EP2971390B1 - Acoustic module - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an acoustic module for influencing, in particular reducing, sound reflections and / or sound transmissions in a room.

Acoustic modules influence or reduce sound reflections and / or sound transmissions between areas in a room and, in particular, effect sound absorption, sound scattering and / or sound shielding. With the known or predominantly used techniques, there are, however, various dependencies / conflicting goals, especially with regard to acoustic efficiency, manufacturing effort, weight, transparency, design options, robustness, variability, etc. New solutions, such as transparent materials without fiber and foam materials, have this , little changed so far.

From the U.S. 2,882,989 A a sound absorber is known which is a conical sheet-like structure which is fixed to a wall or ceiling with the aid of an elastic fastening element. In order to provide the sound absorber formed in this way with the highest possible rigidity, the flat structure is pressed against the wall with the aid of the elastic fastening device or cover pressed. The planar structure can have perforations.

From the WO 2009/147657 A2 a foldable lampshade is known which is composed of sheet-like structures placed under bending stress.

The DE 299 21 869 U1 relates to a lantern, the side walls of which are formed by flat structures placed under bending stress.

From the US 7 178 630 B1 an acoustic device is known which has a stable semi-cylindrical shape, the walls of which are not under bending stress.

The present invention is based on the object of creating an acoustic module of the specified type which, with good acoustic properties, can be used particularly variably and manufactured particularly economically.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by an acoustic module having the features of patent claim 1.

In the acoustic module designed according to the invention, at least one flat structure made of thin-walled, flexurally elastic material is used. Such a material is characterized in that it assumes a curved shape when it is placed under bending stress and when the stress is released to its original form Shape returns. This can be, for example, a corresponding plastic film or glass film that has a thickness that ensures the effect described above.

According to the invention, such a flat structure is placed under bending stress by at least one further flat structure in such a way that it assumes a curved shape. By creating a tensioned state of the sheet-like structure and maintaining this tensioned state (pretensioning effect), an additional acoustic effect is achieved according to the invention, according to which, for example, the bent section under tension is set in vibration when sound is applied, thereby achieving better sound absorption. Furthermore, the prestressing effect improves the stability of the hollow body compared to non-stressed sheet-like structures; H. at least the same stability properties can be achieved with thinner material. With less use of material, an improvement in acoustic effectiveness is achieved.

The flat structure placed under bending stress is part of a hollow body that limits the volume of air. This hollow body does not have to be closed. It is essential that corresponding air masses or air layers in the hollow body are influenced by the oscillation behavior of the flat structure or its layers and parts when exposed to sound.

The curved planar structure placed under bending stress has structures and / or perforations, in particular micro-perforations, in order to change or improve the acoustic behavior. The corresponding measures can be determined empirically from case to case.

Furthermore, the acoustic module embodied according to the invention has devices for changing the curvature of the flat structure under bending stress. With these devices, the acoustic properties of the acoustic module can be varied. In combination with the above-mentioned structuring and / or micro-perforations, further design options arise.

The flat structure placed under bending stress can be used in combination with other flat structures to form a three-dimensional body, a variable configuration being possible. Such flat structures can be produced with little effort, because they allow three-dimensional structures with the smallest number of components. The starting materials can be common semi-finished products that can be precisely processed using proven processes.

The flat structure placed under bending stress is stretched by another flat structure and held in this state and assumes a stabilized three-dimensional shape. External forces can be easily neutralized or cushioned. In particular, can the shape of the object regenerate automatically after an impact, and permanent damage can largely be avoided. Because special stabilization elements are superfluous, relatively large transparent surfaces are possible without impairing the view. The object remains particularly light.

In a further development of the invention, the further sheet-like structure is also placed under bending stress and takes on a curved shape. The properties described above therefore also apply to this sheet-like structure in this embodiment. The hollow body formed in this way then has at least two curved planar structures under bending stress. As already mentioned, the hollow body can comprise further sheet-like structures that are free of stress or are also placed under bending stress, so that they assume a curved shape. The connection between the individual flat structures is preferably designed in such a way that a joint effect results. The acoustic module can also be composed of a large number of articulated hollow bodies.

In order to achieve the desired joint effect between the individual surfaces, connection types are used that generate or promote this joint effect. As an example, plug-in connections are mentioned that are preferred.

The curved flat structure, which is placed under bending stress, expediently has a wall thickness of <3 mm.

With such materials, in particular plastic films, the desired flexural behavior is achieved, which ensures good stability behavior with improved acoustic properties compared to a non-prestressed flat structure. Suitable materials, in particular plastic films, are known to the person skilled in the art.

