WO2023161261A1

WO2023161261A1 - Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2023161261A1
Application number: PCT/EP2023/054393
Authority: WO
Inventors: Luca D'ALESSANDRO; Stefano CAVERNI
Original assignee: Phononic Vibes S.R.L.
Priority date: 2022-02-24
Filing date: 2023-02-22
Publication date: 2023-08-31

Abstract

Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus (100) comprising a wall element (200) and a plurality of linear elements (300), spaced on a sound-dissipation side of the wall element (200); each of the linear elements (300) comprises a box- shaped body (500); the box- shaped body (400) comprises at least one internal cavity (600) and at least one opening (400) communicating between an enclosed volume of the at least one internal cavity (600) and an outer environment, so as to constitute at least one acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against the sound-dissipation side; the box-shaped body (500) has the cross-sectional profile having a substantially rectangular shape; the at least one opening (400) is positioned on an upper and/or lower side of the box- shaped body (500); on a cross-sectional profile of the box- shaped body (500), the at least one opening (400) at least partially spans along a direction (40) which is perpendicular to a development plane (41) of the wall element (200). The box-shaped body (500) comprises one or more internal walls (501) configured to define a plurality of internal cavities (600) inscribed within the cross-sectional profile. Each cavity of the plurality of internal cavities (600) is directly in communication with the outside of the cross-sectional profile through a respective at least one opening (400) communicating between the enclosed volume and the outer environment.

Description

Title: Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus”

DESCRIPTION

Technical field

The present invention relates to a sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus, comprising a wall element and a plurality of linear elements spaced on a sound-dissipation side of the wall element.

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

Prior art

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

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

Document KR1008 18025 (Bl) relates to a structure with soundabsorbing panels; a plurality of soundproofing sheets is stacked and connected to form a soundproof wall; a sound-absorbing material is fed between the front and rear plates to absorb the surrounding noise to have a sound-absorbing effect.

Document KR 101389116 (Bl) relates to a group of soundproofing panels of the sound-absorbing type, wherein the sound-absorbing body comprises an opening and a sound-absorbing portion; the opening is obtained in the frontal part at a noise-generating source; the soundabsorbing portion is arranged through the opening; the soundabsorbing portion has a sound-absorbing hole and a rear portion.

Further solutions for sound-absorbing or sound-insulating or noisecancelling systems according to the prior art are described in documents KR101889426 (Bl), KR100982745 (Bl), KR20070009808 (A), KR101824209 (Bl), JP2005506478 (A).

Document WO20 10092606 (Al) relates to a sound barrier comprising a supporting frame, a plurality of panels and at least one soundabsorbent element facing towards a noise source in a way to locally change the sound-absorbent features of the barrier. The soundabsorbent element is an acoustic box comprising a body with a parallelepiped shape with squared section and hollowed inside in a way to be filled with sound-absorbent material.

Document GB2269842 (A) relates to an elongate sound absorbing element for traffic noise barriers, which provides a resonant cavity with an impermeable upper surface wall and with a perforated lower surface wall extending outwardly with respect to the rear of the cavity. A layer of sound absorbent material is disposed within the cavity overlying the lower surface wall.

Document US4095669 (A) relates to a sound reducing panel with a number of parallel, hollow, triangular-shaped chambers, equally spaced apart and opening toward the side of the panel opposing the source of objectionable noise. The mounting provides a slot along each longitudinal side of the triangular-shaped chambers opening.

However, the known sound-absorbing or sound-insulating or noisecancelling solutions are not fully effective in acoustically attenuating noise. Summary of the invention

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

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

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

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

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

An idea underlying the present invention is to provide a soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatus comprising a wall element and a plurality of linear elements. The linear elements are spaced on a sound-dissipation side of the wall element. Each of the linear elements comprises a box-shaped body. The box-shaped body comprises at least one internal cavity and at least one opening. The at least one opening communicates between an enclosed volume of the at least one internal cavity and an outer environment. The box-shaped body constitutes at least one acoustic resonator. The box-shaped body absorbs a sound emission directed against the sound-dissipation side. The box-shaped body has a cross-sectional profile having a substantially rectangular shape. The at least one opening is positioned on an upper and/or lower side of the box-shaped body. On a cross-sectional profile of the boxshaped body, the at least one opening at least partially spans along a direction which is perpendicular to a development plane of the wall element. The box-shaped body comprises one or more internal walls configured to define a plurality of internal cavities inscribed within the cross-sectional profile. Each cavity of the plurality of internal cavities is directly in communication with the outside of the cross-sectional profile through a respective at least one opening communicating between the enclosed volume and the outer environment.

