SE1300412A1 - Noise-canceling system - Google Patents

Abstract

Acoustical dampening system (1), intended to be used to reduce noise or other types of undesired sound from at least one noise emitting unit or from at least one area. The acoustical dampening system (1) includes at least one noise dampening unit (2) which is intended to be connected to at least one structure (3) in the noise emitting unit's vicinity and that the noise dampening unit (2) is connected to the structure (3) with attachment elements (27) that allow for a temporary connection of the noise dampening unit (2) to the structure (3). The attachment element (27) includes at least one bracket (28), at least one connection member (30) and at least one locking device (34) which can be operated between a locked and an unlocked position with at least one maneuvering device (35).

Description

A further problem with connecting material layers, such as weather protection, on the outside of a scaffolding is that known constructions of connecting means (fastening means with which the material layer is connected to the scaffolding) require that the assembly work takes place partly from the outside of the weather protection. At higher altitudes it can be impossible and extremely risky to mount the connecting means for the weather protection from the outside of the weather protection.

A further problem with dangerous constructions of connecting means, intended to be used for attaching material layers to the outside of scaffolding, is that these include loose details which in connection with assembly and disassembly can be dropped and fall down and injure people under and near the scaffolding. The loose parts also complicate the work for the fitters.

An additional problem with connecting material layers, such as weather protection and the like, to a scaffolding is that these, in strong winds, place a heavy load on the scaffolding (and indirectly on the building). Usually these weather protections are made so that they detach from the position if the wind exceeds a certain wind strength. These weather protection is usually made of a lightweight material with very little noise-reducing effect. The damage of the loosened material layer to objects and people on the ground, which is hit by the material layer released from the scaffolding, is therefore usually minor. For heavier layers of material, such as in the present noise abatement units, this technique cannot be used as more serious damage to persons and objects hit by the noise abatement units on the ground cannot be ruled out. Even at smaller wine strengths, there are problems with structures such as weather protection and the like which are connected to a scaffolding. For example, these tend to lie and strike on and off against the scaffolding, which in turn causes disturbing sounds to be formed. Furthermore, unnecessary wear can occur on the material in the weather protection when this lies and strikes the scaffolding.

There is also a problem that materials and devices that are taken up in the scaffolding and which are intended to be connected to the scaffolding, such as the noise reduction units included in the present noise reduction system, must be able to be set up without having to be turned over.

Prior art Setting up weather protection and similar devices on scaffolding adjacent to a construction site is already known. For example, patent specification US45 74534 describes a variant of a weather protection which is intended to be connected to a scaffolding by a wall or the like. The construction differs to a significant extent from that of the present invention. For example, the construction is only to a very small extent noise-reducing. The construction further essentially uses other types of connecting means for attaching the construction to the scaffolding.

Patent specification J Pl00888 15A describes a variant of a weather protection for a scaffolding.

The structure is attached with hook-like connecting means to the vertical posts of the scaffolding. The construction differs to a significant extent from the construction of the present invention. For example, the product is only to a very small extent noise-reducing.

Furthermore, the connecting means for the position differ to a large extent from the construction according to the present invention.

Patent specification US3 121470 describes a variant of a weather protection for a scaffolding.

The weather protection according to the patent specification consists of vertical material webs which are attached to the scaffolding. The material webs are fastened with connecting means to the vertical posts of the scaffolding. The connecting means consist of a variant of strips whose construction differs to a large extent from the connecting means according to the present patent application.

Furthermore, the construction according to the patent specification USS 121470 is only to a very small extent noise-reducing.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,805,816 describes a variant of a weather protection for scaffolding.

The weather protection is attached to the vertical posts in the scaffolding with fasteners.

The weather protection according to the patent specification US3 805816 differs to a significant extent in relation to the construction according to the present invention. For example, the weather protection is only to a very small extent noise-reducing. Furthermore, the connecting means according to the patent specification US3805816 differ to a large extent from the connecting means in accordance with the present patent application.

Patent specification J P20090412246 describes a variant of a weather protection for a scaffolding.

The construction includes a function with which the force of the wind against the building can be reduced.

