ES2962887A1 - FLEXIBLE MECHANISM FOR THE PERCUSSION SYSTEM OF A PIANO AND THE PERCUSSION SYSTEM THAT INCLUDES IT (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible mechanism intended to be part of a percussion system of an acoustic, digital or hybrid piano, which comprises at least one flexible element (9, 12a, 13, 18, 20, 22) configured as a connection link. connection between parts of the mechanism and to provide rotation movement between the parts that it joins when flexed, as a joint that is preferably made of a polymeric material and formed by a single piece that comprises different thicknesses where the flexible element (9, 12a, 13, 18, 20, 22) is made up of a reduction in thickness. The invention also relates to a piano percussion system comprising this flexible mechanism which, preferably, is a repeater mechanism, a hammer mechanism, a damper mechanism or a combination thereof. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

FLEXIBLE MECHANISM FOR THE PERCUSSION SYSTEM OF A PIANO AND SYSTEM

OF PERCUSSION THAT UNDERSTANDS IT

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a flexible mechanism intended to be part of the percussion system of a piano associated with each of the keys, where the flexible mechanism comprises at least one flexible element that acts as a connecting link between different parts of the mechanism, so that, when it is flexed, it provides a rotation movement between the parts it joins, like a joint.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, there are three main types of pianos: acoustic, electric or digital, and also hybrid, which has characteristics of the first two. Acoustic pianos are currently classified into two groups: grand pianos and upright pianos. Both will be discussed in a homogeneous manner, as the invention does not present notable differences in terms of operating concepts.

In general, the percussion mechanism is a complex mechanism composed of a large number of parts, including arms and joints, working together through which the pressing of a piano key transmits the impulse to the hammer, which strikes on the string or sensor to produce a sound.

In the current state of the art, traditional piano mechanisms use a percussion mechanism made of wood and felt. They also incorporate metal axles or hinges, to carry out the relative movement between joined pieces, as well as springs, also metal, to return the pieces that have moved to their original position.

All these materials undergo variations over time. Wood expands and contracts due to the action of humidity, potentially cracking, and can also be affected by parasites and other organic agents. The metal can oxidize and suffer small dimensional variations depending on the temperature. The felts wear out. All these factors contribute to the fact that the mechanics can suffer variations, such as mismatches in the joints of the different parts, especially in the moving parts, small dimensional changes that can alter the response of the mechanism when actuated or changes in the friction between the different parts. of the mechanism. For these reasons, it is very necessary to carry out periodic reviews by specialized technicians, which are very laborious and expensive, which is why they are generally not done.

On the other hand, manufacturing costs are high, since the different pieces of wood must be carved and subsequently joined, assembling all the parts and assembling the axles and springs that make up the mechanism.

In the technological development of this type of product, advances have been focused especially on reducing the complexity of the percussion system.

Document US2009173206 describes a piano with an action for rotating the hammers towards the strings, each action being equipped with a repeater mechanism having a thin metal plate in place of a repeater lever and a repeater spring; and the deck, per se, deforms after contact with an exhaust pilot, and returns to the initial position to allow a pianist to play a melody by repeating the key when the pianist releases the pressed key, so the action becomes somewhat simpler in structure than conventional action.

The invention described herein focuses exclusively on the elimination of the repeater lever linkage mechanism. Everything else in said mechanism is exactly the same, so it does not solve the problems raised above.

Document US2008/0307942A1 describes a piano action formed from molded plastic or composite parts that have less dynamic mass and therefore react better. Additionally, the new action provides the benefits of increased manufacturing and maintenance efficiency. Additionally, the application discloses a grand piano action that can be installed on any brand of grand piano.

The described invention focuses on changing the material of the actions, which entails numerous advantages, but it does not fall within the main focus of the present invention nor does it resolve the problems related to mismatches and the complexity and costs of assembly.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention focuses on a flexible mechanism intended to be located in the percussion system incorporated in acoustic pianos and certain digital or hybrid pianos.