Advantageously, having the at least one opening of the box- shaped body spanning along the direction which is perpendicular to the development plane, rather than only in a direction which is parallel to the development plane, allows an acoustic field or a noise directed against the wall element of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus to be attenuated in a more effective manner.

In particular, the at least one opening, spanning also on the box-shaped body portion which is at least partially perpendicular to the wall element, allows the dimension which is orthogonal with respect to the development plane of the wall element to be exploited, and thus the sound-absorbing surface and the noise-reduction properties thereof to be maximized.

Moreover, advantageously, the good sound-absorption performances are combined by box-shaped elements which develop orthogonally to the wall element, which can be transparent allowing light to pass and vision through the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus.

Moreover, the box-shaped elements which develop out of the plane of the wall element i.e., which are orthogonal thereto, allow the surface of the wall element which serves as an acoustic and sound-insulating resonator to be maximized.

Moreover, the internal walls which define the internal cavities, advantageously, allow to intervene and optimize the sound-reduction frequencies conferred to the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus.

In fact, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating of each internal cavity can be tuned by the position and configuration of the internal walls, in order to tune the apparatus to the frequency of interest.

In addition, the internal walls which define the internal cavities advantageously allow at the same time to attenuate in a more effective manner an acoustic field, and to provide a sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus which has a sturdier structure.

Preferably, the box-shaped body comprises one or more C-shaped linear profiles and a frame system configured to maintain them aligned and in order to provide the at least one opening in a respective gap. Advantageously, the use of C-shaped linear profiles in the box-shaped body allows the linear elements to be formed in an effective and inexpensive way.

Preferably, the box-shaped body comprises therein further fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material. In this way, advantageously, the dissipation capacity of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus can be increased.

Preferably, the box-shaped body further comprises at least one elastic membrane configured to divide the at least one internal cavity. In this way, advantageously, it is possible to intervene and optimize the soundreduction frequencies conferred to the sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus.

Preferably, the box-shaped body comprises on a frontal face thereof at least one mass element. In this way, advantageously, it is possible to modify a resonant behaviour of the element optimizing, among others, the sound-reduction frequencies conferred to the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus.

Preferably, the wall element comprises at least one perforated portion, having holes and/or slots distributed on a surface thereof. In this way, advantageously, it is possible to introduce a further sound-dissipation effect in the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus, which is further amplifiable by installing the sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus near further barriers or walls therebehind.

Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description given here below of examples and preferred nonlimiting embodiments of the present invention and from the dependent claims which outline preferred and particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

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

Figures 1A and IB exemplify applications of a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus.

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C illustrate a sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus.

Figure 3 illustrates a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate possible variants of sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D illustrate box-shaped bodies in soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate details of longitudinal openings in sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate details of wall elements in soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

Figures 8A, 8B, 8C illustrate further box-shaped bodies in soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses. Figures 9A, 9B, 9C illustrate further box-shaped bodies in soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

Figures 10A, 10B, IOC illustrate further box- shaped bodies in sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

Figures 11A, 11B, 11C illustrate further box-shaped bodies in sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

Figures 12A, 12B, 12C illustrate details of box-shaped bodies comprising mass elements in a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus.

Figures 13A, 13B, 13C illustrate details of box-shaped bodies comprising mass elements in a further sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus.

Figures 14A and 14B illustrate details of box- shaped bodies comprising mass elements in a further sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus.

Figure 15A illustrates a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus, and figures 15B and 15C illustrate a box- shaped body associated therewith.

Figure 16 illustrates details of a box- shaped body comprising a frontal cavity in a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus.

In the different figures, analogous elements will be identified by analogous reference numbers.

Moreover, in the figures, if there is a plurality of elements which are similar to each other, only one (or only some) of them will be indicated by a reference number for greater clarity; the other similar elements, although not indicated by a suitable reference number, are to be understood as included by analogy. Detailed description

The sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus of the present invention is adapted to perform a function of intense acoustic absorption and soundproofing, in several technical applications particularly in the field of civil (infrastructure or building industry), naval, aircraft and industrial construction.

Figures 1A and IB exemplify applications of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100.

In the example of Figure 1A, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100 is used as a partitioning element between two environments, for example between a railway line and a building, to limit the acoustic wave propagation from one side to the other and at the same time to absorb an acoustic energy portion in a sounddissipation side, as it will be further described.