The wind-relieving function according to the patent specification JP200904l246 differs significantly from the construction of the present invention. Furthermore, the weather protection according to the patent specification is only to a very small extent noise-reducing. Furthermore, the construction and connecting function of the connecting member differ greatly from the connecting member in accordance with the present patent application.

With reference to the described problems and the known constructions, it is obvious that there is a need for a substantially improved noise reduction system in accordance with the present patent application. OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION The main object of the present invention is to create a substantially improved noise reduction system, which is intended to be connected to a structure adjacent to a noise emitting unit or area, relative to prior art constructions.

A further object of the present invention is to create a noise-reducing device which can be connected to a structure such as a scaffolding. A still further object of the present invention is to create a connecting member with which the noise-absorbing construction can be attached to a structure which can for instance consist of a scaffolding. It is a further object of the present invention to create a noise reduction system which is automatically partially released from the structure at wind speeds above a predetermined level.

Brief Description of the Figures Referenced in the Following Paragraphs In the following detailed description of the present invention, reference and references to the following articles will be made. Each figure is briefly described in the following list of figures. Note that the fi gures are schematic and that details can thus be omitted in these. The embodiments exemplified in the above are not limiting of the scope of protection of the present patent application.

Figure 1A shows a noise-reducing construction composed of a plurality of noise-reducing units which are connected to a structure.

Figure 1B shows a noise-reducing construction composed of a plurality of noise-reducing units which are connected to a structure.

Figure 2A shows a noise canceling unit in more detail seen from one side.

Figure 2B shows a noise reduction unit in more detail seen from the other side.

Figures 3 - 6 show a variant of a connecting member in accordance with the present invention.

Figures 7A - 7D schematically show the function of a connecting member in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 8 shows in more detail from the inside four interconnected noise reduction units connected to a scaffolding.

Figure 9 shows a folded noise reduction unit.

Figures 10A-10C show schematically how the present construction is set up on a scaffolding adjacent to a building.

Figure 11 shows how the noise reduction system is attached to a supporting element such as a so-called concrete suction.

Figure 12 shows a variant of a safety device.

Figure 13 shows a variant of a noise reduction system which comprises at least one roof section.

Figure 14 shows a variant of the use of the noise reduction system.

Detailed Description of the Invention With reference to the devices, a noise reduction system 1 in accordance with the present invention is shown. The noise reduction system 1 preferably also has a weather protection function.

The noise reduction system 1 consists of at least one first noise reduction unit 2 which is connected to at least one structure 3. In the embodiment shown, the noise reduction system 1 consists of a number of different noise reduction units 2 which are connected to at least one structure 3 in the vicinity of a building, plant or place whose emitted sound is to be attenuated. The structure 3 can be fixed (stationary, permanent) or temporarily erected.

In the preferred embodiment, but not limiting embodiment, of the present system shown in the figures, it is intended to be connected to a structure 3 which consists of at least one scaffolding 4 or the like of an arbitrary size. Scaffolding consists of components that today are essentially standardized. The exemplary scaffolding 4 shown in the figures is usually built up of vertical posts 5, horizontal struts 6, coupling parts 7, locking details 8, rings 9 with your details in accordance with previously known, or in the future developed, technology.

Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, an exemplary embodiment of a noise canceling unit (wall segment) 2, in accordance with the present invention, is shown in more detail. The shape of each noise attenuating unit 2 may vary within the scope of the present patent application. The embodiments shown in the diagrams are therefore not limiting for the construction and shape of the noise reduction unit 2. In the exemplary embodiment of the noise canceling unit 2, shown in the ur gures, the outer shape of the noise canceling unit 2 is preferably of a substantially square shape. It is conceivable that the noise-reducing unit 2 has a different shape, such as, for example, a rectangular or other shape suitable for the purpose. The square (or rectangular) noise-absorbing units 2 each comprise an inside 10 and an outside 11. The square units 2 further have at least a first edge (a first short side in the Shown Embodiment) 12 with a first opposite edge 13 and at least a second edge 14 with at least one third opposite edge 15.