The present invention focuses on flexible mechanisms as a technical solution to improve the percussion system of a piano, understood as those where movements are possible due to the flexibility of certain parts included in said mechanisms due to their geometric design and the material with which they are used. They are manufactured. This type of mechanical design makes it possible to eliminate the elements typically responsible for allowing relative movement between two pieces, such as the axles or pins of a joint, as well as the springs, which are also not necessary thanks to the fact that the flexibility of the mechanism replaces its function, something that would be impossible in the state of the art.

The configuration of these flexible mechanisms prevents permanent imbalances and malformations from occurring that cause the mechanical functioning of the piano to deteriorate if it is not periodically readjusted by a specialist technician. This is because, although a piano is tuned frequently, the tuning is focused on the tension of the strings, without going into the review of the state of the pieces that make up the mechanisms associated with each of the keys and through the that the sound is produced. The reason is the time that this review takes due to the high number of keys that each piano incorporates, and the consequent associated cost, which is usually excessive not only for a private user, but even for many schools and conservatories, which is why it is not These regulations are usually made and pianos lose their correct functionality over time.

The main objective of the present invention is to make improvements in the reliability, versatility and durability of a piano. To this end, the invention focuses on the incorporation of a flexible mechanism in the percussion system of a piano.

The percussion system is made up of all the elements of the piano that participate in generating a sound from the moment a user presses a piano key until the hammer hits the string.

To do this, the percussion system, due to its complexity, is subdivided into several independent mechanisms that work together. These include the hammer mechanism, the repeater mechanism, and the damper mechanism.

In the current state of the art, the mechanisms of the percussion system of the grand piano have the configuration that will be described below.

The hammer mechanism comprises an arm on which the hammer is fixed, at one end, responsible for hitting the string to produce the sound, the arm being articulated with respect to a first base at the other end by means of an axis.

The repetition mechanism comprises a bridge, with a projection, where the key contacts to raise it, a repetition lever and an escape lever, responsible for acting on the arm of the hammer so that it hits the string.

Each of these mechanisms is fixed by its respective base to its corresponding guide profile. The guide profiles make up, together with various supports, a fixed structure of the piano.

For its part, the damper mechanism comprises a rod fixed at one end to the damper, which presses on the rope to prevent its vibration, and at the other end to a support that, in turn, is fixed in an articulated manner on a scale. , whose free end forms a lever on which the opposite end of a key presses when it is pressed. The rod is guided by a perforated element so that the movement of the damper is only vertical.

Another objective of the invention is the improvement of the aforementioned bases, which in the state of the art usually cause problems for their correct positioning and usually require home remedies, such as the use of strips of paper under one of their sides, to correct deviations that occur. This is achieved due to the aforementioned flexibility and geometry, which allow the design of bases that fit precisely into the corresponding guide profile by means of pressure.

The configuration in the case of upright pianos is very similar, so we will not go into the details or differences, since the concept of flexible mechanism is equally applicable to these, as well as to digital or hybrid ones that imitate the touch of acoustics.

In the invention, the flexible mechanism will be able to configure each of the aforementioned mechanisms (hammer, repeater and damper), preferably made of a single piece, which throughout the memory will be called the body of the mechanism, and which It has been designed based on the flexibility of the material with which it is manufactured. Thus, a flexible mechanism is configured through which both force and movement can be transmitted through the elastic deformation of the flexible elements of the mechanism of which it is a part.

Subsequently, to form the percussion system, the screws, pads and other accessories are added to the body of each mechanism, thus forming two flexible mechanisms (hammer, repeater and damper) in which all the parts that have been removed have been eliminated. They were part of joints, such as axles or pins, for rotation movements, and springs, for return movements of the pieces to their original position.

To configure the flexible mechanisms, technical polymers are preferably used that provide the necessary flexibility and fatigue resistance benefits. These polymers are also more stable and durable than the materials traditionally used, since they are not affected by environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, which, in the case of wood, leather and even felt, although in To a lesser extent, they may be affected. They are also not affected by degradation due to use or wear, which is much less, as there are no relative movements between different parts, so the mechanics will maintain regularity for much longer without the need for periodic reviews and adjustments. Finally, they also provide greater stability against possible insect and fungal attacks.