In another preferred embodiment, the hollow body of the acoustic module has a plurality of hollow spaces arranged one behind the other. In this embodiment, therefore, several air chambers or air volumes are formed, which are separated from one another by flat structures placed under bending stress. One can therefore speak of multi-shell flat structures with air volumes arranged one behind the other. The acoustic module designed according to the invention is characterized, in particular in this embodiment, by a lightweight construction.

The invention therefore creates the prerequisites for extremely light resonator cavities with definable properties of the boundary surfaces or other (partial) surfaces that can be coupled thereto. In addition, foils for the mid and high range and the thin-walled low-frequency resonance absorbers can be combined within the framework of the same construction principle and thus broadband absorber modules with corresponding advantages can be implemented.

Since the acoustic modules designed according to the invention are particularly small due to the prestressed planar structure Weight, the modules can be connected to one another with the simplest of means. For this purpose, the plug-in connection means already mentioned above can be used, but also, for example, clip fasteners etc. An assembly can also be carried out with the aid of stands, rail systems or the like.

The acoustic effect achieved with the acoustic modules designed according to the invention is complex and is directed u. a. according to the hollow body shape and can be determined / checked by tests on the respective object. A simulation / calculation is only partially or approximately possible.

The acoustic module designed according to the invention is thus characterized by vaulted structures which are formed by the flat structures placed under bending stress. In this case, at least one vaulted structure of an acoustic module is provided by a prestressed flat structure.

The acoustic module designed according to the invention can have suitable fastening sections or fastening elements, by means of which fastening to walls, ceilings, etc., also among one another, is possible. Of course, it can also be set up anywhere in the room, either individually or in combination with other modules. Attachment to sound and / or light sources is also possible, with the corresponding light and / or sound-emitting element being able to be surrounded by the acoustic module.

As connecting means, those means are preferred that are used in the German patent application DE 10 2009 004 608.9 are described.

In a further embodiment, the at least one flat structure comprises a material formed in layers, the layers of which are loosely arranged on top of one another or connected to one another. The other flat structures of the acoustic module can also have such a material. Composite materials or corresponding sandwich materials come into consideration as materials, for example. It is also possible to use materials which have several layers which are loosely on top of one another, possibly also attached to one another over part of the area or at points. A purely frictional connection is also possible.

According to the invention, the individual flat structures are preferably matched to one another in order to achieve the desired acoustic properties. Such adjustments can be made through processing, structuring, material selection, material thickness, etc. Depending on the coordination, the effectiveness can be achieved or adjusted in certain frequency bands.

Examples of such structures are cuts to form tongues that can vibrate freely due to the bending of the material. Other examples are grooves produced by material removal, which can end in a corresponding hole, for example.

Such structures are comparable to micro-perforations. Such cuts, slits, etc. ensure that certain partial areas have a different vibration behavior than the remaining part of the flat structure.

The measures described above can be carried out on all flat structures of the acoustic module.

Another embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the acoustic module has at least one light source integrated into the module. Such a light source can be integrated into the module, for example, together with the corresponding conductor tracks.

Acoustic actuators that generate vibrations, etc., and receptors can also be integrated into the module.

As already mentioned, the flat structure placed under bending stress is part of a hollow body which delimits a volume of air. The hollow body can be completely or partially closed.

The further planar structure can be flat or have a three-dimensional shape. This shape can be achieved without tension, or the second sheet-like structure can also be placed under bending stress.

All flat structures can have structuring, as already stated above.

The invention further comprises an acoustic module which is formed from a multiplicity of hollow bodies lined up or connected to one another. These hollow bodies can be connected to one another, for example, via articulated connections. Other types of connections are also covered by the invention.

Figur 1

eine schematische, räumliche Ansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform eines Akustikmoduls;

Figur 2

eine Ansicht entsprechend Figur 1 einer zweiten Ausführungsform eines Akustikmoduls;

Figur 3

eine Ansicht entsprechend Figur 1 einer dritten Ausführungsform eines Akustikmoduls;

Figur 4

eine Ansicht entsprechend Figur 1 einer vierten Ausführungsform eines Akustikmoduls;

Figur 5

eine Schnittdarstellung eines Teiles eines Flächengebildes; und

Figur 6

eine schematische Darstellung eines mit Zungen versehenen Flächengebildes.

The invention is explained in detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. Show it:

Figure 1

a schematic, spatial view of a first embodiment of an acoustic module;

Figure 2

a view accordingly Figure 1 a second embodiment of an acoustic module;

Figure 3

a view accordingly Figure 1 a third embodiment of an acoustic module;

Figure 4

a view accordingly Figure 1 a fourth embodiment of an acoustic module;

Figure 5

a sectional view of part of a sheet; and

Figure 6

a schematic representation of a sheet-like structure provided with tongues.