The respective noise-absorbing unit 2 comprises at least a first material layer 16. Preferably, the respective noise-absorbing unit 2 comprises at least a first material layer 16 and at least a second material layer 17. The material layer 16 may for instance consist of a reducing tongue foil or other material suitable for the purpose. The first material layer 16 and the second material layer 17 are themselves preferably of a noise-absorbing material. Between the first material layer 16 and the second material layer 17 is placed at least one first noise-absorbing material layer 18. The noise-absorbing material layer 18 is preferably divided into at least a first part 19 and at least a second part 20. Between the first part 19 and the second part 20 is a intermediate part 21 without a noise-absorbing material layer 18. In the material layers shown in fi gurema, the noise-absorbing material layer 18 is divided into at least a first part 19, at least a second part 20, at least a third part 22 and at least a fourth part 23. Between the parts 19 and 20, 20 and 22 and 22 and 23, respectively, intermediate parts 21, without a noise-absorbing material layer 18, are placed.

Preferably, the first material layer 16 and the second material layer 17 are joined in the intermediate part 23 and in the edges 12 to 15. The joining of the material layers can take place, for example, via welding or another method suitable for the purpose. The noise-absorbing unit preferably also comprises at least a third material layer (not shown in figures), which is located inside the second material layer. The third material layer may be a foil which forms a moisture barrier or the like which reduces (or eliminates) moisture penetration into the noise absorbing material.

By choosing the material and thickness of the material layer, or material layers, the properties of the noise-absorbing unit can be varied. The noise-reducing effect in the respective noise-reducing unit can thereby be adapted to the present need for noise reduction. For example, the average reduction value for a noise-reducing unit can amount to at least 16 dB. However, in alternative embodiments, the noise-reducing unit may have a lower or higher average reduction value.

The edges l1 to 14 of the noise damping units may be provided with recesses 24 for the scaffolding rings or other structural details in the scaffolding. Preferably, the material layers (for example by welding or the like) are connected to each other in connection with the recesses.

In the preferred embodiment, the material layer 17 on the inside, i.e. the material layer 17 which in use is directed towards the sound-emitting source (or sources), is preferably provided with a number of holes. For example, the material layer 17 may be a perforated material layer. Alternatively, the material layer 17 may be provided with other types of holes, openings or the like. In special cases, such as if the noise reduction system 1 is used in the food industry to reduce, for example, the emitted noise from any machine or equipment, the material layer 17 may be without holes, perforations or the like.

Each noise attenuating unit 2 comprises at least one reinforcement / dry stiffening 25 which stiffens all or parts of the material in connection with at least one of the edges 12 to 15 of the noise attenuating unit 2. The stiffening / reinforcement also reinforces the edges and the material adjacent to the edges. Preferably, each edge comprises at least one reinforcement 25 and at least one second reinforcement 26. In the exemplary embodiments, the first reinforcement 25 is located on the outside of the edge and the second reinforcing member on the inside. The former of the reinforcements 25 and 26 can vary greatly within the scope of the present invention. In alternative embodiments, it is conceivable that at least one of the reinforcements is integrated in at least one (some of) the material layers. It is further conceivable that at least one of the reinforcements is placed between the material layers.

Each noise attenuating unit 2 comprises at least one connecting member 27 with which the noise attenuating unit 2 can be connected to the structure 3 such as a scaffolding 4.

Preferably, the noise attenuating unit comprises at least one connecting member 27 in each edge, or in the vicinity of the respective edge. In the preferred embodiment, this comprises at least two connecting means 27 and preferably a number of connecting means connected to the respective edges 12 to 15.

The connecting means 27 on the first edge 12 are offset (in fi grooves 2A and 2B in a substantially vertical direction) relative to the connecting means 27 on the first opposite edge 13. The connecting means 27 after the second edge 14 are further offset (in fi grooves 2A and 2B in substantially horizontal direction) relative to the connecting means 27 after the first opposite edge 15. The construction means that the connecting means 27 after the first edge 12, on a first noise-reducing unit, do not collide with the connecting means 27 after the opposite edge 13, on a second noise-reducing unit, when the first noise reduction unit and the second noise reduction unit are connected to the same pipe in the scaffolding 4 (or other type of structure 3). The construction further means that the connecting means 27 after the first edge 14, on a first noise-reducing unit, do not collide with the connecting means 27 after the second opposite edge 15, on a second noise-reducing unit, when the first noise-reducing unit and the second noise-reducing unit are connected to the same pipe in scaffolding 4 (or other type of structure 3).