On the other hand, with the use of flexible mechanisms, conventional axles and springs are replaced by the flexibility of the polymer that makes up each of the elements, providing the same or even greater precision, while facilitating maintenance, given that the axles are usually a source of problems.

The use of flexible mechanisms also provides advantages in terms of acoustic absorption, allowing for quieter mechanics.

In this way, one approach to the invention aims to redesign the action using flexible mechanics as a technical solution instead of traditional mechanics, which use axles, hinges and springs. The absence of these elements limits possible future problems of said mechanics, while reducing or even eliminating the need for readjustments and maintenance. Therefore, the resulting mechanism is more reliable and has better performance.

In any case, the flexible mechanisms that make up the percussion system allow the use of adjustment systems, such as those used in traditional mechanics, although in this case they could be dispensed with, given that it is very difficult for this mechanics to go out of adjustment. .

Another approach to the invention points to the combination of geometric design and material properties, mainly in terms of flexibility and resistance, which make possible the configurability of said mechanics, so that it can be adapted to the needs of the piano. From the resistance to bending of the flexible elements, at the same time as the relative position between the different parts of the mechanism, a counterbalance and opposition to the movement results that offer greater control, while determining the lightness or heaviness, and the speed of key response. Said configuration, which can be defined through the geometric design, especially of the flexible elements, also allows the incorporation of tensioning elements, which act on the flexibility of said elements. Thus, a mechanism adapted to each piano or even to the taste of the pianist is achieved.

Another approach is that, by depending on the assembly to a very little extent, since each of the mechanisms is configured from a body preferably manufactured in a single piece, and by using homogeneous materials and invariable in their characteristics, it can offer greater homogeneity and repeatability in the result of the manufactured parts. At the same time, production is faster and cheaper, since this type of mechanism can be manufactured by injection or extrusion of the polymer in question.

In any case, the flexible mechanism that configures the different mechanisms of the percussion system allows the use of adjustment systems, such as those used in traditional mechanics, although in this case they could be dispensed with, given that it is very difficult for this mechanics is out of adjustment.

The solution provided by the invention can be easily adapted to different piano models, whether upright or grand, and can even be integrated into digital/hybrid pianos that want to reproduce the mechanical response or "touch" of an acoustic piano.

In essence, the main difference between the mechanism of the invention and the traditional mechanism is that, on the one hand, the axles or pins that allow relative rotation movement between two pieces are replaced by flexible joints and, on the other hand, They eliminate the springs, since the geometry and flexibility of the material achieve the same effect.

Thus, the geometric design gives greater flexibility to certain parts, while others remain essentially rigid, with the piece being manufactured with the same material, which allows each of the mechanisms that make up the piano percussion system to be made in one. single piece used as an independent body, to which you only have to add the desired position and tension regulators, as well as the hammer with its arm and the damper with its rod. This simplifies both production and assembly.

The benefits provided by the flexible mechanism of the present invention are the following:

1. - Ease and cost of manufacturing; The mechanism requires many fewer parts to achieve the same results when it comes to mechanical movements. For this reason, assembly needs are much lower or almost non-existent and, therefore, manufacturing costs are much cheaper. In addition, they can be produced with methods such as plastic injection or extrusion, which also greatly reduces the production cost while maintaining, or even improving, the properties of the mechanism, since the precision and repeatability in the manufacturing dimensions is higher.

2. - Precision and reliability; By being able to control the dimensions and geometry of the mechanics with relative ease, the result is a more precise mechanism than traditional ones, providing more control over the movements made by the mechanics, as well as the weight or resistance to bending of its parts. In this way, it is possible to ensure that all the mechanisms of the different keys are properly counterbalanced, providing regularity and balance to the whole.

3. - Durability and maintenance; By preferably using polymeric materials that are not affected by environmental humidity or normal indoor temperature changes, the mechanism is more stable than traditional wooden ones, which can be affected mainly by humidity and, to a lesser extent, measured by temperature changes. Furthermore, this greater stability of the materials makes the regulation of the mechanisms less variable, requiring fewer reviews and adjustments over time. On the other hand, by replacing moving parts such as axles and pins or hinges with flexible mechanisms, there will be less chance of defects or malfunctions typical of this type of joints, such as misalignments or excess friction that lead to wear and the generation of looseness causing of movements with inaccuracies.