In the example of Figure IB, sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses 100 are used as a covering on the walls of an environment, for example of a house, in order to absorb the sound and reduce the reverberation thereof, increasing the sound quality in the environment itself. In this case, the sound-dissipation side is arranged inwards of the environment to be treated.

Figures 2A, 2B, 2C illustrate a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100.

The sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100 comprising a wall element 200 and a plurality of linear elements 300, spaced on a sound-dissipation side of the wall element 200.

As it will be further described, each of the linear elements 200 comprises a respective box-shaped body, having at least one internal cavity and at least one opening, so as to constitute at least one acoustic resonator and absorb a sound emission directed against the sound- dissipation side.

The wall element 200 defines the development plane of the apparatus, and by itself is accountable for low-frequency sound absorption and for soundproofing, exploiting a global plate resonance mechanism of the whole sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100.

The plurality of linear elements 300 having an elongated shape are preferably positioned parallel to each other, and spaced on the sounddissipation side of the wall element 200. The linear elements 300, as it will be further described, confer to the sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus 100 sound-absorption properties at medium-high frequencies, in particular due to acoustic resonance, and optionally mechanical resonance mechanisms.

As it will be further described, the linear elements 300 comprise at least one preferably straight elongated slot 400, preferably a plurality of elongated slots 400 which are parallel to each other. The at least one elongated slot 400 is at least partially parallel to the wall element 200.

Returning to the wall element 200 which defines the development plane of the apparatus, it represents a planar element which is accountable for low-frequency sound absorption and for sound insulation.

Preferably, the wall element 200 is made of a non-permeable material such as metal, plastic or glass and preferably it has a thickness comprised between 0, 1 mm and 15 mm.

Preferably, the wall element 200 is transparent.

Figure 3 illustrates a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100b.

The linear elements 300b are positioned vertically, and not horizontally like in the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100, on the wall element 200. The linear elements have a plurality of elongated slots 400b.

In general, the wall element 200 (or 200b, etc.) is substantially planar and defines the development plane with respect to which the arrangement of the at least one opening 400 (or 400b, etc.) is to be evaluated.

Preferably, the at least one opening 4000 consists of one or more openings having an elongated shape, which develop along the main development direction of the linear elements. In other variants, not represented, the at least one opening consists of a series of holes, aligned or not with each other, which are mainly arranged along the main development direction of the linear elements.

As it can be seen, in general the plurality of linear elements 300 (or 300b, etc.) comes out of the development plane along a direction which is perpendicular thereto.

Also in the example of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100b, the linear elements 200b have a plurality of openings 400b on at least one of the profile surfaces which are orthogonal to the development plane of the apparatus. The openings 400b develop along the main development direction of the linear element 200b and, as it will be further described, can have different configurations in the plane which is orthogonal to the development plane.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate possible variants of sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses 100c and lOOd, respectively.

The sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100c provides linear elements 300c having a curved shape, preferably repeated equal to itself for juxtaposed elements. These linear elements 300c are spaced on a sound-dissipation side of the wall element 200c.

The sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus lOOd provides instead linear elements 300d having a broken-line shape, preferably symmetrically repeated two by two, for juxtaposed elements. These linear elements 300d are spaced on a sound-dissipation side of the wall element 200d.

It is thus evident that several overall shapes of the linear elements are possible, and that the latter are not limited to a straight line.

Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D illustrate box-shaped bodies 500 in soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

As described, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100 comprises a wall element 200 and a plurality of linear elements 300, comprising each a respective box- shaped body 500.

In these Figures, and in the following similar Figures, only one of the linear elements 300 will be visible in section, but it should be understood that there is a plurality of them, spaced from each other, associated with the wall element 200 as described above.

The box-shaped body 500 comprises at least one internal cavity 600 and at least one opening 400 communicating between a volume enclosed in the at least one internal cavity 600 and an outer environment.

In this example, the linear elements 300 have a single cavity 600 within their volume; looking at the profile cross-section, the cavity 600 is put in communication with the outside in at least one point in the profile section, through the at least one opening 400.

In particular, the cavity 600 is directly in communication with the outside of the cross-sectional profile through a respective at least one opening 400 communicating between the enclosed volume and the outer environment.

The box-shaped body 500 constitutes at least one acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against the sound-dissipation side of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100.