Referring to Figures 3 to 6, a preferred embodiment of the present connecting member 27 is shown. The connecting member 27 comprises at least one bracket 28 with which the connecting member 27 is intended to be attached to the wall element 2. The bracket 28 comprises at least one surface (plane) 29 (shown in figure 5) which constitutes the abutment surface against the noise-reducing part of the noise-reducing unit (by noise-reducing part is meant the noise-reducing unit without connecting means). The connecting means 27 are preferably riveted, screwed or otherwise suitably connected to the noise attenuating part at either the edges 12 to 15 of the noise attenuating part. The connecting member 27 further comprises at least one connecting part 30 to one of the pipes of the scaffolding 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the connecting part 30 is substantially U-shaped and comprises at least a first part 31, at least a second part 32 and at least a third part 33. The U-shaped connecting part 30 has a resilient effect causing the connecting part 30 to be clamped against the pipe in the scaffolding of the resilient effect. The resilient effect can be increased in that the U-shaped connecting part 30, in the vicinity of the open end, comprises a section with a smaller distance between the first part 31 and the second part 33. The connecting member 27 further comprises at least one locking member 34 with which the connecting member the part 30, comprising the connecting device 27, is temporarily fixed to a pipe in the scaffolding 4. The locking member 34 is rotatably arranged around a center of rotation 35 in a shaft, screw, rivet or the like. The locking member 34 is connected to and operated by at least one operating member 36 which is connected to at least one first bracket 37.

The actuator 36 may be comprised of a variety of variants, with different shapes, of actuators. In the exemplary embodiment, the actuator 36 comprises a first arm 38. The first arm 37 is rotatably arranged around a center of rotation 39 in, for example, a screw, rivet, shaft or the like. In the exemplary embodiment of the connecting member, the first bracket 28, the connecting part 30 and the bracket 37 are integrated in one unit. The first bracket 28, the connecting part 30 and the bracket 37 may in alternative embodiments consist of two or two parts which are joined together in a manner suitable for the purpose.

Referring to Figure 5, a connecting member 27 is shown with an offset between the abutment surface 29 of the bracket 28 and the first part 31 of the connecting part 30. The construction means that a unique function can be achieved with the connecting member 27. With the construction it is possible to achieve an overlap of two adjacent noise-reducing units. 2 edges. Through the construction, an fi xering of the edges of the respective noise-reducing units 2 to the edges of adjacent noise-reducing units 2 can also be achieved. This overlap is shown in Figure 8.

The construction also means that a denser construction is obtained. Furthermore, the risk of the edges, of the noise-absorbing units, fl increasing under the influence of wind is reduced.

Referring to Figure 6, a connecting member 27 is shown connected to a stiffener 15 or as shown in the figure of a stiffener 16.

With reference to the gurus 7A to 7F, it is schematically shown how the connecting member 27 is connected to a pipe in, for example, a scaffolding. In Fig. 7A, the connecting means is in an open position at a position near the pipe. In Figure 7D, the connecting means is connected to the pipe.

In an alternative embodiment, the connecting means 27 comprises a locking device with which the connecting means can be prevented from being released from the pipe in the scaffolding. In Fig. 7F this is shown by a lock of known type which locks together the parts of the connection device.