4.- Configurability; The possibility of precisely controlling the flexibility of the flexible elements of the mechanisms by designing their dimensions and proportions, in addition to the possibility of adding regulators that modify it, allows the counterweight to be configured and easily modified at will, something that is impossible in the state of the art.

All of this leads to a more durable, reliable and precise artistic playing experience for the user, keeping the piano in better condition over time at a much lower cost.

On the one hand, the design of each of the mechanisms allows the mechanics to be configured according to the specific needs of each piano and each section thereof, varying lengths and thicknesses, especially of the flexible elements. The chosen material is also fundamental in the behavior of each of the mechanisms.

On the other hand, as indicated above, regulators can be added for precise adjustment, as well as tensioners, which allow configuring the counterweights or spring effect of the different flexible joints, providing tension in the flexible elements, preferably with the use of screws. This allows the adjustment of the touch according to the needs of each piano and the particular taste of the pianist.

In conclusion, the present invention describes a flexible mechanism, intended to be part of a percussion system for pianos that comprises at least one flexible element configured as a connecting link between parts of the mechanism itself and to provide rotation movement between the parts it joins. when flexed, as a joint.

The flexible mechanism is preferably made of a polymeric material and formed by a single piece that comprises different thicknesses where the flexible element is formed by a reduction in thickness. It may also comprise tensile elements assembled to regulate its bending capacity.

The invention also describes a percussion system for an acoustic, digital or hybrid piano, comprising the flexible mechanism described.

Preferably, the flexible mechanism is configured as the repeater mechanism, the hammer mechanism, the damper mechanism or several of them.

The percussion system may comprise a structure with a plurality of guide profiles intended for fixing the mechanisms it comprises.

The flexible mechanism may comprise a base intended to be assembled on the corresponding guide profile by means of a tongue-and-groove joint, so that the flexible mechanism is fixed to the structure of the piano, with mobility being reduced to the longitudinal direction of the guide profile.

In this case, the base is preferably assembled to the guide profile in a reversible manner.

Furthermore, the base preferably comprises a hole for the insertion of a screw to reinforce the connection of the base to the guide profile.

Furthermore, preferably the tongue and groove joint is reversible, so that the flexible mechanism can be assembled and disassembled without the need for tools.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention, in accordance with a preferred example of its practical implementation, a set of drawings is attached as an integral part of said description. where, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

Figure 1.- Shows a side view of the percussion system of a state-of-the-art grand piano with the entire assembly to which it is related, from the key to the string.

Figure 2.- Shows the percussion system of the invention of a grand piano, from when the key is actuated to raise the pilot until the hammer is raised to strike the string.

Below is a list of the different elements represented in the figures with the numerical references they are associated with.

Keyboard and structure

1. Key

1a. Key pilot.

2. Keyboard base.

2a. Rocker.

3. First support.

3'. Second support.

Replay mechanism

4. First guide profile.

6. First base.

7. Bridge.

7a. Bridge ledge.

8. Escape lever.

8a. Long arm of the exhaust lever.

8b. Short exhaust lever arm.

9. First flexible element.

10. Regulator-tensioner.

12. Repeat lever.

12a.Second flexible element.

13. Third flexible element.

hammer mechanism

4'. Second guide profile.

6'. Second base.

14. Hammer.

15. Hammer arm.

16. Arm support

17. Roller.

18. Fourth flexible element

19. Regulator button.

damper mechanism

4". Third guide profile.

6''. Third base.

20. Fifth flexible element.

21. Damper scale.

22. Sixth flexible element.

23. Shutdown rod support

24. Damper rod.

25. Switch.

Other elements

26. Rope

27. Exhaust pilot

28. Pins

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to a flexible mechanism intended to be part of the percussion system of a piano, so that the joints configured by pins (28), responsible for the transmission of movement between the different pieces in union, have been replaced by elements configured as flexible elements (9, 12a, 13, 18, 20, 22), preferably in sheet form.

Description of operation and configuration

Figure 1 represents a percussion system of a grand piano as found in the state of the art. The operation of this mechanism is described below.

