), comprising a desiccant in the chamber (3) of the sound insulation device (1), or in the chamber (3) associated with the sound insulation device (1).
12. The glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the desiccant is disposed in at least one packaging which is preferably held inside or outside the chamber (3).
13. The glazing (100) further comprises one or more additional sound-absorbing devices, each of which comprises at least one perforated wall having a plurality of periodically spaced perforations and defining a chamber located within the cavity, preferably the periodicity of the perforations in the perforated wall of each additional sound-absorbing device being different from one another, according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. The glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the sound-absorbing device (1) is a glazing spacer.
15. The glazing (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, which is building glazing, for example, glazing of a building facade, windows or doors or interior glazing.