The respective noise-reducing unit is preferably intended to be folded in a “zig-zag” shape in accordance with 9 figure 9 (ie the outside and the inside of the noise-reducing unit 2 are alternately folded towards each other and alternately folded apart). Respective noise attenuating unit 2 comprises at least a first lashing member 41 or the like with which the folded noise attenuating unit 2 can be enclosed and temporarily axed in a folded position, for example as a package 42. The lashing means 41 may consist of at least one elongate object such as a belt, a strap or similar, one end of which is xered to one of the sides, or the edges of the noise reduction unit. The lashing means is pulled around the package and is temporarily connected to itself via a coupling means or the like. Respective lashing means 41, alternatively noise-reducing unit, may also comprise at least one handle, loop or the like with which lifting and moving of the respective package (noise-reducing unit) is facilitated. In the exemplary embodiment, shown in the figures, the respective noise reduction unit 2 comprises at least two lashing means 41. When using the noise reduction system for fl, the required number of noise reduction units, in relation to the noise reduction need, is transferred to the place where the noise reduction system is to be used. The respective noise reduction unit is then successively mounted to at least one structure (preferably at least one scaffolding) at the site of use of the noise reduction system. A major advantage of the present invention is that the respective noise reduction unit can be connected from the inside of scaffolding. One or more of your installers therefore preferably connect the noise-canceling units from inside the scaffolding. One or more people who install the noise reduction units from the outside of the scaffolding are therefore not normally required.

Figures 2A also show surfaces which are intended to be used for transmitting information to the user. The information is intended to inform the user about how the device is used with and other relevant information. These are of a previously known construction and function, which is why these are not described in more detail in this patent application.

In variants of the present system, at least one noise reduction unit may comprise at least one connection device 27 which comprises a release function with which the noise reduction unit can be released completely or partially from the structure 3 (scaffolding 4). The release function can, for example, be used to reduce the wind load on the structure 3 (scaffolding 4) during strong winds and the like. The release function is achieved with at least one release mechanism which, for example, releases the connecting member from the noise-absorbing part of the noise-absorbing unit or releases the connecting member from the scaffolding at a force above a predetermined level. The release mechanism may be a variant of quick coupling or other type of trigger coupling which is released at a force above a certain predetermined level. The quick coupling (or the other type of trigger coupling or device) may, for example, be connected between the connecting means and the noise-reducing unit. However, the entire noise-reducing unit 2 is not released from the scaffolding 4, but certain connecting means 27 are preferably not provided with a releasing function. Connecting means 27 in the middle of the edges 12 and 13 may, for example, be of a non-triggering type. In the event of too high a wind load, for example, the upper 11 fastening means in the noise-reducing unit can be released, whereby the upper part of the noise-reducing unit is automatically folded down.

Referring to Figures 10A to 10C, it is shown schematically how the noise reduction system is connected to a scaffolding in the vicinity of a building. In Figure 10A, a unit is connected by connecting means to a structure in the form of a scaffolding. In Figure 10B, a number of noise-reducing units 2 are connected to the scaffolding on one side of the building.

Figure 10C shows how the entire scaffolding around the building was provided with noise-reducing units and that at least a relatively thinner layer of material, provided with pressure or the like, was connected to the scaffolding.

In an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable that the present system is used to delimit a specific area. For example, the present system can be used to define an area for sporting events and the like. In these events, the fixed structure may consist of scaffolding whose vertical posts are connected, for example, to at least one supporting element 43 such as at least one so-called concrete suction (as shown in the exemplary construction in Figure 11) 44 or other foundation, structure or the like suitable for the purpose. The supporting element 43 may in some applications consist of the ground itself or other supporting surface. Figure 11A shows an alternative with a noise reduction unit 2 which is connected to a structure 3 in the form of a scaffolding 4.

The vertical posts 5 of the scaffolding 4 are connected to at least one supporting element 3 such as a concrete suction 4. Figure 1 shows an alternative with a number of noise-absorbing units 2 are connected to a structure 3 in the form of a scaffolding 4. The vertical posts 5 of the scaffolding 4 are connected to at least one supporting element 3 such as a concrete suction 4.

Referring to Figure 12, it is shown how the noise canceling unit, in an alternative embodiment, may comprise at least one safety device in the form of a hasp 45, hook or the like connected to the reinforcement 16, the connecting member 27 or the like. The reel 44 is rotatably mounted about a center of rotation 46 in a shaft, screw, rivet or the like. During the initial mounting of a noise-reducing unit to a horizontal strut, the hasp is turned over the horizontal strut and secures it from falling down. The risk of the noise-reducing unit 2 or the like being lost when connecting the connecting means 27 to the horizontal strut 6, and the connection of the noise-reducing unit 2 in its entirety to the scaffolding 4 is thereby reduced. The noise reduction system 1 may also comprise at least one mounting tool.