On a cross-sectional profile of the box-shaped body 500, represented in Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and in the following similar Figures, it can be appreciated that the at least one opening 400 at least partially spans along a direction 40 which is perpendicular to a development direction 41 of the wall element 200.

It should be clarified that, with respect to the cross-sectional profile of the box-shaped body 500, the opening 400 “at least partially” spans along the direction 40, in the sense that it might also be slanted in the cross-sectional profile and thus partially spanning, also in the direction of the development plane 41, taking into consideration an opening aligned along a slanted direction which can be described as a combination of the vector type of directions 40 and 41.

It should also be clarified that the direction 40 which is perpendicular to a development plane can be evaluated as a locally planar approximation, in case the wall element 200 is not planar but concave and / or convex.

In more detail, each of the linear elements 300 has the box-shaped body 500 which defines, at least locally, a main development axis which in the example of Figure 2A or Figure 3 is straight. The cross-sectional profile, represented in Figures 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D and in the following similar Figures, lies on a plane which is orthogonal to the main development axis.

In these cases, the box-shaped body 500 has the cross-sectional profile having a substantially rectangular shape.

The one or more openings 400 are positioned on an upper and/or lower side of the box- shaped body 500.

As it can be seen, the upper and/or lower side provided with the at least one opening 400 is a side which is adjacent to the wall element 200. In general, the at least one opening 400 faces directly the outer environment i.e., it is not an opening which communicates to an area partially or totally included in the walls of the box- shaped body 500. In other words, the at least one opening 400 faces outwards with respect to the internal cavity defined by the box-shaped body.

The linear elements 300, comprising the box-shaped body 500, are responsible for noise absorption at medium-high frequencies, due to the acoustic resonances generating due to the openings 400 + cavities 600 system of the same profiles.

Advantageously, the linear elements 300 with the relevant box-shaped body 500 are also useful to confer an out-of-plane stiffness to the wall element 200.

As it can be seen, for example, also in Figure 2A, the linear elements 300 are spaced and positioned in an offset manner, preferably parallel to each other, on the wall element 200 with the longest side thereof in the plane of the apparatus and the profile section instead exiting the plane of the apparatus.

The box-shaped body 500 of the linear elements 300 is preferably manufactured by extrusion, in order to have the exemplified elongated shape.

Figures 6A and 6B illustrate details of longitudinal openings in soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses lOOe and lOOf. The sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses comprise openings 400e and 400f, shaped like elongated slots made by segments connected to each other.

In this example, there is a single opening 400e or 400f on at least one of the profile surfaces, which is orthogonal to the plane of the apparatus. The opening 400e or 400f spans along the dimension of the linear element and can have different shapes in the plane which is orthogonal to the apparatus. Figures 7A and 7B illustrate details of wall elements in sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses 100g and lOOh.

In the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100g, the wall element 200g comprises at least one perforated portion, having holes and/or slots distributed on a surface thereof. In this example, the wall element is made of an impervious material i.e., not permeable, on which there is a plurality of micro-holes having a diameter of 0, 1 mm - 1 mm.

In the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus lOOh the wall element 200h comprises at least one perforated portion, having holes and/or slots distributed on a surface thereof. In this example, the wall element is made of an impervious material i.e., not permeable, on which there is a plurality of holes having a diameter of 2 mm - 100 mm.

In a variant, the wall element might comprise a plurality of cuts or slots, preferably being 0, 1 mm - 10 mm wide, preferably parallel to each other and arranged in one of the two directions in the plane of the apparatus.

In general, the wall element can be opaque or, advantageously, transparent allowing light to filter.

Figures 8A, 8B, 8C illustrate further box-shaped bodies 500 in soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses 100.

The box-shaped body 500 of these examples comprises one or more internal walls 501 configured to define a plurality of internal cavities 600, inscribed within the cross-sectional profile. Looking at the profile section, the cavities are separated by partitions/ walls inscribed within the external walls of the profile section. Each cavity is in communication, at least in one point, with the outside of the profile section and/or with an adjacent cavity of the same section.

In particular, in some examples, each cavity of the plurality of internal cavities 600 is directly in communication with the outside of the cross- sectional profile through a respective at least one opening 400 communicating between the enclosed volume and the outer environment.

Specifically, in the example of Figure 8C, on the cross-sectional profile of the box-shaped body 500, the one or more internal walls 501 spans along a second direction which is parallel to the development plane 41 of the wall element 200.