This in Figure 1 Acoustic module 1 shown is composed of a total of seven flat structures, three of which Flat structures 2, 3 and 4 correspond to partially cylindrical surfaces. The part-cylindrical surfaces 2 and 3 are in this case under bending stress, through the part-cylindrical flat structure 4, which is connected in the edge areas to the flat structures 2, 3 and thereby puts them under bending stress. Furthermore, the acoustic module 1 has four further planar structures 5,6,7,8 which are designed as partial conical surfaces. These flat structures form the upper and lower ends of the acoustic module, which is thus composed of two hollow bodies which are separated from one another by the middle flat structure 4. Two air volumes arranged one behind the other are therefore provided.

The two flat structures 2, 3, which are under bending stress, ensure the desired acoustic properties. The entire acoustic module thus consists of a total of seven interconnected flat structures, each of which consists of a flexible plastic film with a thickness of <3 mm.

This in Figure 2 Acoustics module 10 shown schematically is composed of two partially cylindrical surface structures 11, 12 and two partially conical surfaces 13, 14. The sheet-like structure 11 is placed under bending stress by the sheet-like structure 12. The two flat structures 13, 14 form the upper and lower ends of a hollow body, so that a closed volume of air results. The acoustic module can consist of a corresponding material as the module of the Figure 1 .

At the in Figure 3 The embodiment of an acoustic module 20 shown here is composed of a spherically curved surface structure 21 and three partial conical surfaces 22, 23 and 24, which together form a hollow body with a closed volume of air. Here, the spherically curved surface structure 21 and the three partial conical surfaces 22, 23, 24 are placed under bending stress.

Figure 4 shows an acoustic module 30, which is composed of a part-cylindrical planar structure 31 and a corrugated planar structure 32, which are connected to one another. Both flat structures form a hollow body with a partially enclosed volume of air. The partially cylindrical planar structure 31 is placed under bending stress by the corrugated planar structure 32.

The materials for the acoustic modules of the Figures 2 to 4 can materials of the module of the Figure 1 correspond.

The acoustic modules shown here only schematically can for example be fastened to walls, ceilings, etc. by fastening means (not shown) or set up in the room with the aid of suitable positioning devices (not shown).

Figure 5 shows a section through part of a sheet 40 made of thin-walled, flexible material. The material here is composed of two layers 41, 42 arranged one above the other, which are secured with the aid of connection points 45 or corresponding spacers are fixed to one another at a distance from one another. Perforations 44 are arranged at intervals in both layers 41, 42. Furthermore, a groove 43 formed by material removal is provided on the inside of the layer 41 and ends in a perforation 44. With the structures shown here (perforations, furrows, etc.), corresponding acoustic effects are achieved.

Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a flat structure 50 placed under bending stress, which in this embodiment is composed of two plastic films 51, 52 stretched over one another. The two foils are not connected to one another, but only braced.

The upper film 51 has incisions, through which tongues 53 are formed, which protrude from the curved film 51 and show a corresponding oscillation behavior when exposed to acoustic signals.

Claims (10)

1. An acoustic module (1, 10, 20, 30) for influencing, especially reducing, sound reflections and/or sound transfers in a room which module is formed as three-dimensional, completely or partly closed hollow body limiting an air volume and comprising at least an areal formation (2, 3, 10, 21, 31) of thin-wall flexural elastic material which, under the generation of a hollow space, is set under bending stress by at least another areal formation (4, 12, 22, 23, 24, 32) of the hollow body such that it takes a curved shape and, upon the application of sound, is set oscillated wherein the curved areal formation (2, 3, 10, 21, 31) set under bending stress has structurings and/or perforations, especially micro-perforations, characterized in that the acoustic module has means for changing the curvature of the at least one curved areal formation (2, 3, 10, 21, 31) .
2. The acoustic module according to claim 1, characterized in that the other areal formation is also set under bending stress and takes a curved shape.
3. The acoustic module according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the hollow body comprises further areal formations (4, 12, 22, 23, 24, 32) which are stress-free or which are also set under bending stress so that they take a curved shape.
4. The acoustic module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it consists of a plurality of jointed hollow bodies.
5. The acoustic module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection between the areal formations is formed in such a manner that a joint effect results.
6. The acoustic module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the areal formations are connected with one another by plug connections.
7. The acoustic module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the curved areal formation (2, 3, 11, 21, 31) set under bending stress has a wall thickness of < 3 mm.
8. The acoustic module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the hollow body has a plurality of hollow spaces arranged one behind the other.
9. The acoustic module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one areal formation comprises a material arranged in layers the layers (41, 42) of which are loosely arranged one upon the other or are connected with one another.
10. The acoustic module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it includes at least one light source integrated into the module.

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