The mounting tool is used to lift and position the upper part of the respective noise-reducing unit against an overlying horizontal brace in the scaffolding.

The assembly tool is also used to compress (apply) connecting means with (to) pipes in the scaffolding.

The present invention functions in alternative embodiments both as noise reduction systems, systems intended for use as privacy protection and systems for barriers with their functions. For example, the noise reduction system can be used as privacy protection and / or barrier at sporting events, concerts or the like.

Figure 13 shows how the noise reduction system in alternative embodiments may comprise at least a variant of noise reduction unit 2 which constitutes a roof section 47 which is connected to the structure 3 (such as scaffolding 4). Use of the roof section means that an improved noise reduction effect is obtained with the noise reduction system 1. Use of the roof section means that an improved weather protection effect is obtained with the noise reduction system 1.

In alternative embodiments, the noise reduction system may also comprise a noise reduction unit which constitutes a gable section which is intended to be connected to the gable 48 of a scaffolding. This can be of a substantially rectangular shape (however, this can also be square or of another purpose for the purpose).

With noise reduction units in the form of wall units, roof units, these can be connected to structures 3 and form a number of variants and forms of noise reduction systems. The noise reduction systems can be of the size that include a noise reduction unit to noise reduction systems comprising 1000s of noise reduction units. For example, temporary storage, weather protection, garages and the like can be created by the system. Figure 14 shows, for example, a temporary storage room, garage or similar. The construction according to Figure 14 comprises a number of noise-absorbing sections 2 connected to a structure whose vertical posts are connected to a number of concrete sows. The construction according to Figure 14 further comprises at least one noise-reducing section 2 in the form of a roof section 47.

In the detailed description of the present invention, construction details may be omitted which will be apparent to a person skilled in the art to the field to which the invention relates. 13 Such obvious construction details are included to the extent required to achieve a satisfactory function of the present invention. Although certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, variations and modifications within the scope of the invention may be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. All such variants are considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Advantages of the Invention With the present invention, a number of advantages are achieved. The most important advantage is that a significantly improved noise reduction system is obtained which can be connected to a structure in connection with a noise emitting unit or area. Another advantage of the noise reduction system is that the noise reduction system can be connected to dangerous types of structures such as scaffolding. A further advantage of the present system is that these can be mounted by persons from inside the scaffolding (person or persons on the outside of the scaffolding are not needed). A further advantage of the present invention is that the noise reduction system in alternative embodiments comprises a function which automatically reduces the wind pressure against the noise reduction system at wind speeds above a certain predetermined level. Another still further advantage of the present invention is that it can be folded in "zig-zag" form when not in use. Furthermore, it is also an advantage that the present invention can be used as both privacy and noise protection at various events such as, for example, outdoor concerts or the like. An additional advantage of the present noise reduction system is that it also has the function of weather protection.

Claims (1)

Patent claims Noise reduction system (1), intended to be used to reduce noise or other types of disturbing noise from at least one noise emitting unit or from at least one area comprising at least one noise reduction unit (2), comprising at least one layer of material (16), which is intended to be connected to a scaffolding (4) in the vicinity of the noise emitting unit and that the noise reduction unit (2) is connected to the scaffolding (4) with connecting means (27) which allow a temporary connection of the noise reduction unit (2) to the scaffolding (4) and that the connecting means after the first edge (12) are displaced relative to the connecting means (27) on the opposite edge (13) and that the connecting means (27) after the second edge (14) are displaced relative to the connecting means (27) in the second opposite edge (15) means that the connecting means (27) do not collide with each other in an interconnection of a plurality of noise-reducing units (2) and that connecting means (27) comprise at least one bracket (28), at least one connecting part (30) and at least one locking means (34) which can be operated between a locked and an unlocked position with at least one operating member (35) characterized in that the abutment surface (29) of the connecting member (27) is offset relative to the connecting part (30) flat, which allows two interconnected noise-reducing units' edges to be folded over. Noise reduction system (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting means (27) is connected to at least one stiffening. Noise reduction system (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the noise reduction unit (2) is composed of at least a first layer (16), at least a second layer (17) and at least a third layer of noise-reducing material.