Figures 9A, 9B, 9C illustrate further box-shaped bodies in soundabsorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

In these figures, the box-shaped body 500 has the cross-sectional profile having a substantially triangular, circular or parallelogram-like shape. The one or more openings 400 are positioned on an upper and/or lower side of the box-shaped body 500. In some figures, internal walls 501 are also provided.

Also in these sectional views, it can be appreciated that the at least one opening 400 at least partially spans along a direction 40 which is perpendicular to a development plane 41 of the wall element 200. Once again, it should be clarified that the opening 400 “at least partially” spans along the direction 40, in the sense that it is precisely slanted and thus partially spans also in the direction of the development plane 41, taking into consideration a combination of the vector type.

Specifically, in the example of Figure 9B, on the cross-sectional profile of the box-shaped body 500, the one or more internal walls 501 spans along a second direction which is parallel to the development plane 41 of the wall element 200.

Figures 10A, 10B, 10C illustrate further box- shaped bodies 500 in sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

In these examples, the box-shaped body 500 further comprises fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material 601, placed to partially or totally occupy the at least one internal cavity 600. In some examples, internal walls 501 are also provided. The sound-absorbing material 601 can be provided in one or more of the sub-cavities defined by the internal walls 501.

The fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material 601 can be for example rock wool, mineral wool, glass wool, polyester, polyurethane, etc. The fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material 601 allows the high- frequency acoustic absorption performances of each single linear element 300 and thus of the whole sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus 100 to be increased.

In possible variants, the fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material 601 can be placed to occupy at least partially i.e., to occupy partially or totally, the at least one internal cavity 600.

Figures 11A, 11B, 11C illustrate further box-shaped bodies 500 in sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses.

In these examples, each box-shaped body 500 further comprises an elastic membrane 502, configured to further divide the at least one internal cavity 600.

The elastic membrane 502 can be provided in one or more of the subcavities defined by the internal walls 501.

This elastic membrane, or more of them, is inscribed within the crosssection of the box-shaped body 500, and it serves as a membrane resonator which allows a further noise dissipation.

In possible variants, not represented, in addition to the at least one elastic membrane there may further be fibrous or porous soundabsorbing material 601, placed to at least partially occupy the at least one internal cavity 600.

Figures 12A, 12B, 12C illustrate details of box-shaped bodies 500 in a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus lOOi. The box- shaped body 500 comprises a frontal face 503, which is substantially parallel to the wall element 200. The frontal face 503 is free of openings and configured to act as a plate resonator.

Preferably, the frontal face 503 further comprises at least one mass element 503a, here a plurality of periodically-arranged mass elements 503a. The at least one mass element 503a is configured to modify a resonant behaviour of the plate resonator, made by the frontal face 503.

Figures 13A, 13B, 13C illustrate details of box-shaped bodies 500 in a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 1001.

Preferably, the frontal face 503 further comprises at least one mass element 503b having an elongated shape, to substantially occupy the whole length of the respective linear element 300. The at least one mass element 503b is configured to modify a resonant behaviour of the plate resonator, made by the frontal face 503.

Figures 14A and 14B illustrate details of box- shaped bodies 500 in a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100m.

Preferably, the frontal face 503 further comprises at least one mass element 503c, here a plurality of periodically-arranged mass elements 503c. The at least one mass element 503c is configured to modify a resonant behaviour of the plate resonator, made by the frontal face 503.

In this case, the at least one mass element 503c is hollow and comprises a respective second opening 504 on a plane which is parallel to the frontal face 503. The second opening 504 faces the second cavity 505 inside the mass element 503c. This further mass element 503c contributes to a further sound dissipation. At the same time, the second opening 504 and the second cavity 505 allow further sound-absorption properties to be conferred to the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus, by exploiting the resonance of the so-configured mass element 503c, whose opening 504 and cavity 505 constitute a resonant element (in particular, of the Helmholtz resonator type) which can be suitably designed for sound absorption at certain frequencies of interest.

In general, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100 provides linear elements 300 whose surface, which is parallel to the plane of the wall element 200 and not in contact therewith, serves as a membrane resonator.

In the hereabove-described sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatuses lOOi, 1001, 100m, the mass elements 503a, 503b or 503c are positioned so as to create a membrane 503 + masses 503a/b/c system in order to increase the low-frequency absorption and soundinsulation performances.