Movement of the percussion system begins when a user presses a key (1). The key (1) has not been represented in its entirety, but only the non-visible part, located inside the piano, leaving the end that makes up the keyboard unrepresented. Thus, the end that the pianist presses actually extends through the interior of the piano, resting at an intermediate point on a rocker (2a) fixed on the base of the keyboard (2), on which it acts as a lever. In this way, by pressing the key (1) at one end, the opposite end is raised from the rocker arm (2a) so that, on the one hand, the switch scale (21) is activated and, on the other hand, On the other hand, the pilot of the key (1a) is also raised to act on a projection (7a) that incorporates the bridge (7). Thus, when the bridge (7) is raised, it in turn moves two other important pieces: the escape lever (8), and the repetition lever (12). The bridge (7) is joined to these levers (8, 12) by means of joints configured by means of a pin (28) that joins the pieces in contact with the possibility of rotation.

These two levers (8, 12) have direct action on the roller (17), which is a cylindrical piece of felt and leather attached to one end of the hammer arm (15), which in turn is joined by another pin. (28) to a second base (6'), solidly joined to the second guide profile (4') with a screw (6a'). The arm (15) is attached at the other end to the hammer (14), which is responsible for hitting the rope (26).

The escape lever (8) is raised together with the bridge (7) to drive the roller (17), causing the hammer arm (15) to rise.

The upward movement of the repetition lever (12) is limited by the regulator button (19), although it can continue its movement by means of a pin (28) that joins it to the bridge (7). At the moment that the repetition lever (12) touches the regulating button (19), the long arm of the escape lever (8a) rises, passing through the repetition lever (12) through a window that it incorporates to drive the roller. (17).

On the other hand, the escape lever (8) is a piece configured in the shape of an L, which also rises when the bridge (7) is raised, together with the repetition lever (12), to a point called the escape point, in which the free end of the short arm (8b) contacts the exhaust pilot (27). This stop in the movement of the short arm (8b) of the escape lever (8) causes the free end of the long arm (8a) to suddenly slide, thus detaching itself from the roller (17), raising the hammer (14) and hitting the rope (26) preventing the hammer (14) from coming into contact with the rope (26).

Figure 2 represents the mechanism of the invention, where the improvements introduced in the percussion system represented in Figure 1 can be seen.

Beginning to analyze the repetition mechanism, at the two ends of the bridge (7) the pins (28) have been replaced by flexible elements (9, 13).

On the one hand, the bridge (7) is joined to the escape lever (8) at one end by means of a third flexible element (13) that makes the long arm (8a) of the escape lever (8) contact the roller (17) thus driving the hammer (14) from the arm support (16) so that, once the short arm (8b) of the exhaust lever (8) has contacted the exhaust pilot ( 27), the tip of the long arm (8a) slides over the roller (17) until it is released and thus allows the hammer (14) to strike the rope (26) without coming into contact with it.

On the other hand, the rotation movement of the bridge (7) is carried out by bending a first flexible element (9), by means of which the bridge (7) is attached to a first base (6), which is fixed solid to the structure by means of a guide profile (4). This bending can be regulated by means of a regulation screw (10) in contact with the base (6), which passes through the first flexible element (9) and increases the tension of the first flexible element (9) when tightened.

Additionally, the repetition lever (12), in addition to rotating due to this movement of the bridge (7), with which it is integral, can also continue rotating, when it stops with the regulating button (19), at which time it allows the escape lever (8) can continue to rise crossing the window that incorporates the repetition lever (12) due to the flexibility provided by a second flexible element (12a), in the form of a reduced section, which incorporates the repetition lever itself ( 12) in an intermediate area of its length.

The first flexible element (9) has the function of allowing the initial rotation movement of the bridge (7) together with the escape and repetition levers (8, 12) before they contact the escape pilot (27) and with the regulator button (19), respectively, at which time the continuation of the movement occurs through the flexibility that it provides to the escape and repetition levers (8, 12).

In this way, the bridge (7), together with the escape and repetition levers (8, 12) and the first base (6) form a single piece which will be referred to as the first piece.

Regarding the hammer mechanism, the hammer arm (15) is attached to a support (16), preferably with a clamping screw (16a), joined by a fourth flexible element (18) to a second base (6'). for fixing to the second guide profile (4') of the structure. This fourth flexible element (18) provides the hammer mechanism with the necessary flexibility to carry out the rotation movements that are transmitted to the hammer (14) through the escape lever (8), eliminating the pin (28) that joined these pieces (15, 6').

In this way, the hammer arm (15) is joined at one end to the support (16), fixed by a screw (16a), and at the other end to the hammer (14), turning the hammer mechanism into a second piece, totally independent.

For its part, the damper mechanism is configured by means of a scale (21) joined, at one end, by a fifth flexible element (20), to a third base (6''), fixed to a third guide profile (4". ) and, through an intermediate area, by means of a sixth flexible element (22), at one end of a support (23) whose other end is fixed to a rod (24) attached to the damper (25), forming a third piece.

The three bases (6, 6', 6'') are fixed to separate guide profiles (4, 4', 4''). The first two guide profiles (4, 4') make up the structure of the percussion system, together with the first support (3), and the third guide profile (4''), is fixed to the piano by means of a second support (3' ). These bases (6, 6', 6'') are configured as tongue-and-groove anchors that facilitate placement and prevent rotation and tilting, thanks to their fit in the guide profiles (4, 4', 4'') and also incorporate a hole for the introduction of a screw that secures them very solidly to both profiles.

In this way, any revision or replacement of both the first piece, the repeater mechanism, the second piece, the hammer mechanism, or the third piece, the damper mechanism, is extremely simple.

These same principles of configuration of the percussion system of the grand piano, to adopt a flexible mechanism that provides stability, reliability and at the same time facilitates its production, are perfectly applicable to the mechanics of upright pianos, whose axles and springs are They can be eliminated in favor of flexible elements that replace them, as well as being applicable to digital or hybrid pianos that imitate the touch and operation of acoustic ones, since they incorporate similar mechanisms.

The tension regulator (10) that incorporates the repetition mechanism is an optional element that can provide ease of configuration, by allowing the counterweight to be adjusted easily. This is another added functionality of the invention that is not possible to achieve in the state of the art. This type of regulator (10) can also be incorporated into other flexible elements (9, 12a, 13, 18, 20, 22) of any of the mechanisms described.

Claims (10)

1. Flexible mechanism intended to be part of a percussion system of an acoustic, digital or hybrid piano, characterized by comprising at least one flexible element (9, 12a, 13, 18, 20, 22) configured as a connecting link between parts of the mechanism and to provide rotation movement between the parts it joins when flexed, as a joint. 2. The flexible mechanism of claim 1, which is manufactured from a polymeric material and formed by a single piece that comprises different thicknesses where the flexible element (9, 12a, 13, 18, 20, 22) is formed by a reduction of thickness. 3. The flexible mechanism of claim 1, comprising tensioning elements assembled to regulate the bending capacity. 4. Percussion system of an acoustic, digital or hybrid piano, characterized by comprising the mechanism of claim 1. 5. The percussion system of claim 4, wherein the flexible mechanism is selectable from a repeater mechanism, a hammer mechanism, a damper mechanism and a combination of the above. 6. The percussion system of claim 4, which comprises a structure with a plurality of guide profiles (4, 4', 4") intended for fixing the mechanisms that are part of the percussion system. 7. The percussion system of claim 6, wherein the flexible mechanism comprises a base (6, 6', 6") intended to be assembled into the corresponding guide profile (4, 4', 4") by means of a tongue and groove joint, so that the flexible mechanism is fixed to the structure of the piano, leaving mobility reduced to the longitudinal direction of the guide profile (4, 4', 4"). 8. The percussion system of claim 7, wherein the base (6, 6', 6") is reversibly assembled into the flexible mechanism. 9. The percussion system of claim 7 or 8, wherein the base (6, 6', 6") comprises a hole for the insertion of a screw to reinforce the joint of the base (6, 6', 6") to the guide profile (4, 4', 4"). 10. The percussion system of any of claims 7, 8 or 9, wherein the tongue and groove joint is reversible, so that the flexible mechanism can be assembled and disassembled without the need for tools.