In general, the mass elements can have an elongated shape in the main dimension of the linear elements, or be a plurality of mass elements in an array arrangement along the main dimension. In both cases, in general, the mass elements can be hollow inside and comprise at least one opening which puts the cavity therein in communication with the outer environment.

Figure 15A illustrates a sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus lOOn. Similarly to what has already been described, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus lOOn comprises a wall element 200 and a plurality of linear elements 300, spaced on a sound-dissipation side of the wall element 200. The linear elements 300 comprise at least one preferably straight elongated slot 400, preferably a plurality of elongated slots 400 which are parallel to each other. The at least one elongated slot 400 is at least partially parallel to the wall element 200.

Figure 15B illustrates in more detail the box- shaped body 500 defined by the linear element 300 of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus lOOn.

The box-shaped body 500, similarly to what has already been described, comprises at least one internal cavity 600 and at least one opening 400 communicating between an enclosed volume of the at least one internal cavity 600 and an outer environment, so as to constitute at least one acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against the sound-dissipation side of the wall element 200.

In this case, the box-shaped body 500 comprises a plurality of C- shaped linear profiles 700 which are maintained aligned by a frame system 701 anchored to the wall element 200.

Figure 15C shows the box- shaped body 500 of Figure 15B in a view representing the cross-sectional profile thereof.

As can be appreciated, the frame system 701 is configured to be anchored to the wall element 200. The frame system 701 is configured to maintain the one or more C-shaped linear profiles 700 aligned and spaced to provide the openings 400 in a respective gap. The gap can be defined by the distance of the C-shaped linear profiles 700.

By means of the so-juxtaposed C-shaped linear profiles 700, one or more internal walls 501 are defined, which are configured to define a plurality of internal cavities 600, inscribed within the cross-sectional profile.

Looking at the profile section, the cavities 600 are separated by partitions formed by a portion of the same C-shaped linear profiles 700. Each cavity 600 is in communication, at least in one point, with the outside of the profile section of the box- shaped body 500.

In particular, each cavity of the plurality of internal cavities 600 is directly in communication with the outside of the cross-sectional profile through a respective at least one opening 400 communicating between the enclosed volume and the outer environment.

In a variant, not represented, there might be a single C-shaped linear profile 700 to constitute a single respective internal cavity of the box- shaped body.

Also in Figure 15C, on the cross-sectional profile of the box- shaped body 500, the at least one opening 400 at least partially spans along a direction 40 which is perpendicular to a development plane 41 of the wall element 200.

Specifically, on the cross-sectional profile of the box-shaped body defined by the C-shaped linear profiles 700, the one or more internal walls spans along a second direction which is parallel to the development plane 41 of the wall element 200.

Moreover, the plurality of internal cavities 600 are separated by partitions formed by a portion of the C-shaped linear profiles 700.

Preferably, the box- shaped body 500 comprises a frontal face 703, which is substantially parallel to the wall element 200. The frontal face 703 comprises a respective second opening 704 on a plane which is parallel to the frontal face 703. In particular, the second opening 704 communicates with a second internal cavity 610 which is separated from the at least one internal cavity 600.

In this way, the second opening 704 and the second internal cavity 610 allow the absorbing surface of the box-shaped body 500 to be increased, by combining the absorption conferred by the at least one opening 400 and by the second opening 704, each of them according to the respective absorption mode.

Figure 16 illustrates details of a box- shaped body comprising a frontal cavity 610 in a further sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus 100.

Also this apparatus uses C-shaped linear profiles 700, supported by a frame system which is not visible in the figure.

In this example, the box-shaped body 500 further comprises fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material 601, placed to partially or totally occupy the at least one internal cavity 600. The sound-absorbing material 601 can be also provided in the frontal cavity 610.

Industrial applicability

Advantageously, the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus of the present invention allows a sound emission or a noise to be effectively attenuated.

The wall element which forms a part of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus represents a low-frequency soundabsorption contribution, due to the plate resonance effect thereof.

Moreover, the wall element represents a sound-insulation contribution, due to the surface mass of the panel material and always due to the plate resonance effect.

In some cases, the wall element can also serve as a structural support for assembling the linear elements.

Moreover, if the wall element of the sound-absorbing and soundinsulating apparatus is arranged in a spaced manner from a preexisting wall or barrier in the environment to be treated, especially if the wall element has a plurality of holes, micro-holes or slots, a further absorption mechanism will be observed, due to the acoustic resonance at the interface between the surface and the air cavity behind.

The linear elements which form a part of the sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus represent in turn a sound-absorption contribution at medium-high frequencies, due to the acoustic resonance generated by the openings-internal cavities system.

In particular, the resonance frequency of the system is defined by the dimensions of the at least one opening in the profile cross-section, by the number of internal cavities and by the dimensions of the internal cavities.

The linear elements represent then an additional sound-absorption contribution, due to the mechanical resonance for the configurations having a frontal surface which serves as a membrane resonator. This effect can be enhanced by juxtaposing one or more mass elements on the frontal surface. A further additional sound-absorption contribution is provided due to the acoustic resonance which occurs in the mass elements provided with the internal cavity and frontal opening.

Taking into consideration the herein provided description, the skilled in the art may devise further modifications and variants, in order to meet contingent and specific requirements.

In particular, it is evident that, in the absence of technical incompatibilities which are apparent to the skilled in the art, the configurations of specific elements described with reference to some Figures might be used in combination with other elements described in connection with other Figures.

Claims

1. Sound-absorbing and sound-insulating apparatus (100) comprising a wall element (200) and a plurality of linear elements (300), spaced on a sound-dissipation side of said wall element (200); wherein each of said linear elements (300) comprises a box-shaped body (500); wherein said box-shaped body (500) comprises at least one internal cavity (600) and at least one opening (400) communicating between an enclosed volume of said at least one internal cavity (600) and an outer environment, so as to constitute at least one acoustic resonator to absorb a sound emission directed against said sound-dissipation side; wherein said box-shaped body (500) has said cross-sectional profile having a substantially rectangular shape, and wherein said at least one opening (400) is positioned on an upper and/or lower side of said boxshaped body (500); wherein, on a cross-sectional profile of said box- shaped body (500), said at least one opening (400) at least partially spans along a direction (40) which is perpendicular to a development plane (41) of said wall element (200); characterized in that said box-shaped body (500) comprises one or more internal walls (501) configured to define a plurality of internal cavities (600) inscribed within said cross-sectional profile, and in that each cavity of said plurality of internal cavities (600) is directly in communication with the outside of said cross-sectional profile through a respective at least one opening (400) communicating between said enclosed volume and said outer environment.

2. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein on said cross-sectional profile of said box- shaped body (500), said one or more internal walls (501) spans along a second direction which is parallel to a development plane (41) of said wall element (200).

3. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said box-shaped body (500) comprises one or more C-shaped linear profiles (700) and a frame system (701) anchored to said wall element (200) and configured to maintain said one or more C-shaped linear profiles (700) aligned and spaced to provide said at least one opening (400) in a respective gap, wherein said plurality of internal cavities (600) are separated by partitions formed by a portion of said C-shaped linear profiles (700).

4. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said box- shaped body (500) comprises a frontal face (703), which is substantially parallel to said wall element (200), said frontal face (703) comprising a respective second opening (704) on a plane which is parallel to said frontal face (703), said second opening (504) communicating with a second internal cavity (610) separated from said at least one internal cavity (600).

5. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said box- shaped body (500) comprises a frontal face (503), which is substantially parallel to said wall element (200), said frontal face (503) being free of openings and configured to act as a plate resonator, wherein said frontal face (503) further comprises at least one mass element (503a; 503b; 503c) configured to modify a resonant behaviour of said plate resonator.

6. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said at least one opening (400) is positioned on said upper and/or lower side being a side which is adjacent to said wall element (200).

7. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said wall element (200) is substantially planar and defines said development plane (41), said plurality of linear elements (300) exiting said development plane (41) along said perpendicular direction (40).

8. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of said linear elements (300) has said box-shaped body (500) at least locally defining a main development axis, and wherein said cross-sectional profile is on a plane which is orthogonal to said main development axis.

9. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein said at least one opening (400) comprises an elongated slot, which is preferably straight or with connected segments, substantially developing along said box-shaped body (500) parallel to said wall element (200).

10. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein said elongated slot is at least partially parallel to said wall element (200).

11. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein said box-shaped body (500) further comprises fibrous or porous sound-absorbing material (601) placed to at least partially occupy said at least one internal cavity (600).

12. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said box-shaped body (500) further comprises at least one elastic membrane (502) configured to divide said at least one internal cavity (600), said elastic membrane being preferably porous or impervious.

13. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein said wall element (200) comprises at least one perforated portion, having holes and/or slots distributed on a surface thereof.

14. Sound-absorbing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein said wall element (200) is transparent.